Top 10 Nuggets of Knowledge from DevLearn 2009

1. “The word social is overused” Andrew McAfee – Executives think of Woodstock and free love. If you’re trying to be innovative within your organization, tread lightly on the word social and underscore other words like collaborative, engagement, productivity, transparency, and communication.

3. “mLearning is not about courses, it’s about content” Clark Quinn – A common misconception about mobile learning is that it is the same as eLearning, just smaller. Mobile learning great for a performance augment (cheat sheets, pre/post learning, podcasts, video, reference) but not as the entire experience. Think big picture.2. SCORM ≠ Social Learning – It is clear that the future of social/informal/collaborative learning within organizations requires a system that moves beyond the limitations of standards. Free your knowledge and share it with your team.

4. Less is more – When considering a social learning tool for your organization, understand the factors that drive engagement. Heavy tools that require lengthy input aren’t used. Lightweight tools that allow quick and easy collaboration catch quicker. Logs vs. Kindling.

5. Contribution expected – Organizations that have successfully deployed 2.0 technologies have grown from recognizing individual’s contributions to expecting them. The proof is in the pudding.

6. “Brand is the refuge for the ignorant” Leo Laporte – Savvy consumers of today are minimally swayed by brand, but rather buy when informed.

7. Social learning wasn’t just invented – It’s been around forever. We’ve studied it for almost 100 years. It’s where the majority of our knowledge comes from.

8. “Formal————–Informal…it’s a continuum” Lance Dublin – No learning experience is entirely formal or informal. For example reading a book, it’s informal because you’re teaching yourself at your leisure, but formal message and composition are structured.

9. Social Notworking is major fear – One of the most common concerns in integrating 2.0 tools is distraction from focus and performance on the job. While this is a valid concern, consider the obvious self-incrimination occurring by these individuals. Congratulations, you just found your deadbeat.

10. “The day is a zero sum game” Mark Oehlert – When incorporating 2.0 tools consider the impact on the individuals day. Are you adding a job or replacing a job? Don’t sell what they can do with the new tool, sell what they can stop doing.

Thanks to all contributors and presenters to making #dl09 a great experience.