Digital does not rhyme with loneliness. Indeed, although the rise of the digital world and in particular that of digital learning is now part of society, it is not synonymous with loneliness and the loss of social ties. Just the opposite has been happening since the health crisis! We see digital technology as a way of maintaining social ties and increasing the knowledge and skills of users, in particular through User Generated Content. But what is User Generated Content and what does it have to do with the field of Social learning ?
What is User Generated Content?
User Generated Content, or UGC, can be translated into French as user generated content. In short, when average users produce content, whether it's reviews, recommendations, photo shares, we call them User Generated Content.
This term is not new, it has been present for about ten years, especially in the digital field with Wikipedia, Airbnb and Tripadvisor. These productions of content from users are enormously appealing to younger generations. For them, they are worthy of their full trust. Before going to a restaurant, most people will look at the reviews left by users on the Internet. Moreover, it is an extremely effective marketing technique for businesses.
Within the professional training environment, User Generated Content is beginning to make their place, in particular through Learning Management System platforms. Indeed, according to the survey conducted by Gartner, 80% of businesses use UGC content to enrich learners' learning. This collaborative tool is part of social learning and is much more effective in training and engaging learners. In practice, employees of a company can help their colleagues with their own expertise, by making video, audio, and many other formats.
What role does UGC play in training?
Professional training to train your learners involves multiple techniques. In particular, there is that of Social learning in which User Generated Content is inserted. We know that social learning is now a preferred tool because it allows learners not to feel alone. It is possible between colleagues to communicate, share sources and give each other advice. UGCs are very useful within this practice, as the expertise of your colleague on a subject that you are not familiar with and that you need to improve is an extremely effective practice. In addition, there are a lot fewer barriers to questioning colleagues and giving recommendations. In short, User Generated Content in vocational training is vectors of creation when they share content, but they also make it possible to promote a caring work environment while developing peer learning.
Summary of benefits
The main benefits of User Generated Content are:
- Learners' engagement in their skills development
- The valorization of employees
- Improving brand image
- Team cohesion
- Encouraging knowledge sharing
- The development of a sense of belonging.
