The Elements of Learning 2.0
Earlier I introduced to our readers to the concept of Learning 2.0, which takes advantage of new technologies and theories about learning to expedite the transmission of knowledge. In this article I intend to begin a series that further explores the elements that comprise L2.0 and how your firm can best make use of them.
A cornerstone element of knowledge building in the present day sounds much like a character out of Star Wars: the wiki. (The term is actually a Hawaiian word that literally means “quick.”) The most famous wiki, Wikipedia, has become a staple for anyone researching via the Internet, and many specialized versions have followed.
A wiki is comprised of pages, images and anything else one might post online. It is generally ordered in some logical fashion and can be modified by anyone with a user account. The only “pre-requisite” is that one has a willingness to contribute his or her particular set of knowledge. Critics point out that this is the wiki’s Achilles Heel. Since anyone can contribute, how can that information be trusted?
It’s a valid point, and one should always examine the validity of any wiki article. Note how many sources are cited. A good wiki article about a serious topic should always contain links to trusted websites or references to books. Double-check these if you you’re in doubt. For internal use, you’ll have to rely on the credibility of those with whom you work.
Getting wikis to work for you
A firm can benefit from wiki technology in several ways. Here are a few of the ways:
- Establish a wiki for retiring partners to ‘dump’ the knowledge and insight they’ve amassed during their many years of service
- Establish a wiki “community” wherein firm employees can share specialized information about the industry that might not be documented elsewhere
- Use wikis as “notepads” for accountants to keep track of workarounds and accounting “tricks of the trade”
- Utilize wiki technology for leaders to draft new policies and procedures
- IT can utilize wikis to draft new technology initiatives with ample space for research
- Use a wiki to draft workflow plans
- Keep a record of Strategic Planning ideas in a wiki
The first three possibilities are the most relevant to learning. No doubt partners and other long-term employees in your firm have amassed a great deal of knowledge—much of it from experience. What better way to advance new (and even existing) employees forward in the profession than by sharing this insight? The potential ROI is exponential.
The wiki process
If you’re not familiar with a wiki, begin by exploring Wikipedia. Search for some of your favorite topics. You’ll find just about everything, including a lengthy entry for accounting. Next you’ll want to think about what you might want to do with a wiki. Your firm’s Learning Coordinator is likely the best candidate to propose a plan. He or she can research the alternatives and offer a solution that fits best for your firm’s needs.
Many wikis are available as web-based services, so there is no software to install. One needs only to create an account and set the proper permissions for others to add or edit pages. Consider drafting a general outline of your wiki before letting everyone dive in. That is, create a few general topic pages so that users know where to add information. You might begin with IT, Strategic Planning and Client Relationships. Assign a couple trusted editors to periodically review and organize the information. In time alternative organizational schemes will likely surface, but the purpose now is to get started.
A wiki classroom
The most obvious benefit a wiki provides is its ability to capture and transmit knowledge. Nevertheless, your firm may wish to organize a special area of its wiki solely for the purpose of education. This section may include non-editable articles of importance, including policies, workflow charts and procedures. But it might also contain lists of important clients, the firm’s history and instructional media compiled during various (internal and external) conferences.
The Learning Coordinator could also use a wiki as an online instruction manual. He or she can compile the basics of any learning process and farm it out for other experts in the firm to add anecdotes, missing facts and any additional expertise.
Wikis are powerful tools that have enormous potential for any firm or business. Consider how they might work for you, and begin doing your homework today!
