E-Learning-Inclusivo (Mashup)

The term 'research paper' is somewhat of a misnomer, that is, if you expect a paper in which factual claims are backed by data and the heritage of the ideas put forth is acknowledged by referring to people who first published those ideas. Although they do claim the paper is based on interviews with people at the companies, the ideas they describe about social learning, about learning in communities, about peer support are not attributed to anyone and seem to originate from the Brandon Hall research group. Even if the paper ostensibly serves marketing purposes, I find this reprehensible. But setting such quibbles aside, the Brandon Hall report is valuable and interesting as it makes a plea for professional networked learning and describes peer support as a powerful means to facilitate such learning. It does so by examining four large companies who have embraced networked learning.

For those of you who are familiar with professional networked learning, the paper contains not so much novelty. What caught my attention, though, is their attempt to blend informal development and knowledge sharing with formal training. Thus the companies have deployed a platform (®River) for networked learning through peers who engage in community formation  (for which the report seems to be a plug), but they also retain their LMS. Another thing that struck me is the pivotal role they attribute to competencies. Whether learning informally in the network or formally in the LMS, employee development is gauged in terms of competency development. Although there certainly is a place for that, lists of competencies rapidly  become a straightjacket. Either people refrain from learning new things (knowledge creation) altogether or if they do it remains under the company's radar. Neither, I would say, is in the company's interest (@pbsloep)

NB This scoop refers to a press release about said report. It contains a link to the report itself, which you may download after leaving your contact.