Throughout this research I have explored current CPD practice within social media. The findings suggest specific practical opportunities for organisations and individuals to develop their practice:
1. Formally recognise the value of social media as an arena for CPD and professional learning. This would benefit individuals and organisations by emphasising forms of valued social media participation and providing lower risk opportunities for engaging with best practice.
2. Encourage or adopt self-aware efforts to seek support and scaffolding. For instance reviewing and reflecting upon calls for help on Twitter might be a more personalised and appropriate method of identifying CPD needs for an individual than conventional practices.
3. Embrace a culture of accepting error and correction. Making corrections and steers in public rather than in private has huge benefits for the learner, scaffold provider, and vicarious learners, and ensures the public version of record retains interest and relevance. Public correction may also help encourage deeper reflection and discussion and demonstrate transparency and openness.
4. Reevaluate the relative impact of “permanence” in the online world and consider techniques to manage perceived risk. For instance a statement of relevance, date published, and perhaps a suggested “best before” date would help later readers of a comment to assess it within an appropriate context.
In conclusion it is important that employers and individuals recognise and understand the growing role of social media in continuing professional development practices, no matter how they choose to do so.
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