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Posted on:Oct 272009

Leveraging Web Technologies for Learning

By Karl Kapp

Several consumer-based web technologies have recently made a big splash in the learning and development field. These technologies were originally designed for social networking and interaction but have now grown into tools used to create small learning events and to provide information on an as needed basis. Let’s take a look at a couple of the tools and see how they are being used.

Twitter

This Web 2.0 application has caught on like wild fire across the web. In its simplistic form, it is a method of instantly broadcasting a 140 character message to anyone who cares to follow you on Twitter (AKA Micro-blogging). A Twitter message can be sent from any mobile device or from a computer. Twitter is being used by everyone from baseball players to CNN to Oprah to Ashton Kutcher but what can it do for learning professionals. First two advantages it has over email is that it is short (140 characters) and that it is instant (if the other person is there they can respond). Here are some ideas of how it can be used in the field of learning:

  • Sending reminders to learners
  • Asking a question across an organization or learning community (one questions can lead to many answers or many more questions).
  • Broadcasting of thoughts and ideas by key opinion leaders.
  • Virtual mentoring
  • Reaching across organizational silos
  • Sending yourself reminders
  • Posting links to key information or articles

Forums

Ah, the use of online Forums, once a staple of communities of practice these “old school” web tools are still valuable. A Forum is simply a threaded discussion in which people can post ideas, comments and links to valuable information. They existed before blogs and wikis (see /blog/authors/karl-kapp/understanding-new-learning-technologies.aspx). Forums are a great way for a community of practice to communicate with one another through a discussion that runs much like an email thread. 

 

Are you considering adopting Social Media Tools into your organization?  HereKarl Kapp book  is a list of some considerations.

http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2008/12/adopting-social-media-in-your.html

 

Next posting will discuss Facebook and YouTube.

 

Karl is the author of the book Gadgets, Games and Gizmos for Learning.   

Posted in: Technologies

About the Author

Karl Kapp

Karl M. Kapp, Ed.D., professor of instructional technology, is a scholar, author, speaker and expert on the convergence of learning, technology and business. His background teaching e-learning classes, knowledge of adult learning theory and experience training CEOs and front line staff provides him with a unique perspective on organizational learning. Karl teaches graduate-level courses on the topics of virtual learning worlds, e-learning applications and the business of e-learning at Bloomsburg University and consults with Fortune 500 organizations on implementing virtual learning worlds and learning technologies. He is author of four books including, Gadgets, Games and Gizmos for Learning: Tools for Transferring Know-How from the Boomers to the Gamers which describes learning methods to transfer knowledge from the boomer generation to the upcoming gamers using gadgets, games and gizmos. The book's web site is www.gadgetsgamesandgizmos.com. Recently, he co-authored a book with Tony O'Driscoll titled Learning in 3D: A New Dimension to Enterprise Learning and Collaboration which will be released in January 2010. His web site is www.karlkapp.com.

1 Comments

We offer a technology that incorporates the web and a device to proctor exams remotely. The paradigm shift offered through this approach is differentiated from those companies where one must attend a physical location with a human proctor. With Remote Proctor, one may now take and receive proctored exams at any time and in any place.

Michael J. MargolisNovember 9 2009 (9:34 AM)

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