Write a Short Paper Describing How Social Networks and Social Media Create and Support a "Learning Organization".

A Learning Organization is a culture that nurtures learning. As such, processes encourage interaction. The entire infrastructure is one that prioritizes interaction that facilities learning. Creativity and problem solving techniques are inherent in learning organization and the appropriate skills and motivation are available for the learning organization to strive (Background Information, Module 3). When we consider social networks and social media, we can be left wondering if communication can truly be at the optimal level through social networks and social media. The reality is that technology and the communication that is embedded in it is growing exponentially. The concept of social learning has roots in a social constructivist approach, where learning is a self-directed, problem-based, and collaborative process (Bang and Dalsgaard, 2006). Through involvement in activities, learners must attempt to solve a problem according to their own process. Now, this may seem simple if learners were physically amongst each other to share the processes. However, the social networks and social media do allow for a very supporting learning environment. One thing that should be understood is that although there is a plethora of technological resources available, individuals must be able to tap into these resources in order to make use of social networks and social media to then, support a learning environment. Resources are information assets: media, people, places, or ideas. However, such resources are not learning materials until learners actively use them (Hannafin, Land, and Oliver 1999, p. 119). The internet, as a technological platform is a prime example of collaboration at its’ best. In his Techlearning blog of March 5, 2008, Steve Hargadon identified trends spurred on by the “two-way” nature of the Internet. These are trends that have significant impact on learning and education. According to Hargadon, there is a “new publishing revolution” arising from a shift in

References: Bang, Joergen and Dalsgaard, Christian. “Rethinking e-learning – shifting the focus to learning activities.” In Sorensen, E.K. and Murchú, D. (ed.), Enhancing Learning Through Technology . (2006) Hershey, PA: Information Science Publishing. Hannafin, Michael J., Land, Susan, and Oliver, Kevin. (1999). “Open Learning Environments: Foundations, Methods, and Models.” In Reigeluth, C.M. (ed.), Instructional-Design Theories and Models: A New Paradigm of Instructional Theory, Volume II (pp. 215-239). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum. Hargadon, Steve. “Web 2.0 Is the Future of Education” Techlearning blog, March 5, 2008. Weblog entry retrieved from http://www.techlearning.com/blog/2008/03/web_20_is_the_future_of_educat_1.php IBM Social Computing Guidelines: Blogs, wikis, social networks, virtual worlds and social media. (2008) Publication retrieved from http://www.ibm.com/blogs/zz/en/guidelines.html Wilkins, David. “How Workplace Communities will Transform Your Business.” (January, 2008) White paper retrieved from http://www.mzinga.com/a/download.asp?description=how+workplace+communities+will+transform+your+business|mzingawp-workplacecommunitiestransformbusiness.pdf (Registration required)