New animation to support learning networks in care settings
The web is now firmly established in the workplace and it is vital that the workforce knows how to use it. Social media, such as Twitter and LinkedIn, offer great opportunities for connecting, conversing, collaborating and learning from one another.
A new animation from NES (NHS Education for Scotland) and The Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services (IRISS) was officially launched on 24 July by Malcolm Wright, NES Chief Executive and Alison Petch, Director at IRISS.
The animation dispels some of the myths about social media, showing how easy it is try things out and decide what works for you. We follow Kristina, who works in mental health, as she combines Twitter, social bookmarking and online communities to create a personal learning network. She quickly gains confidence and this confidence enables her to develop the competence to decide for herself which tool is best for which task. By the end of the animation we see how Kristina is better placed to put knowledge into action.
NES Chief Executive Malcolm Wright explained:’The social use of knowledge is an important strand of the Knowledge into Action strategy which aims to make finding and using knowledge a routine part of everyday work. By social use of knowledge we mean the tools, techniques and skills that connect people so that they can share experience and find ways of applying knowledge.
‘We know that published evidence does not translate into practice until people start talking about it and sharing practical examples. Social networking tools such as communities of practice, Twitter and Yammer can play a vital role in this socialising process.’
IRISS Director, Alison Petch added:‘The knowledge management strategy for the social services highlights the vital role of social media and urges organisations to encourage and nurture the innovative use of web-based interactive tools for communication, collaboration and learning.
‘Taking the first step with social media, whether it be Twitter, Yammer or LinkedIn can be daunting. IRISS has long championed the use of web-based tools and social media, not least because they are either free or relatively inexpensive. We were, therefore, delighted to work with NES to produce this animated guide which, we believe, will help demystify social media. We need more people to be like Kristina … especially if Scotland’s aspirations for digital participation are to be realised.‘
You can watch the video on The Knowledge Network or on the IRISS Personal Learning Networks resource.
