Social learning for university staff

Abstract

Social Learning is the utilization of Social Networks and Social Technology for specific organizational learning outcomes. In the university’s organization contexts these outcomes are, for instance, academic staff professionalization. In this paper we present an initial exploration on how a social learning network to enhance academic staff competences can be designed. The starting point is to explore the use of social networks sites (SNS) in the academic staff and, considering the results, suggest what characteristics a social learning network should have to enhance competence development. A survey on the use and appreciation of SNS was conducted among our university staff. The responses showed that although staff is familiar with SNS, the actual use and participation is much lower. Staff tend to browse and visit special purpose SNS, but register to general and professional SNS. Reasons to join and participate are mostly social: finding and connecting to people. In a social learning network for competence development, a clear aim, next to indicators of quality of participants and learning material was considered important. Motivations to learn include usability, appealing interface, clear expectations and learning support services.