A case study of using LinkedIn for professional development

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.