The Value of Social Media in Business Training

Social Media has the ability to add value to a business's training process. Business professionals are starting to use social media platforms to improve upon the training process for new hires.


The rise of Social Media has made it easier to access information that is relevant, immediate, and personalized. This speed of knowledge is crucial in order for a company to keep a competitive edge  in today's market.


Social Media Technology has played a critical role in helping companies improve productivity of employees, increase innovation, and improve on the overall speed and flexibility of the business operations. The use of Social Media has allowed organizations to improve their training process for new hires since s

ocial media tools have allowed them to supplement formal learning. Social Media technology has given trainees the ability to reflect and practice during and after formal learning. They use such tools such Facebook, microblogging (Twitter/Yammer), and GoogleBuzz before, during, and after formal learning experiences to assist there learning process.  

Some excellent Tips Provided by Jane Hart's Center for Performance Management Research:

• Learners can review class goals before class, and post comments or questions. 
• During a class, some instructors may allow a backchannel where learners can tweet comments or questions. This enables the instructor to immediately address gaps or clarify information.
• Instructors are incorporating multiple-choice quizzes using Twitter poll service or Facebook apps. Scavenger hunts, for example Facebook’s Scavenger Hunt application, enable learners to apply knowledge in an engaging, interactive activity.
• After a class, learners and the facilitator can post comments to continue class discussions, share links to relevant resources and reflect on how they are applying the theories in their daily life by using micro-blogging or blogging.
• Learners can form an online community to continue to connect and support each other

 In addition to training, Social media makes it easier for employees to keep up-to-date with personal and professional business matters that are equally important to the company's operations. Self-directed learning is easier and more manageable with social media. Employees can use Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook to discuss topics, ask questions and network. There are also online classes, blogs, and podcasts developed by experts.

Social media also enhances mentoring opportunities for novices by facilitating the link between them and experts. Social networking sites enable employees to post their online profiles listing their areas of expertise.

Social Media also makes it easier for novices within the organization to learn faster. Social Media helps them apply their knowledge and start completing straightforward tasks more effectively and efficiently. Using microblogging, learning professionals can provide small learning chunks and facilitate short-term learning activities. Once learners are able to make decisions using their own judgment, they become competent in their area of practice. They are now productive, and able to achieve the next two business outcomes.

 In Conclusion, it is really important that businesses start using social media platforms to 

facilitates the formation, use, measurement of online communities for work teams and communities of practice. As companies get larger, more global, and more complex, they will face increasing difficulties managing their employees.  Social media tools can help them better manage. Social media should be looked at as an opportunity rather than just a new fad. Its a way for people to engage in learning, to update and maintain their skills and knowledge in an ever changing landscape. 

Reference 

Learning and Development in A Social Network   

(This is a really interesting an informative podcast that I highly recommend everyone taking the time to listen to )