Learning Informally

Learning is generally associated with formal, competency-based paths. In actuality, learning takes many informal forms. Informal learning is brief and often disguised as other communication. It can take the form of normal business communications or integrated as part of a total learning initiative.

Informal learning includes:

• Learning that is less than 3 minutes long
  
• E-Learning clips embedded on a Web site
• E-Learning clips embedded within an application
• E-mail communications and tips Brochures and marketing announcements
• Tip sheets
• Newsletters
• Conversations

Informal learning plays an important role in today's skill-based learning initiatives. Its brief and timely nature allows for strict targeting of both content and learner. This direct connection helps grab the learner's attention and allows for better retention of the information.

Informal learning:

• Eliminates extraneous information by developing highly skill-targeted content
• Matches the specific learner with knowledge on an immediate skill need with highly learner/skill-targeted content
• Encourages learners to seek timely information when they need it
• Decreases resistance to learning by not appearing as learning
• Enhances memory through immediate application of knowledge
• Establishes a learning culture by incorporating learning into normal work patterns
• Supports formal learning with preparation and follow-up support

It is believed by some that the best learned lessons are the ones we were not aware of learning. All these lessons were informal.