In today’s world, traditional classroom settings and solitary online courses are no longer the only avenues for acquiring knowledge. Enter social learning — a dynamic, interactive approach that leverages the power of collaboration and interaction to foster knowledge transfer and skill development.

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” -Benjamin Franklin

 The International Society of Automation (ISA) has put together the ISA Business Academy — a 10-week mini-MBA course for current and aspiring leaders in the field of automation — using principles of social learning.

But what exactly is social learning, and why is it crucial for both individuals and organizations? Social learning is the process of gaining knowledge, skills and ideas through community-oriented learning programs and is a core element of the ISA Business Academy. Because community is essential to ISA, we can leverage diverse member experiences through engaging in a shared learning experience that goes beyond the structured course alone.

7 Benefits of Social Learning (And Where You’ll Experience Them Within the ISA Business Academy)

1. Learn Directly from the Experts

While learning from your peers is a key component of social learning, an additional element comes in when you know you will be hearing from others with deep industry knowledge that you may not have yet built in your career. According to a report by Training Industry, including a subject-matter expert in a learning experience can lead to a 63% improvement in knowledge transfer due to the expert’s ability to share personal experiences and contextualize learning. You will have the opportunity to learn directly from automation experts and their wealth of real-world experience and personal anecdotes, making the content personable and easier to understand while providing insights that help you apply lessons to many facets of your career. To learn more about our guest experts in the ISA Business Academy, visit the ISA website.

2. Knowledge Gains Through Collaboration

Social learning encourages individuals to learn together, leveraging each other's strengths and perspectives to find creative solutions to problems. This collaborative environment fosters community and helps build strong interpersonal relationships. A survey by the Brandon Hall Group found that 85% of organizations believe social learning helps solve critical business knowledge and skill gaps. In the ISA Business Academy, we build these opportunities through connection through bi-weekly expert-led facilitated discussions, which combine the knowledge shared by experts of our industry with the opportunity to dig deeper during intimate breakout rooms with a cohort of your fellow peer leaders.

3. Improved Engagement and Accountability

When learning is a shared experience, it promotes active participation and engagement. Group discussions, debates and work stimulate critical thinking and motivate individuals to delve deeply into the subject. Studies by Bersin & Associates have shown that social learning can improve employee productivity by up to 20%. In addition to the engagement, data shows that by participating in these conversations and building connections, the likelihood of completion of the material leading up to live discussions increases dramatically.

4. Networking and Continuing Relationships

Social learning promotes community. By spending time together, sharing and hearing others' perspectives, we can connect more easily. This leads to long-term professional relationships, mentorship and even friendship outside of the work environment. As individuals share their knowledge and expertise in a social learning environment, they contribute to the collective growth of the community. This ongoing exchange of ideas ensures that learning is a lifelong journey.

5. Enhanced Learning Retention

Studies have shown that learning with others enhances retention. Research by Bersin & Associates found that learners can retain only 5% from hearing a lecture and 10% from reading a textbook, but retention jumps to 50% through discussions and interaction. Group discussions provide an opportunity for critical thinking and help maintain focus by involving participants in the learning process. Our program integrates this through the live session breakout discussions and an online community allowing for any time sharing, where learners can discuss and add layers to the conversation at their convenience. These live and self-paced ongoing conversations contribute to a mentality of continuous growth to help learners apply new knowledge in the real world.

6. Real-World Application

Social learning often involves real-world scenarios and practical application of knowledge. By engaging in collaborative problem-solving, individuals develop skills transferable to real situations they may encounter in their lives, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This practical approach is emphasized in all discussions, where small group conversations go beyond the topic of “what we learned” to sharing best practices and strategies to create on-the-job impact.

7. Identification of Knowledge Gaps

Group discussions and collaborative learning can reveal knowledge gaps that might be missed in traditional learning settings. By engaging with peers, learners can identify and address these gaps, enhancing their overall understanding. The 70:20:10 learning model indicates that 20% of learning comes from social interaction, and social learning can help identify and fill knowledge gaps effectively. A learning program that is structured around live discussions and collaboration creates opportunities to both ask questions and hear alternative approaches. You will be empowered to identify your own gaps and then ask the necessary questions to fill those gaps effectively.

Conclusion

Social Learning Enhances Retention, Improves Application, Builds Community and Creates Opportunities to Grow Together

Social learning can be a powerful tool to enhance learning experiences and build a culture of continuous development. When social learning becomes a part of professional development, you can leverage the collective knowledge and experience of your peers and mentors, leading to better collaboration and real-world application of skills.

The ISA Business Academy embodies the principles of social learning, offering a fully virtual experience that blends self-paced eLearning with live, facilitated conversations bi-weekly with your cohort of peers and subject matter experts. We invite you to learn more about the ISA Business Academy and discover the benefits of social learning as part of this growing community of continuous improvement and sharing.

By embracing social learning, you not only enhance your personal development but also contribute to a culture of knowledge sharing and community growth within ISA. Join us and experience the difference that this program can make in your professional and personal life.