There is lot of discussion going on these days about informal learning and its contribution in overall learning. Many feel that Informal Learning has many advantages in the long run. Also it can provide a huge Return on Investment (ROI) for the training industry.
Informal learning has a flexible structure and can occur in a variety of places like home, work place etc. In normal context, informal learning may mean acquisition of culture, language, manners etc. In the context of corporate training and education, Informal Learning means many forms of learning that takes place without help from instructor-led programs. It may take place from: books, self-study, internet etc.
The difference between formal and informal learning is that formal learning is usually curriculum driven, instructor led trainings with evaluation of student’s performance whereas informal learning is usually short term, voluntary and self assessed.
It is estimated that 80% of all corporate learning takes place through on-the-job interactions with peers, experts, and managers. Corporate managers now want to build a high-impact, cost-effective, modern training organization to “formally adopt” informal learning.
The Blended Learning approach of using Informal Learning along with Formal Learning events such as eLearning, or classroom events or webinars, combines the advantages of scheduled formal learning events and the advantages of Informal Learning to create a training program that really works. Incredible ROI, retention and a fast speed to proficiency are some of the resulting benefits.
