People worldwide value a sense of connection, especially amid this time of remote work. As of 2023, about 29 million Americans either work a hybrid schedule or are fully remote. But one of the challenges that comes with this new work environment is the lack of face-to-face interaction. Today, 53% of remote workers say it’s harder to feel connected to their coworkersSo, how do we solve this ever-present issue?
Introducing the concept of a social learning platform – a digital space that fosters collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing among remote employees. Let's deep dive into how organizations can use social learning platforms (also known as social learning LMS) to enrich the remote work experience and boost productivity.
And no, we’re not talking about LMS in texting. But because you’re curious, we’ll explain that too.
What is LMS in text?
LMS in text can have a couple of different meanings, depending on the context:
- Like my status: This is a common use on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. People write "LMS" in their status updates to encourage their followers to like their post and engage with it.
- Let me see: This is another frequent use, especially in chats and direct messages. When someone says "LMS," they're expressing interest in seeing something you mentioned, like a photo or a funny video.
Don’t worry, we had to Google what LMS means in texts too.
To clarify, we’re here to talk about what a learning management system (LMS) is and how it can be used for social learning.
So, let’s get back into our regularly scheduled programming.
What is a social learning platform?
A social learning platform enhances employee training programs by fostering collaboration. These platforms enable interactive training experiences where learners can engage, share, and ask questions. By using social learning platforms, companies can streamline onboarding processes and encourage dynamic training among coworkers.
And this type of worker engagement is vital in our current digital environment. Without a strategic training program, remote employees are often left without support. 84% of these workers say they don’t get enough direct communication from their managers, which leads to a decrease in productivity and siloed work experience.
8 Social learning tools that spark employee engagement
Today's employees crave action-based ways to develop their skills and stay ahead of the curve. As eLearning Industry points out, "Social learning promotes a culture of lifelong learning by encouraging learners to continuously explore new ideas, seek feedback, and share their knowledge with others." This is where social learning tools come in.
These innovative platforms use a range of features to transform workplace education from a solitary chore into a dynamic, collaborative experience. By tapping into the collective knowledge of your workforce, social learning tools can boost engagement, improve knowledge retention, and spark a culture of innovation. Here are our top 8 tools to support your organization's training process.
1. Leaderboards
As learners complete online courses and earn competencies or continuing education units, social learning management system (LMS) features can assign points to track progress. Each additional L&D point can be scored in real time on a leaderboard that ranks learners against team members or peers.
2. Polls
Members of Generation Z and millennials value real-time feedback, making polls an effective tool for capturing responses from learners and offering instant gratification. By submitting their answers, learners can promptly see how their responses compare to those of others on a variety of topics. This immediate feedback loop not only engages learners but also fosters a sense of participation and community within social learning platforms. It enables instructors to gauge deeper understanding quickly and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly.
Open-ended polling features engage learners and provide real-time interactivity within the LMS. It also provides L&D administrators with the freedom to design research and interview learners.
3. News feeds
Surprisingly to some, news feeds, although considered informal learning, are a form of social learning. The news feed feature on major social media platforms is designed to provide users with the most engaging, fresh, and relevant content. This feature ensures that users stay informed and connected with the latest updates from their network.
In the context of a social learning platform, incorporating news feed features can significantly enhance the training experience for learners. By having a news feed within the LMS, learners can access targeted training materials, important announcements, and interactive polls in real-time. This not only keeps them updated on the latest information but also fosters a sense of community and engagement.
Moreover, the news feed feature in a social learning LMS allows for personalized content delivery based on individual preferences and learning objectives. Learners can receive tailored recommendations, notifications about upcoming courses or events, and relevant resources that align with their interests. This level of customization helps in creating a more immersive and adaptive learning experience, ultimately leading to improved retention and knowledge acquisition.
Lastly, newsfeeds provide valuable company information. Internal communications keep employees informed on company-wide developments, new initiatives, and leadership messages to foster connection across the organization.
4. Learner profiles
Learner profiles play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community among a diverse group of learners. By incorporating social learning features that showcase learner profiles, a human connection is established within your learning community. These profiles typically include details like pictures, bios, and other relevant information, allowing learners to engage with one another on a more personal level.
Beyond the human connection, another benefit of learner profiles is the ability for users to explore the social profiles of their peers. This feature enables them to identify subject matter experts within the community or connect with other members who share similar interests or goals.
5. User conversations
For many, user conversation happens on two platforms: Facebook and WhatsApp. Collectively, over 2.5 billion people use one of these two platforms. This begs the question. How do we replicate these types of user conversations in the workplace?
The answer lies in social learning platforms. Many offer real-time messaging features that encourage learners to chat, ask questions, and build relationships. This fosters a collaborative learning environment, much like the one you find on Facebook or WhatsApp.
Social learning platforms, also known as collaborative learning platforms, are powerful tools for knowledge sharing and teamwork. They create a sense of community and belonging, making learning more engaging and interactive. By promoting collaboration, these platforms help learners develop essential social skills like communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Additionally, they allow companies to create a dynamic environment where employees can learn from each other's perspectives and experiences.
Integrating your learning platform with tools like Teams and Zoom also provides an opportunity for learners to connect seamlessly. One of the main benefits is that learners can join online training sessions directly from the LMS or their calendar invites. FYI: Absorb LMS supports Teams and Zoom integrations to encourage learner participation.
6. Discussion boards
Incorporating discussion boards into the social learning platform provides a space for learners to engage in meaningful discussions, find answers, and share insights. This feature promotes active participation and knowledge sharing among users. Learners can post topics related to courses, seek clarification on concepts, and exchange ideas with their peers and instructors.
Discussion boards serve as a virtual classroom where learners can collaborate, debate, and explore different perspectives on various topics. Facilitating discussions through this platform fosters a sense of community and encourages continuous education beyond traditional settings. Moreover, it allows trainers to monitor engagement levels.
7. Peer learning
Peer learning is important on social learning platforms. Users learn from peers through shared experiences. Peer interactions help gain insights, diverse perspectives, and valuable information. This fosters support, collaboration, and empowerment for proactive training. Peer learning boosts engagement by encouraging participation in activities like video conferencing and live sessions.
Moreover, peer learning can lead to the development of critical skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership through collaborative projects and discussions. It also allows for personalized training experiences tailored to individual needs and preferences. By engaging in peer-to-peer feedback and mentoring relationships, users can continuously enhance their understanding of complex topics and refine their problem-solving abilities. Ultimately, peer learning serves as a catalyst for lifelong learning and development within a dynamic and interactive educational setting.
8. Gamification
Integrating gamification elements into the social learning platform can enhance user engagement and motivation. By incorporating game-like features such as badges, points, leaderboards, and rewards, learners are incentivized to participate actively. Gamification adds a fun and interactive element to the platform, making training more enjoyable and immersive for users. It also promotes healthy competition among learners, spurring them to strive for improvement and mastery of the content. Furthermore, online games can help track learners' progress and provide instant feedback, leading to tailored experiences.
Read the blog: Driving employee engagement and retention through gamification in your LMS
Consider a 70/20/10 learning model within your LMS
Social learning is also needed to help employees build the skills they need. According to the Harvard Business Review, "If our organizations are to learn the skills needed to win the future, we recommend a “70/20/10” learning model incorporating education, exposure, and experience."
The 70/20/10 model emphasizes a blended approach to learning, where 70% of training comes from on-the-job experiences, 20% from social learning, and 10% from formal education or training. This model aligns well with social learning platforms, which provide opportunities for peer-to-peer interactions, collaborative projects, and real-world application of knowledge. By leveraging this model within the platform, users can benefit from a comprehensive experience that combines practical skills development, social collaboration, and formal instruction.
Create a community with a social learning platform
It's more important than ever for learners to feel connected to their colleagues and company. Ultimately, social learning can drive company culture. Based on research by McKinsey, companies with stronger cultures achieve up to three times higher total returns to shareholders than companies without them. Use these platform tools to foster rewarding learning experiences right now and into the future.
Read the blog: Absorb Engage: 5 Key Features to Boost Learner Engagement
A great social learning platform demands a variety of features and Absorb LMS has them covered. Schedule a demo to learn more.
