Defining Social Software Learning Environments

I just posted my thoughts on Social Software Learning Environments in the course Wiki Definitions of Social Software. From now on I will use the acronym SSLE so that it makes life easier for my fingers when typing for this subject.

I will paste my comments below, as I quite liked what I had figured out, once I finally got there. It is not an easy concept to attempt to define and I found other's comments particularly useful in developing my thoughts and opinions. I felt Annabel raised a great question with regards to email and websites, and I attempted to cover this in my definition.

Social softwares are tools that encourage discourse - communication, interaction and some form or sense of collaboration. They may be real time or more like wiki, blog and discussion board technology where people read and respond to threads in their own time. The emphasis is on the collaboration that is required from the wider community. It is not something that one person can or should do independently, but rather the value is gained from the interaction of the group.

Even with the blog - a journal like space, the blogger is encouraged by the knowledge that they will have a wider audience than themself, and the possible feedback or interaction this may entail. Email and websites are technologies or tools that we can all use independent of the collaboration or interaction of others and still maintain some success. They can simply divulge information without asking anything in return. Social software requires more of its users.

A learning environment is a situation in which an individual or group has the various materials or tools needed to learn. These 'tools' can be as simple as a book and a piece of paper to jot ideas on, or as complicated as the modern classroom with its various teaching and learning styles, strategies and scenarios. But is every learning environment successful?

In order to be successful a learning environment requires a sense of meaning that is being developed and explored, support for the learning needs of those participating in the environment, structure that ensures participants understand expectations and collaboration that adds value (http://www.webs1.uidaho.edu/ele/Definitions/ele.htm).

A social software learning environment (SSLE) blends the above factors in an online environment. An SSLE is not any one item of social software used independently, but rather the effective combined use of various social softwares in an interactive manner. The emphasis is on the quality of discourse and interaction taking place, and as a result the quality of learning that ensues. A SSLE requires both a thoughtful individual weaving together their own learning experiences, but also the contributions and interactions of others to ensure the learning is meaningful, varied and critical.