Title: A case study of using LinkedIn for professional development

Authors: Eng Li Yap; Qiyun Wang

Addresses: Department of Learning Sciences and Technologies, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, 637616, Singapore ' Department of Learning Sciences and Technologies, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, 637616, Singapore

Abstract: LinkedIn, one of the world's largest professional networks, has the potential to become a professional development tool for adults. This mixed-methods research provides an insight on how adults use LinkedIn group and explores adults' perception on using LinkedIn group for their professional development. Findings show that adults use LinkedIn for sharing resources professionally. The results show that while adults are basically satisfied with the technological and pedagogical affordances LinkedIn offer for professional development, there are mixed-responses with regards to its social affordances. Using LinkedIn as a professional development tool also has its limitations such as privacy and professional authentication. This paper examines the content of an instructional design and e-learning professionals' group in LinkedIn, analyses findings of the study and offers suggestions for future research.

Keywords: social networking sites; SNS; social media; Web 2.0 learning; LinkedIn groups; professional development; professional use; constructivist learning theory; communities of practice; CoP; networks of practice; resource sharing; instructional design; e-learning; electronic learning; online learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMILE.2015.072295

International Journal of Social Media and Interactive Learning Environments, 2015 Vol.3 No.3, pp.230 - 247

Received: 21 Jul 2014
Accepted: 15 Dec 2014
Published online: 08 Oct 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article