val evans sa presentation

flexiblelearning.net.au

get into flexible learning

Networks, Connections and Community:

Learning with Social Software

Val Evans

Lead Researcher

In collaboration with

Larraine Larri



On behalf of:

Knowledge Sharing Services, and

Research and Policy Advice

Projects of

Australian Flexible Learning Framework



The AimTo investigate how social software technologies could best support:

Knowledge sharing and capability development of VET practitioners, and

Vocational Education and Training (VET) delivery.



The QuestionsFor Knowledge Sharing Services:

Uptake – How ready are VET practitioners to take up web 2.0 technologies? and

What are the characteristics of organisations, groups and individuals and their stories?.

Knowledge and Professional Development (PD) – What PD practices, models, guidelines or frameworks could best support uptake?

How can a ‘social’ approach support capability development?

Application of research - What type of collaboration services are best delivered via the Australian Flexible Learning

Framework?

What evaluation methods would be best used for evaluating impact and comparison with other knowledge building and PD strategies?



For VET Delivery:

How can social software technologies best support teaching and learning in VET?

What benefits are there to VET clients in using social software technologies in their learning?

What are the future directions of applications of social software technologies in VET?

What are the resourcing implications for the future use of social software technologies in teaching and learning in VET?



Methodology• Appreciative Inquiry

Discovery - ‘what is’ Dream - ‘how could it be’ Design - ‘what should be’ Destiny – implement the design

• Success Stories of those ‘doing it’ 7 Knowledge Sharing and Capability Development Stories 6 VET Teaching and Learning Stories

• Online Survey• Two Focus Groups

• Research Blog and Wiki Using the tools to research the tools

• Literature Review

Discovery

Design

AppreciativeInquiryDestiny Dream



Readiness and Characteristics

• Seen in a Change Management Context

• Adoption and Diffusion of Innovation (Rogers 1995)

Innovators and Early adoptersSmall number of Early Majority



Key Findings



Why Use Social Software?• Empowering

• Lifelong Learning competence

• Community building

• Improved workflow and productivity

• Relatively resource-free



Pre-conditions for Success• Authentic Need

• Appropriate for the client• Relevant to the context

• Spirit of openness• Willingness to share

• Willingness to collaborate• Enabling culture



Enablers

• Organisational Support

• Immersion

• Modelling

• Professional Development



Professional DevelopmentA social and blended approach

From the SurveyStrategy Very useful Action Learning 74% (48) Mentoring (just-in-time) 69% (45) Coaching 65% (42) Work-based Learning 58% (38) Face-to-Face Workshops 46% (30) Online Tutorials 41% (26) Critical Conversations 38% (24)

From the Focus GroupModelling, Stealth and Immersion



Theories and Models• Lifebased Learning (Staron et

al, 2006)

• Constructivism

• Connectivism (Siemens, 2006)

• Community

• e-Learning 2.0 (Downes, 2005)

• Balanced Approach (Stuckey and Arkell, 2006)



Contexts and Clients



The Tensions• Adoption v Status Quo

• Enabling v Compliance

• Collaboration v Individualism

• LMS/CMS v Social Software



The Challenges• Security

• Privacy

• Integrity

• Adaptation

• Time

• Usability

• Bandwidth



Recommendations• Analysis

The client baseThe shifting landscapeThe tools

• Design/DevelopmentPD FrameworkStrategy to engage managersStrategy to engage IT managersSeries of ‘unconferences’



• ImplementReward and recognise innovators and early

adoptersDevelop staff skills in social networking

Use social software to learn about social software Introduce reverse mentoringModel knowledge sharing using social software

Foster non-threatening conversations

• Evaluate



Strategies and Tips for Implementation

• Strategies

See Final Report (Pp 55 – 57) http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/flx/webdav/site/flxsite/users/cpickles/public/Final_Report_Social_Software_for_Learning17April.pdf

• Tips

See Final Report – Appendix 4 (pp 76-78) http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/flx/webdav/site/flxsite/users/cpickles/public/

Final_Report_Social_Software_for_Learning17April.pdf



Conclusions1. Social software is valuable in enhancing and enriching knowledge

sharing, capability development and the teaching and learning experience and should be seen as ‘another tool’ in the organisation’s and VET practitioner’s toolkit.

2. The successful use of social software relies on a spirit of openness and a willingness to share and collaborate as well as an enabling culture, both within the organisation and the classroom environment.

3. The ‘Net Gen’ is a significant client group of the future. It is critical that VET is able to provide them with enriching learning experiences and this will require the use of social software in some form. Other drivers, including economic drivers, may lead to a broader application of social software across the VET demographic.

4. Like email, social software may well become ‘ubiquitous’!



Key Links• Final Report -

http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/flx/go/pid/377

• Social Software Research Wiki - http://socialsoftware-research.wikispaces.com/

• Social Software Research Blog - http://social-software-for-learning.blogspot.com/



Thank You

Val Evans

Val Evans Consulting

[email protected]