Supporting Self-Directed and Social Learning from edX

The way we learn is changing. The modern workplace demands a modern approach to learning.

As workplaces evolve, employees are seeking more control over their professional development. This course equips HR and L&D professionals with the knowledge and tools to support a self-directed and social learning environment.

What you'll learn:

The rise of self-directed and social learning: Explore the growing trend of learner-driven approaches and collaborative knowledge sharing.
Theoretical foundations: Gain a solid understanding of theories underpinning self-directed and social learning.
Benefits and risks: Analyse the potential advantages and disadvantages for both individuals and organisations.
The digital learning landscape: Discover how technology empowers learners to access knowledge anytime, anywhere.
Curating effective resources: Develop strategies for selecting and organising learning materials to support self-directed journeys.

This course is ideal for:

HR professionals
Learning & Development specialists
Anyone interested in fostering a culture of continuous learning within their organisation

Course format:

This self-paced course offers five weeks of engaging content, delivered through a variety of learning materials, including:

Interactive modules
Video lectures
Case studies
Practical exercises

Enrol today and empower your organisation's learning potential!

What's inside

Learning objectives

Week 1: the theories and concepts of social and self-directed learning
Week 2: overcoming the barriers to social and self-directed learning
Week 3: tailoring self-directed and social learning to individual needs

Week 4: the fundamentals of curation
Week 5: curation management and encouraging learners to curate

Week 1: the theories and concepts of social and self-directed learning
Week 2: overcoming the barriers to social and self-directed learning
Week 3: tailoring self-directed and social learning to individual needs
Week 4: the fundamentals of curation
Week 5: curation management and encouraging learners to curate

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops the background knowledge and skills essential for a career in training and learning

Provides a practical and theoretical basis for understanding the learning and development field

Facilitated by Grant Ward, a renowned scholar and practitioner in the industry

Emphasizes the need for and methods of creating a self-directed learning culture

Reviews summary

Learning design for modern workplaces

Learners say this course provides a solid foundation in self-directed and social learning, particularly for HR and L&D professionals. It's praised for its practical insights and applicable strategies that can be immediately used in the workplace. The course covers theoretical foundations and how to curate effective resources. Some find the self-paced format convenient, though a few suggest more in-depth practical exercises could further enhance the learning experience. Overall, it's a highly relevant program for fostering a continuous learning culture.

Best suited for those in HR or L&D roles.

"This course is clearly designed for HR and L&D specialists; others might find it less relevant."

"As an L&D professional, I found the content directly aligned with my job responsibilities."

"It's an excellent resource for anyone looking to evolve their organizational learning strategies."

Flexible design suitable for busy professionals.

"The self-paced nature allowed me to fit the learning around my demanding work schedule."

"I liked being able to revisit video lectures and interactive modules at my own pace."

"It was great to progress through the course without strict deadlines."

Provides a strong theoretical and conceptual base.

"The modules on theoretical foundations helped me understand the 'why' behind these learning trends."

"It gave me a comprehensive overview of self-directed and social learning concepts."

"I appreciated the structured approach to understanding different learning theories."

Offers immediately applicable strategies for L&D.

"I found the strategies on curating learning resources incredibly useful for my team."

"This course equipped me with practical tools I can implement right away in my HR role."

"It provided clear methods for fostering a self-directed learning environment."

Suggestions for deeper, more complex practical tasks.

"I would have preferred more challenging case studies or hands-on projects."

"While useful, some practical exercises could benefit from greater complexity for advanced learners."

"Could use more opportunities for direct application in real-world scenarios."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Supporting Self-Directed and Social Learning with these activities:

Read 'Learning Technologies' by Jane Hart

Show steps

Provides background information and insights on the theory and practice of self-directed and social learning.

Show steps

Read the preface and introduction to grasp the book's overarching concepts.
Review each chapter's summary to gain an overview of the main themes.
Choose chapters aligned with specific learning objectives and read them thoroughly.

Review Theories of Learning: Social and Self-Directed Learning

Show steps

Review key concepts from educational psychology to strengthen your foundation in learning theories, especially as they relate to self-directed and social learning.

Browse courses on Social Learning

Show steps

Read the provided course materials on learning theories.
Take notes on the key concepts and theories discussed in the readings.
Summarize the main points of each theory in your own words.

Explore Online Tutorials on Social Learning Platforms

Show steps

Provides practical guidance on using social learning tools and platforms.

Browse courses on Social Learning

Show steps

Identify platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or edX that offer tutorials on social learning.
Search for specific tutorials aligned with the course content, such as 'Social Learning in the Workplace' or 'Building Collaborative Learning Communities'.
Enroll in selected tutorials and actively participate in the learning activities.
Reflect on the key takeaways and insights gained from the tutorials.

Ten other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all 13 activities

Organize a Study Group for Collaborative Learning

Show steps

Encourages active engagement with peers and facilitates knowledge sharing and support.

Browse courses on Social Learning

Show steps

Discuss and agree on the topics and learning objectives for the study group.
Schedule regular meetings and allocate time for presentations, discussions, and Q&A.
Take turns leading and facilitating the sessions.
Provide constructive feedback and support to each other.

Volunteer as a Mentor for a Social Learning Initiative

Show steps

Provides firsthand experience in supporting and guiding others in social learning environments.

Browse courses on Social Learning

Show steps

Identify organizations or initiatives that facilitate social learning opportunities.
Apply to become a mentor and undergo any necessary training.
Connect with learners and provide guidance, support, and encouragement.
Reflect on the experience and identify areas for growth in your mentoring skills.

Explore Best Practices for Curating Learning Resources

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of effective curation techniques by exploring online tutorials and resources. This will help you develop a solid foundation for organizing and managing learning materials.

Browse courses on Content Curation

Show steps

Identify credible online resources.
Follow video tutorials on best practices for selecting and organizing learning materials.
Explore case studies of successful curation practices.

Compile a Resource Collection on Modern Learning Approaches

Show steps

Facilitates organized referencing and knowledge curation related to the course content.

Browse courses on Self-Directed Learning

Show steps

Identify and gather relevant articles, research papers, and resources aligned with the course topics.
Organize the gathered materials into a structured format, such as a shared online document or a digital library.
Annotate and categorize the materials for easy retrieval and reference.
Share the resource collection with peers or within a learning community.

Develop a Personalized Learning Plan

Show steps

Craft a personalized learning plan that aligns with your individual goals by gathering resources that resonate with your learning style.

Browse courses on Personalized Learning

Show steps

Reflect on your learning preferences and goals.
Identify resources that match your learning style and interests.
Organize and categorize the resources in a way that makes sense to you.

Attend a Workshop on Facilitating Self-Directed Learning

Show steps

Offers hands-on experience and expert insights on designing and supporting self-directed learning environments.

Browse courses on Self-Directed Learning

Show steps

Research and identify workshops focused on facilitating self-directed learning.
Register for a relevant workshop and actively participate in the sessions.
Engage with the facilitators and other participants to exchange ideas and best practices.
Implement the techniques and strategies learned in the workshop into your own practice.

Participate in a Design Challenge on Social Learning Interventions

Show steps

Provides an opportunity to apply learning and collaborate with others to develop innovative solutions for social learning.

Browse courses on Social Learning

Show steps

Identify and join design challenges or competitions focused on developing social learning interventions.
Team up with peers or industry professionals to brainstorm and develop your solution.
Submit your design proposal and participate in the evaluation process.
Reflect on the experience and identify areas for improvement in your approach.

Lead a Discussion on Social Learning

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of social learning by leading a discussion and facilitating knowledge exchange among peers.

Browse courses on Social Learning

Show steps

Prepare discussion questions and activities.
Facilitate a structured discussion.
Encourage active participation and knowledge sharing.

Develop a Proposal for a Self-Directed Learning Program

Show steps

Enhances understanding of the principles and challenges of designing self-directed learning programs.

Browse courses on Self-Directed Learning

Show steps

Identify the specific learning objectives and audience for your proposed program.
Research and select appropriate learning resources and activities.
Develop a detailed curriculum that outlines the learning journey.
Include strategies for assessment, evaluation, and learner support.

Implement a Social Learning Initiative

Show steps

Put your understanding into practice by designing and executing a social learning initiative within your organization.

Browse courses on Social Learning

Show steps

Identify a need or opportunity for social learning.
Develop a plan for implementing the initiative.
Execute the initiative and monitor its progress.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the initiative.

Career center

Learners who complete Supporting Self-Directed and Social Learning will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.

Supporting Self-Directed and Social Learning

What's inside

Learning objectives

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Learning design for modern workplaces

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses

edX Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Free Audit Track Available

14-Day Full Refund Window

Verified Academic & Industry Partner