Group Directed Learning is where groups of individuals work together in teams, projects, or study groups.  Note a group could be a small as two people working together in a coaching and mentoring capacity

Using social media

Here are ways that groups can use social media to build a Shared Learning Environment or Network.

• Individuals in groups can write postings in a group blog to keep others in the group up to date with what happening in the team, group, project, or read postings in a RSS reader
• Groups can use micro-blogging to keep each other up-to-date using tags to keep group-related content together, and  use micro-blogging as a backchannel to group events to add extra value to presentations or discussions
• Groups can create and share presentations, screencasts, videos etc for their own use, e.g. to inform, train, communicate ideas and so on.
• Groups can create a group or project library of links bound together using a specified group tag in a social bookmarking service
• Groups can schedule group/project meetings and events using group calendars
• Groups can brainstorm collectively and visually, e.g. to develop solutions to complex problems using mind mapping tools
• Groups can work together on collaborative documents, e.g. agendas, strategy, project or bid documents, academic papers, presentations and spreadsheets
• Groups can set up group spaces for specific projects to link to and store group resources
• Groups can using social networking tools to create "communities of practice" or provide group connections where they can ask questions, have discussions)

Collaborative culture

Group directed learning requires a group of individuals who are happy to work together, sharing knowledge and resources.  Some groups will need help to learn and work collaboratively, particularly if the organisations does not encourage a collaborative culture. Take a look at this article:

• How to build a social learning culture, Lars Hyland, TrainingZone, 15 September 2009

The technology options

Do you want to use a number of different tools, or set up a group space which includes a range of social functionality.  Options might be Facebook, Ning - even Elgg.  Your choice will be dependent on a number of factors - who your audience is, what functionality you require, how much security you need, the cost, etc. Take a look at this comparison.