Evaluating Learning 2.0

The eLearning Guild has asked me to lead a discussion at their upcoming conference (Guild Annual Gathering) on how we might think about evaluating Learning 2.0 interventions.

I'd welcome your examples and insights.

For those who don't know what "Learning 2.0" means, I'll forgo my cynical answer, and say that others describe Learning 2.0 as learning that enables learner-creation of information, comparing Learning 2.0 to the stereotypic traditional model where the teacher teaches and the learner absorbs the information (or the e-learning delivers content and the learner absorbs).

So, Learning 2.0 is said to include such things as Wikis, Blogs, Learner Portfolios, Media Development and Sharing by Learners, Informal Learning, etc.

Here's a few things I'm contemplating:

1. Traditional metrics are certainly appropriate because bottom-line we want to know if Learning 2.0 interventions produce learning, enable on-the-job performance, and produce desirable individual and organizational outcomes.
2. Comparisons to other methods of learning. Especially important to see if Learning 2.0 methods (on the positive side) create more elaborate mental models, produce more satisfaction, etc. and (on the negative side) waste time, create unproductive distractions, communicate incorrect or inappropriate information.
3. We need to measure not only what HAS been learned, but also on what MAY BE LEARNED IN THE FUTURE. It could be, for instance, that Learning 2.0 is inefficient for learning anything specifically, but enables faster future learning in the same area of inquiry.

Here's where I can use your help. Let me know if you know of any of the following:

• Rigorous research studies on Learning 2.0 interventions
• Anecdotal evidence on Learning 2.0 interventions

Better yet, join me at the eLearning Guild's Annual Conference -- Specifically the Learning Management Colloquim and discuss this in real time.

Comments

[Michael Hanley]

Hi Will,
Interesting topic. I was wondering what methodology and research instruments you were using to evaluate knowledge transfer and learner behaviour change in your investigations of Learning 2.0?

[Ole Kristensen]

Hi Will

Very interesting topic and here's my very personal take on it!
I'm 51 and attended the last formal training in 1983 (no typo) and have been a free range learner ever since!.
Now working in a global IS/IT department as Senior eLearning Consultant I've just been enrolled in a traditional ITIL certification course.
HOW boring. How SLOW! How demotivational! What a WASTE of time.
I learned much more and musch faster and much more relevant from my Facebook ITIL group!
After spending 25 years as a true learning 2.0 agent (2.0 = new bottle - old wine) I must say that if you measure my improvements, awards, measurable business results and compare it with my outcome of my recent ITIL certification - the differences are huge in favour of informal learning !
I think you research should try to include these differencies!

Regards

Ole Kristensen