Summary
Informal Learning: what is it?
Informal Learning refers to a type of independent learning that is not embedded within a traditional training program. A freer mode of learning, in short, in which the user has complete autonomy over the choice of content to enjoy and the channels to draw from, based on his or her interests or needs.
The vast repertoire of content offered by social makes the idea of “informal learning” well. From YouTube to TikTok, Instagram to Facebook, all platforms are now populated by professionals and enthusiasts sharing knowledge or practices with their followers.
Searching for a course on social networks may not be the canonical route of traditional training, yet that is exactly what happens when it comes to Informal Learning: the user who is documenting his or her interests searches for a tutorial or course, or sometimes stumbles upon it by accident. Or turn to YouTube for a first approach to new techniques, tools, fitness exercises, guitar lessons, recipes, using new software. The list is almost limitless.
One aspect to highlight is definitely the “ learning by doing “ or learning through action approach. In fact, this mode involves the acquisition of new knowledge and skills directly through practice. The learning process is thus activated within a situation in which it is required to get to work immediately. It is readily apparent how such a dynamic can quickly stimulate skills such as problem solving, creativity, leadership starting with the input of participation and taking a role in the dynamic.
These undoubted strengths of informal learning provide a solid shoulder to traditional training pathways, offering users the opportunity to supplement their learning experience by drawing from other sources, which are often perceived as lighter and more usable because they are untethered from a specific schedule, a defined pathway.
Informal Learning: characteristics
We have seen how Informal Learning responds to the ever-increasing need for diversification in the types of learning; somewhat like what happens, in today’s society, with information.
Informal Learning is free, need-bound, often spontaneous, and above all, multidirectional and multidisciplinary.
But what are the defining characteristics?
Let’s zoom in on the main elements.
- Content in line with user interests. Since it is a spontaneous form of learning, its content strongly reflects the user’s interests or learning needs, which chooses, dissects and merges information, thus educating the algorithm for future proposals;
- Informal context. The absence of a set path makes the learning environment more like moments of exchange than a lecture, regardless of whether there is an exchange between the interlocutors or not;
- Importance of experience. Informal Learning content is often dropped within an experiential context or within a story, a solution that amplifies the user experience in terms of participation and learning;
- Presence of a community. The role of social means that Informal Learning often results in Social Learning, including through sharing content learned or practices acquired on social channels: being part of a community of passionate users is very stimulating because it provides a greater impetus to motivation for learning, facilitating it.
Each element unequivocally explains why Informal Learning is now elevated to the same level of dignity as other forms of learning adopted in adult education pathways.
Differences between formal and informal learning
The main differences between formal and informal learning have already emerged from the elements discussed so far, however, we can certainly summarize the main concepts in the following points:
- Structured and defined training paths vs. spontaneous learning guided by user preferences;
- Prepared or controlled training context vs. learning environments free from physical and temporal constraints;
- Teacher-designed learning programs based on training objectives vs. learning by doing;
- Training experience recognized by certifications vs. learning experience based on skill acquisition through spontaneous participation.
Comparing these elements sharpens the boundaries between the two learning modes under consideration.
Informal Learning: examples
To source some easy examples of Informal Learning we can certainly draw from the world of social media.
The repertoire is so vast that the list is likely to be unlimited, but a few examples are certainly enough to get an idea.
Want to explore all aspects of living an ecologically and sustainably based life? YouTube provides an endless narrative and tutorial repertoire.
Do you want to inform yourself about social, political, environmental issues? Spotify offers rich in-depth podcasts.
Want advice on noir reading, etiquette, digital strategies? There is a world of professionals on Instagram willing to help you with mini-tutorials and infographics.
In short, never before has the individual had such easy and unlimited access to knowledge. Much of this knowledge can be located within the vast universe of informal learning.
Informal learning: advantages vs. disadvantages
When education enters the realm of personal interests, passions, and research that springs from a curiosity, it can be considered an easy win. Undoubtedly, Informal Learning brings with it certain advantages, which affect both the user and the learning process itself (and, as we shall see later, on a larger scale, the company as well).
The spontaneity of Informal Learning is perhaps its main aspect. The user is free from all forms of stress, because more than in any other training mode, he is the one who dictates the pace of learning, getting the chance to train at the times and places that suit him best.
The relatively low, often zero cost is certainly something to take into account, especially when considered in relation to the amount of documentation, videos, tutorials, and other educational materials that can be found.
Finally, since the content is produced by experts and enthusiasts in the various fields, it is much easier to find it updated in a timely manner. The updating of topics, as well as their delineation, is the result of multi-handed work to which each contributes something new and different.
The measurability dilemma
Is Informal Learning, then, all roses and flowers? No. There is one small stain on his record, which is that of measurability.
This basically applies to three aspects:
- Effectiveness: since this is not a structured course, there is no time for assessment of learning except when notions and skills are put into practice (although, at most, it will be a self-assessment);
- Duration: since the user is left to his or her own devices in the magnum sea of information, so it is not easy to estimate how long it will take for the user to learn or whether or not this process will actually end;
- Pathway: since it is not structured, it is not replicable either.
These are not insignificant issues, but they can be obviated when Informal Learning is placed within a more organized structure.
To trust or not to trust?
Then there is one main disadvantage, on which all others rest, which is also a historical problem of the Internet: the veracity of sources.
A child of free information, this problem also applies to educational content. If anyone can publish a video, a podcast, an article, or a post, the risk of inaccurate, wrong, or deliberately counter-intuitive data faces our educational journey.
Getting around this obstacle is not always easy, but not impossible. It becomes necessary to query multiple sources without stopping at the first one, always comparing the data collected to see which is best to trust. In this, the various communities and forums that spring up around specific topics can help. Finally, it is crucial to keep an open and critical mind, as curiosity and the desire to delve deeper are excellent training in selecting sources and information.
Why should companies develop an Informal Learning strategy?
The benefits listed above also have value within a corporate setting.
Any technique that can streamline and enhance learning is certainly welcome, but how do we maintain the element of spontaneity?
One solution might be to promote self-study on topics that interest the user in the hope that, the enthusiasm for this self-improvement, will persuade him or her to join topics more closely related to the work environment.
The important thing is that the freedom to decide on times and spaces is maintained. Content, on the other hand, can be proposed and encouraged but not forced.
Over time, this new blood will grow users, both as people and as employees, inevitably reflecting on their work in the company.
How to introduce Informal Learning at work?
There really seems to be no reason why Informal Learning should not be absorbed into corporate training programs.
The main obstacle remains that related to measurability, but this can be circumvented with the help of the blended methodology.
It thus becomes possible to create a pathway that contemplates moments of independent training, for which evaluation moments will then be provided. Their value will not only be strictly related to defining the advantage of the research conducted so far, but also to the possibility of marking the end of a hypothetical module, as well as leading a research devoid of orientation back to a path that, if it will not have a single track, may be limited to a limited number of forks.
Informal Learning, then, can be a starting point for a Social Learning strategy, as well as tie in well with the social and communication features of a corporate intranet.
Informal Learning: will it carry more and more weight in the future?
Coldly, one would be inclined to answer yes, and try as we might, we cannot find a reason why Informal Learning will not grow in the coming times, both in its “private” and corporate forms.
The Internet is getting faster and higher performance, now a veritable information highway; supporting technologies are becoming increasingly lightweight and portable, as well as now an integral part of many people’s lives.
In addition, and crucially, the tension of users to get involved with blogs, tutorials, videos, podcasts, infographics, and all other kinds of informational content is growing all the time, an aspect that broadens not only the base of those who produce content but also those who are accustomed to using it.
The obvious advantages, the seemingly circumventable disadvantages, and the continuing links to major trends in education make Informal Learning one of the things to invest in in the future.
If you believe it can add value to your company, we are at your disposal to define together a hybrid training path that looks to the future. Write to us, we are waiting for you!
