So what is informal learning then?

[Anne Fox]

MUVENation

I am your friend. I don’t work in education. You are talking to me about the idea that we all learn from each other, in all kinds of contexts, and that this can often be richer than more formal classroom based learning. I am sceptical. Tell me about an informal learning experience you have had online in which collaboration was involved, show me a concrete example to help me to see what you mean.

I am interested in the idea of informal learning but the concept seems a very slippery one. The reason that you get lots of hits when you google 'informal learning' is because people are trying to institutionalise informal learning especially in business. This seems rather contradictory.

I suppose that one of the areas in which I have learned the most informally is in the use of blogs and wikis in education. The initial motivation was the low start-up barriers but the additional motivation came from other educators sharing their examples of blog and wiki use especially through groups such as Webheads in Action. When somebody talks about their latest project in that group I have to be extremely busy not to click on the link to take at least a peek at what they have done. It is more than the constant stream of posts about neat new gadgets because I guess that you could get that in a great many other places such as Tech Crunch. What is really valuable is the chat about how to use these tools and learning from others' experiences. But trying to replicate the Webheads effect elsewhere is well nigh impossible. The key factor must be the people in the group.

This is learning even though there is no set syllabus. I follow up thse ideas which resonate with me and ignore those which don't fit my current situation. It sounds rather haphazard and it is but I have the option to steer the conversation by bringing up specific topics myself.

[Cristina Costa]

This is a great post Anne, and I totally support what you are saying. I agree and truly believe that learning is about talking about our points of views, and listening to others' ideas in return. Many people try to 'reduce' learning to a structure, but the fact is that learning is rather unstructured and is more likely to happen in a rather spontaneous way. For me a rich learning environment is that that enables me to be part of a good conversation. A good conversation is like a party. The best parties are always the ones that are rather personal, and which the environment is relaxed enough you can be yourself and to which you can contribute... an environment in which you feel comfortable to cook your new recipes (=experiences) approach people (welcome newbies and experts), talk to them (share points of view), to dance (expose yourself a bit so people get to know you a bit better - even report about your less successful experiences), and just be genuine and generous = Yourself. It's up to the host to set the mood and to the guest to feel comfortable enough not to feel as guests but as a significant contributor (co-organizer) of that party.
Learning happens more effectively when we don't even think about it ...when we are having a great time. I have some video interviews I recorded at Online Educa Berlin about this (Buthaina, Jet Staes and Jay cross speak about it from different angles and experiences). I will releasing them soon. Still need to upload the one with Jay Cross.