Social media is an integral part of our lives. Each and every day we log on to Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social networks to catch up on the latest news and reach out to friends and family. Social media platforms can also be an invaluable tool in eLearning course design.
In recent years social media sites have steadily risen in popularity. Businesses now integrate them into their marketing strategies, and the analytical data they provide allows us to identify trends and statistics in virtually every industry. Social media platforms can also be utilized in eLearning, especially if you are looking for a way to offer more collaborative eLearning opportunities within your eLearning course.
The caveat, however, is that you must know how to use them effectively in order to receive all the benefits they provide. Here are some useful tips for each of the 5 top social media platforms.
1. Tips for using Facebook in eLearning
Create polls and surveys that give you the opportunity to improve your eLearning course and allow online learners to share their honest opinions. Using Facebook for eLearning can make them feel like their ideas matter and that their voices are being heard.
Incorporate social learning into your online training experiences by creating Facebook groups that center on different topics or niches. You can even develop a different group for every online training course or ask corporate learners to create their own groups to work on projects remotely.
Share articles and eLearning videos that serve as supplemental eLearning resources for your audience. You can also encourage them to share links of their own. Just make sure that you set some netiquette rules for online discussions so that the conversation doesn’t stray away from the topic.
2. Tips for using Twitter in eLearning
Twitter is character-limited, as you only get 140 characters per post. Therefore, you have to make every word count. Try to share links to noteworthy news articles instead of including the main points. This allows online learners to get the information they need by exploring the subject matter on their own.
Start a hashtag discussion during your webinars and online training events. Simply create a unique hashtag for your corporate learners to follow and encourage them to start up an online discussion over on Twitter. This adds a more social and collaborative aspect to your online training course.
Ask online learners to add you to their Twitter Lists so that they receive your eLearning content as soon as possible, instead of getting lost in the online shuffle. Twitter Lists gives online learners the opportunity to only view eLearning content from Twitter profiles they’ve selected. For example, they can create an “online training” list or an “educational technology” list that includes your Twitter profile.
3. Tips for using LinkedIn in eLearning
Start your own LinkedIn group that allows online learners to share their insights and get feedback from their peers. You can also offer tips, article links, and other eLearning resources to those who belong to the LinkedIn group.
Encourage online learners to reach out to professionals in their niche to conduct interviews or pursue potential mentoring opportunities. If online learners aren’t familiar with the LinkedIn platform, offer them a brief tutorial or walkthrough that introduces them to LinkedIn and all of its key features.
Build the buzz about your eLearning course by creating a LinkedIn page and inviting potential online learners to ask questions and preview certain aspects of your eLearning course.
4. Tips for using Google+ in eLearning
Google+ offers a wide range of applications and eLearning tools for trainers that are absolutely free. Use Google Groups to create specific social learning online communities that share exclusive eLearning content, tips, and other information related to the subject matter.
Keep your online learners up-to-date with the help of Google Events, which allows you to add events to your shared calendar, upload media, and invite online learners to events that may be of interest to them.
Google Hangouts is the ultimate social learning tool, as it gives you the power to host webinars, interactive online discussions, and one-on-one help to online learners who may be struggling. You can also encourage online learners to use this tool during group projects to boost productivity and online collaboration.
Google Forms is a free survey and quiz tool that enables you to create feedback and online assessment tools for your eLearning course. You simply add your own information or questions, then share them with members of your audience. You can even determine which individuals or online communities will receive the form.
5. Tips for using YouTube in eLearning
YouTube is the most popular video sharing site on the web today. This makes it the ideal place to upload eLearning videos and spread the word about your eLearning course. You can appeal to a wider eLearning audience by creating brief informational eLearning videos that offer tips or highlight the benefits of your eLearning course.
Ask online learners to create their own eLearning videos that center on the subject matter and upload them on YouTube. Their peers can leave constructive feedback and expand their own understanding of the topic.
Create an eLearning resource page that highlights all of the YouTube videos that online learners may find useful. This offers them the chance to explore the subject matter on their own and delve into sub-topics that aren’t covered in the eLearning course. Some Learning Management Systems even feature YouTube support, which gives you the option to embed the YouTube videos directly into your eLearning course.
Social Media For eLearning With Your LMS
These platform-specific tips can help you create an effective social learning strategy. Each of these social media platforms can give you the tools and resources you need to make your next course an effective social learning experience.
Best of all, all of them are free of charge. Also, don’t forget to add social media links and buttons to your eLearning course and website so that online learners know where to find you.
Social media platforms may lack the face-to-face element, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t follow the rules of social etiquette. Read the article 12 Golden Social Media Rules For eLearning Professionals to be sure that your social media presence is not only effective, but genuinely outstanding.
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