Transforming Learning with Web 2.0 Technologies
Experts call for a new perspective about collaborative learning that leverages Web 2.0 technologies, such as instant messaging, blogs, wikis, podcasts, and dynamic content repositories.
With unique characteristics such as user participation and openness, Web 2.0 technologies are a natural fit for training and development efforts in the corporate world. Incorporating social media tools into a company’s education functions is heralding a new learning paradigm, where staff and leadership can access critical knowledge and information whenever and wherever they need it.
But organizations are challenged as to how to best harness the benefits of these rapidly evolving technologies to enhance individual and organizational performance and learning and development effectiveness. Because technologies such as instant messaging, blogs, wikis, podcasts, and dynamic content repositories do not rely on teachers and classrooms, a new perspective about collaborative learning is needed to take full advantage of their potential.
To understand how well and how extensively corporations are using Web 2.0 technologies to redefine learning in their organizations, Booz Allen Hamilton and the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) conducted a joint study called “Transforming Learning with Web 2.0 Technologies.” It explores the impact that these technologies have had on workplace learning; their uses within organizational training and development programs; risks associated with their use; and their contribution to learning now and in the future.
The study’s most powerful finding: The immense potential of Web 2.0 technologies has not yet been realized by corporate learning divisions because most organizations are just getting familiar with them. In fact, only 9% of respondents surveyed say Web 2.0 technologies play a major role in their companies’ learning function. Eighty-seven percent of respondents, however, believe their companies will increase use of social media over the next three years.
In addition, the primary reason most respondents said that their company adopted Web 2.0 technologies was to improve knowledge sharing; other reasons included improved communications and finding resources more easily. Respondents also indicated that instant messaging is the Web 2.0 technology is used most often, and one of the best strategies to expand use of Web 2.0 in corporate learning functions is to simply encourage greater participation.
Helping Companies Enhance Use of Web 2.0 Technologies
“Transforming Learning with Web 2.0 Technologies” provides six policy recommendations that can help companies enhance their use of Web 2.0 technologies, including advanced planning, providing training and communications about the technologies, and securing the commitment of leadership towards using the technologies.
As a thought leader in leveraging Web 2.0 technologies within the learning function, Booz Allen is helping clients adapt with the changing landscape of learning by developing methods and capabilities to enable collaborative learning. The firm is also helping organizations understand how to create structure around informal learning and build dynamic learning programs that enhance organizational effectiveness.
The study and Booz Allen’s experience in this area were recognized at the ASTD National Conference in June 2009, where video vignettes by vice president Walt McFarland were presented at the keynote session. He discussed how Booz Allen is actively fostering collaborative learning through the use of social media and developing its workforce and adding client value by accessing the best knowledge and linking perspectives to address client challenges.
“With collaborative learning, there are ways to reach out to your colleagues at other locations in other time zones and pull the best knowledge available,” McFarland said. “Our ability to implement this new technology is helping us attract a new, technically sophisticated workforce. And we have anecdotal evidence that suggests we’ve been able to deliver more problem-solving power to clients because we can reach beyond the delivery team to known experts. So the team now has two resources where it once just had one: Access to the formal learning system when relevant, and immediate access to experts who can help solve problems and deliver value.”
McFarland and senior associate Richard Jacques led the Booz Allen team that contributed to the study. Conducted by the Institute for Corporate Productivity, the study was based on a survey completed by 743 respondents and a comprehensive review of related business literature. “Transforming Learning with Web 2.0 Technologies” can be purchased though ASTD's web site.
story posted August 25, 2009
