The organization I work for is making a valid attempt to warp into the present. They would like to increase communication as well as update the way it’s done. The goal is to connect similar content area teachers within the organization in order to coordinate schedules, share information, collaborate on projects, and ensure implementation of a common curriculum. As commonplace as it may sound to have these communication tools in place, we are in the initial discussions of choosing a course of action.

I may have a part in its development so I was glad to read “Social Learning Best Practices for the Workplace,” by Stephanie Ivec. She outlined four key principles to follow when initiating a program. The first piece of the puzzle is to encourage participation. This includes enthusiastically getting the word out to desired participants early and kicking it off with a topic that most would want to weigh in on and discuss. She also suggests finding a “champion” of the organization, someone who is well thought of and respected to push the idea and lead the charge.

Then be sure to provide the right tools. Choose a platform that creates a social learning environment geared towards collaboration. Understand it’s capabilities and if it is accessible with mobile devices.

Once the structure is in place, open the lines of communication. Ivec suggests doing this through informal means such as instant messaging, something that is user friendly and efficient. She believes the benefits outweigh the risks of idle chat and will get them moving in the right direction. More information on informal learning can be found at… http://www.learningsolutionsmag.com/articles/1322/?utm_campaign=lsmag&utm_medium=email&utm_source=lsm-news.

Lastly, avoid the black hole of social media. Workers had the potential to waste time ever since the first one was hired. Social media has not improved time on task and the main social media sites can end up being a distraction for employees. 

Forbes.com put out an interesting read about wasted time on the job…http://www.forbes.com/sites/

cherylsnappconner/2013/09/07/who-wastes-the-most-time-at-work/.

I look forward to the positive effects of connecting with other teachers in the organization and warping into the present.