Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/50188
videos were quick, short, informal and to-the-point. Think about it — with a Flip or other inexpensive digital video camera, everyone can capture and share their experiences, insights and best practices. Once the Microsoft blogs were posted, the learning community had direct access to the developer. This allowed us to consume learning and get comfortable with the technology faster than ever. Taking part in this journey made me think, if I learn better and faster via social media tools, couldn't law firm users benefit from "social learning" as well? THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA Social media have had a huge impact on our society — some say causing the biggest shift since the industrial revolution. Consider these facts from Socialnomics.net: • Over 50 percent of the world's population is under the age of 30. • 96 percent of millennials have joined a social network. • One out of every eight couples have met and married using social media. • Facebook added over 200 million users in one year. • Gen Y and Z consider email passé. • Some universities have stopped giving out email accounts; instead, they are distributing iPads. • YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world. Social media bring together peers, co- workers, friends and followers, even those we rarely see or perhaps have never met. If we are able to form these communities of like-minded people using Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, why can't we connect learners using the same types of social media tools? LEARNING FORMATS There are various formats used to drive learning in law firms. Formal Learning: This format is structured, controlled and planned by an expert instructor and often delivered in the classroom by a trainer. It has set objectives and measured results ( ., in this module you will learn "xyz"). It is sometimes considered an "event." Informal Learning: Controlled by the learner and done in real-time, informal learning often occurs with input from subject-matter experts and in the context of actual work being done. It is less generic and more relevant to what the learner needs at the moment. It is a continuous, collaborative process (not an event). According to the study "Tapping the Potential of Informal Learning," "Informal learning improves performance of individuals and organizations." Social Learning: This employs the use of Web 2.0 technologies, such as microblogging (Twitter), blogging (both written and video blogs), RSS feeds, podcasting (both audio and video), instant messaging, chat and discussion groups. With these technologies, learners can seek and find experts; cull through and harvest community advice; and capture and share www.iltanet.org Tech Potpourri 27 e.g