In reply to Ellen.

Thanks very much for your comment, Ellen. First, I would say that learning through social networks does not mean just setting up some social networking software platform. Social networks are many and various, and are not necessarily technology-mediated. My main point is that learning spreads best through social networks, so let's understand and support their use. I've yet to see my social networks get bogged down with too much information. Social networks are a key way that I deal with information abundance as I can connect to the right person who can make sense of an issue for me.

Each complex problem requires different base skills. Critical thinking would be a base skill for most complex problems, but I haven't seen a workplace training program that actually helps people develop these skills. Furthermore, if work is evaluated correctly, we don't have to be concerned with how people learn, but whether they can do the job. Employees aren't told how to eat, so what gives anyone the right to tell them how to learn?

I think that the training & education professions have for too long focused on the easy stuff - content dissemination. That's the window dressing. The tough stuff is designing work systems that facilitate social learning, are transparent and provide multiple feedback loops.