Collaborative Learning Anthropologist and Specialist (CLA): Enterprise 2.0, Web 2.0 and Learning Career or Job Opportunities

Future jobs now, today! Collaborative Learning Specialists - of all types!
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Please let me know if you see these types of jobs or if you do these jobs. _______________________________________

I pondered on what jobs, specializations, and careers we may eventually discover or are even starting to evolve in organizations. My exposure tells me that these general functions are starting to surface. Although the jobs are not fully articulated in job descriptions, eventually, they will be -I predict.

The common theme in functions is the ability to study and practice the skills of a "Collaborative Learning Anthropologist" (CLA). Major changes in learning and training are fundamentally challenging the current and old assumptions, principles and beliefs. There are many opportunities to discover and innovate new learning models. CLAs are focused on studying and reporting human behavior in relation to learning and productivity technologies, specifically Web 2.0 and Enterprise 2.0. This is the primary task of a Collaborative Learning Anthropologist.
CLAs are provocateurs, innovators, and observers of the rapid impacts of learning behaviors and technology.
Here are jobs, tasks, and roles in emerging Enterprise 2.0 Collaborative and Social Networking Systems.

• Resident expert - accessible to networks of people, provides ideas as needed, shares expertise, is highly visible, initiates thinking (SMEs, face-to-face trainers, consultants - as specialist SME bloggers who are sought after, followed by their networks in domain areas inside Enterprises).
• Gaps consultant – a snapshot analyst for gaps in information, data or process that are missing in networks (project leads, instructional designers, writers, editors, researchers - example is tracking Microlearning impacts by using Web 2.0 tools).
• Toolkit Guru – has specialized in one Web 2.0 tool and is positioned as a champion, e.g., Wiki, Blog, Second Life, social media, etc. (developers, authoring programmers, technically- inclined SMEs, trainers).
• Social Media Specialist - converts content into short, enticing, provocative, rapid, instant media with the likes of YouTube, e.g. CommonCrafts presentation and Institute of Social Research. (multimedia developers, audio and video developers, graphics and concept developers).
• Online Coach – uses video and audio conferencing, Instant Messaging, Twitter, tracking to support coaching roles. Learning coaches can help their clients by using Web 2.0 tools to continue communications and support. Twitter for example, helps in sharing small updates by using cell phones or PDAs.
• Social Network Catalyst – promotes, educates, processes, and nurtures the growth of networks - if you are one of those people that are adept or have the passion to help others improve relationships with Web 2.0 relations, you can be a catalyst. Catalysts grow, nurture, support and cajole networks to yield productive values.
• Social Network Analyst – is involved in metrics and research on performance of networks, learning and performance, using Web 2.0 to communicate the strengths and weaknesses of social networks and provide solutions. See Raytheon Professional Services.
• Social Network Architect – designs, implements and leads network projects (Project leaders and managers). Implementing Collaborative Learning and Social Networking in organizations require new thinking processes, technologies, support, financial strategies and communications. See Fortune article "Hidden Workplace."
• PLE Assistants - Personal Learning Environments (PLE) - Downes, Sims and Kareer talk about the need of the connected learners to learn to work with technologies to advance personal learning. Easily said, but difficult for some to execute. The assistants coach learners on the possible choices and options on PLE decisions.
• Web 2.0 Specialized Programmers - specializes in discovering creative and new learning methods with Web 2.0 tools, the likes of C Dragon software, visualization, visual mapping (see invisible to visible), widgets, and others.
• Collaborative Learning Anthropologist – studies and researches the new learning behaviors of people, Web 2.0 and productivity technologies. What is needed is the ability to constantly poll, survey, and make small studies with your audience. Share the results for immediate feedback and learning in your social networking communities. The CLA focuses on organizing a dynamic, quick-loop, data generation for sensing the pulse of community members. The data when published becomes a resource for learning and continuous improvement. It's like "The Survey Says", sounds familiar? Jeopardy. For practical example, see eLearning Guild Dynamic 360 Degrees Reports (search 360).
  
  The CLA constantly runs surveys, publishes studies and links resources and comments. This is done real-time, daily, and fed to members instantly.
  

Alert: Act now, it is here, or happening soon.

It took around 5-8 years for training executives to realize they need to include "e-learning skills or exposure" in their hiring specifications for trainers. This is regardless of whether the skills are directly or indirectly related to the position being hired. It will take only 2-3 years for training executives to start including "Collaborative and Social Networking skills."
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Please let me know if you see these types of jobs or if you do these jobs.
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Ray Jimenez, PhD www.vignettestraining.com
"Helping Learners Learn Their Way"