Bringing Social Media into Online Education

When you think about it, most traditional online education is modeled after the old classroom lecture style of learning, a style that has been largely abandoned inmost progressive educational institutions for some time. They do employ discussion boards, but again, that is modeled after the old classroom style.

We also know that most learning takes place outside of the classroom, usually when the students collaborate with friends, classmates and others. People learn best by studying on their own, clearing up their weak points  and pursuing the areas of particular interest through collaboration.

It's a prime situation for the use of social media, so educators have been experimenting with this type of tool. Strangely, the online courses that are offered most often tend to stress the old classroom style of learning, which is something of an irony.

Not all, however. Telus is a case in point where social media, including blogs, social networking tools and YouTube videos are used in its training programs. They have constructed an approach that should be looked at by everyone interested in online learning. Check out this article.