Social Learning Platforms: Are They Really Any Different From Traditional LMS Systems?

The benefits of social learning are frequently discussed among experts in the field, however, this does not imply that they all discuss the same subject. “Social Learning” is a phrase for several distinct schools of thought.

Working with others to comprehend information and generate unique ideas is a key component of social learning. This can take many forms, such as an experienced worker coaching a new employee on how to ace an interview. Sharing what you have learned with your fellow graduates through a platform like LinkedIn is another example.

People are spread out worldwide, and need access to a learning platform featuring social elements to facilitate their collaboration and knowledge sharing. If not, learners will not be able to engage in the kinds of social interactions that are essential to effective learning.

Social Learning Platforms vs. Learning Management Systems

In the field of learning, social learning platforms are a type of learning management system that emphasizes collaborative education. They enable learners to interact and collaborate in meaningful ways. In this way, learners can feel like they are a member of a group rather than just another figure on a screen. The social interactions fostered by these settings are crucial to the effectiveness and enjoyment of the learning process.

Every social learning platform is a learning management system, but not every learning management system is a social learning platform. The fundamental capabilities of these platforms are identical to those of conventional learning management systems.

Unlike traditional learning management systems, these platforms emphasize learner interaction. Along with the course material, LMS allow learners to work together, provide feedback on one another’s work, and engage in conversation.

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Like popular social media sites, social learning systems use several proven design elements to boost user engagement. Users join a network of fellow students who are also attempting to master the same material. As a result, it is simple for them to give feedback, post comments, and spread the news.

In contrast to traditional learning management systems, social learning platforms are designed from scratch, with collaboration and interaction between users at their core.

Benefits Of A Social Learning Platform

In 2014, Harvard Business School showed the world the power of social learning with its online learning program. A course was developed for the project, with the goal of teaching managers how to deal with actual business issues by showing them in a series of short videos and then having them engage with the information.

Students were required to construct a public account and submit a photograph before accessing the course, laying the groundwork for a communal experience where they might meet other learners virtually. In addition, the value of participation and virtual teamwork was factored into the final grade.

There were profound realizations made possible by emphasizing the social aspect more. On their first day of school, learners examined the profiles of forty other people. In this study, over 75% of participants responded to queries from their classmates, while over 50% asked questions.

Consequently, the Harvard study established the positives of social features in learning by achieving an above-average completion percentage of 85% and a better satisfaction rating for program content.

How Can these Platforms Promote Social Learning?

When it comes to encouraging learning in your firm, a social learning platform is an effective tool, particularly for distant or hybrid teams. Employees can be encouraged to learn much more from each other through the platform’s peer evaluation, comments, and group tasks, rather than solely from their supervisors or other formal mentorship systems. It is also an excellent method of disseminating information within a company.

Compared with a typical LMS, the increased options for communication and cooperation provided by these platforms can help build a deeper sense of belonging and loyalty among participants. By choosing Atrixware’s Axis LMS social learning platform, you can foster a collaborative culture inside your organization and grow a strong learning community.

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While getting a social learning platform can be more beneficial, the best option is to get a solution that comes with both features – an LMS system and a social learning platform – and who is better than Atrixware? They are the leading learning management systems providers, and their solution, the Axis LMS, can be used for both purposes. Contact them to learn more about it.