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 * Group A:** Workspace: 6-A-1: Social Networking and it's Importance for Successful Informal Learning

Provides a quicker response (SL) Cuts across organizational boundaries (IM) (page 169) (SL) Shares knowledge and transfers ideas (pg 170) Blogs can broadcast knowledge across an entire organization or across the world (170) (SL) Blogs are a bottom up approach to communication and knowledge management (170) (SL) Wikis work for the collaborative sharing of knowledge between boomers and gamers because their content can be updated easily (173) (SL) It connects learning professionals with an organization. (SL) Transfer knowledge from one organization to another (180) (SL)

Students are learning and sharing information by using social networking tools and to engage our students we must use the tools they are using. According to the Creating and Connecting: Research and Guidelines on Social and Education Networking article, students spend 9 hours a week on social networking sites and surveys document that approximately 60% of students talk about education topics online. They are already using the social networking tools to discuss education and teachers need to become part of the process. One specifice fact mentioned in the article was that 30% of students have their own blog. Blogs can be an easy tool to use in and outside of a class setting. Overall teachers need to learn and use social networking tools to create informal learning environments. ML Hutchinson.

Socialization is a ma﻿jor part of informal learning. Informal learning is based on working with peers and interacting with one another. Social networking allows students to communiate with one another through other venues than the classroom. Social networking allows students to complete chats and assignments in areas outside the classroom, and with peers from other states and countries. Instead of team work in a classroom, the team work is across the internet. Interaction is such a major part of informal learning that any form of socialization (including networking) will greatly benefit the students. Chrissy Kirk

Gamers spend hours each day on email, instant messaging, web searches, texting etc… These informal social networking environments are where the gamers feel comfortable. The net generation likes informal learning, rather than structured lectures that take place in classrooms or company training. Gamers want instantaneous access to the information they desire which they can get via social networking through blogs, IM, texting, wikis or other technology. If we can reach students in the environments they are most comfortable in, the students will be more open to learning. Material on via social networking will be organized in a way that students easily focus on. Social networking can be used to gain knowledge needed very quickly. These are natural environments for gamers to gain any information that is needed. Students already know how to use these tools and are more willing to pay attention to information presented in formats that they are more comfortable with. Jennifer Collicott

Gamers and Net Generation students are well advanced with computers, the Internet, texting, Facebook, and other ways of communicating with their peers. Providing our students with educational opportunities that incorporate social networking which highlight and improve their technology skills in their academic classrooms. --“Informal learning is based in conversations, social interactions, and team projects, in which learning is part of the interactions between people. It has been acknowledged as **one of the key reasons** for forming communities of practice, networks, and other forums that allow people to network and socialize”. (Digenti, //Make Space for Informal Learning//) --"Gamers desire instant learning delivered in an informal manner" (pg. 165) -- "Learning opportunities should be ubiquitous as e-mail, instant messaging, and conducting searches on the Web" (pg. 166) --"Instant messaging is a powerful method fostering informal learning" (pg. 167) ~Phil Bushre