Informal learning constitutes a hot topic these days. Informal learning can be seen as a process of knowledge acquisition that does not follow any one structured learning methodology. Some of the established informal learning structures are: observation, questioning, testing theoretical knowledge in real life contexts, and studying materials that fall outside mandatory learning commitments. Experimental informal learning structures include: social learning, activity threads, or online informal learning communities.

Informal learning is getting a lot of attention as of late, and has spring up as a topic on forums about everything from developing creative thinking to higher education and enterprise training. Why the hype? Informal learning is not a recent phenomenon. However, recent mobile, social, and cloud technologies have triggered an interest in and unveiled the pervasiveness of informal learning in people’s lives. Also, Generation Y’s eagerness to share and exchange facts and opinions has also helped generate the informal learning hype. Read the rest of this entry »