Social Cognitive Theory Revisited....

Albert Bandura is arguably the most influential living psychologist among many greats to study Social Learning Theory. His Theory has influenced many areas of inquiry: education, health sciences, social policy and psychotherapy among others. As it relates, the internet was once a wealth of knowledge that was read only, that now provides results in our search engines that are socially interactive reactions. Surfacing as the newest area of influence is Social Learning Through Technology because most learning online is done by social interaction between one or more people to solve a problem or comment a topic. This was a revelation by Bandura that we could learn by watching each other, which has become a primary component of how we learn in our modern day enlightenment journeys. Social Learning through Technology is a powerful element that we will be around for a while, but I wonder will it take over the learning process and teach fundamental skills?

Are You on The Social Media Bandwagon?

Social Media is an ever vibrant technology for us to be social in the 21st century. Not only are individuals benefiting from the social media explosion, but businesses are using it to spread their message. The Social Media Bandwagon has a wide variety of users that participate for anything from social interactions, professional growth, and even to learn about varied subjects. Today's social media has fundamentals that can be used as learning tools, because from my experience using these media services there has been learning moments that I have taken away. For example, with Twitter you can read posts that are listed on your home page that will give you access to a learning on demand type environment. The same is true for YouTube, it has just about anything that you want to learn on their site presented as channels. The best part is that you can subscribe to the channels that benefit your learning.

Today's Social Media can provide benefits even without interaction. For example, with Digg, you can have a search engine find information that relates to what you are studying or want to become more familiar. Even better you can go to Flickr and have the site show you different parts of the world, which is a virtual field trip. At some point now or in the future, we have all been on the Bandwagon even if we did not know it learning or possibly teaching something. The influence of Social Media is that we can all learn something new by the power of another person's thoughts or ideas. Which leaves me to think should we all strive to be on the Social Media Bandwagon or stay away?