As I recently wrote in a post on the benefits of informal learning, companies today have the opportunity to leverage popular technological trends, such as the use of social media, for professional, workplace learning purposes.  Despite this incredible potential for engagement in professional environments, however, misconceptions about the effectiveness of informal learning sometimes prevent it from being adopted by corporate trainers.

Here are some of the most common myths about informal learning, followed by discussions that demystify the concerns they reflect:

Myth #1: It’s too unstructured Some may argue that informal learning may be a distraction from the goals of a training session, or may go off-topic due to the organic nature of the conversation it generates.

However, when informal learning comes with clear instructions and desired outcomes are explained ahead of time, learners will be more likely to stay on task and work towards the goals set out during training sessions.

Myth #2:  Learners will not retain the information they need

We often tell you about our product innovations, and uses, but we know what really hits home for a deeper understanding of our solutions is to demonstrate how our clients put Blackboard into action.  That’s why we’re so excited about our latest case study that features the success of the private college Center for Advanced Legal Studies, a school that focuses exclusively in paralegal education. The Center uses Blackboard Learn ™ to connect to more students in more places, boost student and faculty engagement, and increase access to educational offerings.  But one of the unexpected benefits of Blackboard that Tthe Center enjoys is that of accessibility for people with disabilities. Did you know that Blackboard Learn 9.1…

The British Columbia Career Colleges Association (BCCCA) is hosting its annual conference from October 27th-29th, and Blackboard’s own Tim Naylor will be presenting!  The conference will feature representatives from over 70 of the most successful and dynamic private colleges in British Columbia, as well as stakeholders from government and industry.

When Hazel Matthews joined the Sullivan University team less than three years ago, she realized the university was letting a critical asset- its alumni base- leave campus after graduation without maintaining a connection to the college.  As Director of Alumni Affairs, Matthews began to work relentlessly with others in the university to change that entirely- and it has definitely paid off. Sullivan University, a Blackboard client, now boasts a robust network of over 4,500 alumni with an active website and social media presence.  Alumni referrals have brought dozens of new students to the university and have led many others to job referrals and

Couldn’t get enough of our summer tour?  Well then you’ll be excited to learn that those of us who work on the career college team here at Blackboard are ready to continue growing our expertise and meeting others in the field by attending career college conferences throughout this fall.  Attending these conferences allows us to stay on the cutting edge of the career college sector and to share our passion for online learning and collaboration with others who understand the important role that career colleges play in the professional and higher education worlds. Will you be joining us at…?

California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS) Annual Conference October 12-14 San Diego, CA Visit us at Booth #3 The California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS) is the only California State Association representing the many diverse kinds of Private Postsecondary Schools in California.  This year’s CAPPS conference will focus on the compliance, legislative, and regulatory issues that impact the career college sector.

 

EDUCAUSE Annual Conference October 18-21 Philadelphia, PA Visit us at Booth #427 or join us at our corporate session Blackboard is proud to be a Platinum Partner of EDUCAUSE – a nonprofit association whose mission is to advance higher education by promoting the intelligent use of information technology. Whether your focus is on administration, teaching and learning, information technology infrastructure, information systems, cybersecurity, policy, library systems or information technology leadership, there’s something at the annual conference for you.