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How is Social Learning Challenging E-learning?

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Published on: 07 Feb 2022

The e-learning market has undergone colossal changes since the years of its conception. The E-learning market size passed USD 250 billion in 2020. The growth is predicted to boom at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21% between 2021 and 2027. This growth is directly proportional to the incoming AI, VR and cloud-based LMS (learning management system).

Schools are ditching the traditional learning approach and are using E-learning technologies and are producing better results. Training programs conducted primarily for professionals across the globe by multinational companies (MNCs) are empowered with E-learning. E-learning has proved to be the best means to transfer knowledge in the corporate world. E-learning enables employees to procure essential skills with the advantage of accessing online content at their preferred time and location.

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At the global level, the E-learning market is growing gradually due to sufficient finances to enter into partnerships with online course providers. In such a scenario, the arrival of social learning brings a change in the way we learn online. 

The Incoming of Social Learning

 E-learning is a familiar concept in today’s time and age. There are diverse usages and implications of e-learning across industries. Since it is the simple use of technology to gain and disperse knowledge, every industry vertical is generously using it. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has ushered in a new era of digital knowledge-sharing steering an exponential improvement in the quality of life. 

All industries have experienced disruption, leading to a boost in global economies. Consequently, it has brought a systematic shift in learning that is evident in how we learn and how we interact with learning

The biggest drawback of the inclusion of technological modernisation is the instalment and implementation cost of modern infrastructure. As much as the shift in learning with the fourth industrial revolution has brought about, the cost of operation to make the change is actually the biggest obstacle. 

Here, if we are to further simplify the process of digital learning, the concept of social learning comes into the picture. Social learning has been the oldest form of learning and has been embedded in our systems. Man, the social animal, thrives in a community, and it is this community that civilises him through learning. The process of learning from each other through collaboration, imitation, observation and group projects has been a prolonged practice that has proven to be an effective learning tool. 

This can be understood in the simplest sense by Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory. His groundbreaking research zoomed in on the role of a person’s social setting in learning. This theory emphasises the role of observation, behaviour imitation, modelling, and tracing the behaviour of others in learning. All in all, his experiments and studies explain how humans are able to learn from each other in a conducive environment. 

If we are to add the interactive feature of social learning to the passive e-learning experience, the entire concept of digital learning is revamped. Therefore, we fused e-learning into micro learning. Our audio-video micro learning app helps simplify the process of skill acquisition and learning. Global educators with an array of skill sets are at your disposal with their demonstrative videos and educational audios. Tap into the whole new realm of learning with the KoolStories App. Register now to become an early user. 

The Verdict

The e-learning fad is here to stay. Furthermore, it becomes much more widely accepted in a post-pandemic era. The only latest developments that the digital learning realm or the ed-tech industry as a whole can expect is in learner experience. 

Since going digital is all about removing the human experience, the enhancement that brings it closer to traditional or interactive learning is improving the learner experience. Here, the most important factor that needs consideration is the inclusion of an interactive element. 

A safe learning environment where a learner can interact with, ask questions, and learn at his own pace is quintessential to improve the entire digital learning experience.
Thus if we are to draw a comparative analysis between the two, social learning emerges as a module that further improves the digital learning experience. It not only gives the participants more autonomy but also cultivates relationships between the teacher and learner beyond the digital sphere.  

How is Social Learning the Solution?

Statistics suggest that social learning approaches have a 75:1 ROI ratio compared to formal web-based training. Our cognitive module is designed to learn better in the company of others. As outlined in Albert Bandura’s in his Social Learning Theory, the impact of social learning and environment are majorly decisive. 

With the augmentation in technology, these properties of human behaviour were previously employed on social networking sites.
Now, as we progress to a more knowledge-thirsty era, an average social media user now consumes intelligent content. Looking at the trend of social media content consumption, the need for social media that entertains and educates is on the rise. 

Our social learning app fulfils this need to learn and upskills in a social setting. KoolStories is an amalgamation of two essential elements of human life- learning and socialising. Both are indispensable, and both are continuous. While the social networking platforms fulfil the component of socialising, there was yet a need to introduce a social element into learning. KoolStories is the glue that establishes a connection between these two quintessential components that run our lives - learning and socialising.

All in all, social learning is here to extend a user’s experience with social media to make it more meaningful. It furthers the mission of e-learning to make skill acquisition and education universally accessible. Ergo, social learning is an add-on to e-learning rather than a challenge. 

FAQs

What is social learning?

Social Learning Theory was conceptualised by Albert Bandura. In this theory, he states that humans learn better in the company of others as compared to isolated learning. 

Is e-learning better than social learning?

E-learning and social learning are two different concepts and learners with different learning styles can benefit from it. Both are advantageous in their own respective ways. 

How can social learning humanize e-learning?

Since social learning involves learning from a fellow like-minded person in a safe social setting, it is comparatively more human and active than e-learning.

What is the main idea of social learning?

The main idea behind social learning is learning from imitation. Observation becomes a huge part of the process and is mostly useful for learning demonstrative arts. 

What are the factors of social learning?

Social learning is the process of learning from others that involves building trust between the learner and the teacher, a cordial relationship and flexibility.