As we know, it's nothing new: 90% of what we learn comes from informal learning. So daily life experiences and social interactions are the glue that holds what we know together. It is possible to capitalize the microlearning to promote informal learning in the workplace, here's how.
Understanding informal learning
The first step is to know what we are talking about. To make it a simple definition,Informal learning is found in the acquisition of knowledge, a skill or an understanding that occurs outside of a learning situation, whether in a classroom (face-to-face), in a training center or in an e-learning context. As we have understood, therefore, once the formal learning context is removed, the learning conditions remain virtually endless. A discussion at the table, looking for information on Google, asking for advice from a colleague, watching an episode of Experts, going to the museum... In short, we could go on for hours. In the workplace, some companies have capitalized on the power of informal learning, for example by setting up conferences or talks on a voluntary basis during lunch hours or by using mentoring programs. Today, use the microlearning to promote informal learning is a new avenue to explore.
What to remember
1 - Informal learning is the acquisition of knowledge, skill, or understanding that occurs outside of an “official” learning situation.
2 - Many companies seek to capitalize on informal learning, for example by introducing optional micro-conferences or mentoring.
Create learner communities within the tool
There are a number of ways to use microlearning to promote informal learning. The creation of learner communities is a fairly effective first way. By bringing employees together by interests, professions, etc. they will be more likely to share content or discuss topics that interest them, learning, de facto, informally. Mobile learning applications that use microlearning sometimes offer the possibility of bringing learners together in communities by interest, while allowing them to interact and share tips, tricks and tips. They take the form of flows, similar to the familiar social media interface, immersing learners in an environment that they know how to approach instinctively. These communities, activated by the model of Social learning, learn through their exchanges. A significant benefit, strengthening communities of interest using microlearning also makes it possible to strengthen cohesion between employees within the company, helping to create a team spirit and a strong corporate culture.
What to remember
1 - Members of a community of interest or profession are more likely to share with each other on the topics that drive them.
2 - Based on social learning, allowing them to share their expertise through advice and content is a major contributor to informal learning.
Opening microlearning to external content
Another principle of informal learning is that ofseek information, pedagogical or not, outside the educational framework. The reflex of looking for information on Google or tutorials on YouTube can be satisfied via the microlearning in two ways: by adding optional complementary content to be consulted in the form of links in microlearning modules, by opening the sharing of multimedia content to external platforms. The platforms LXP (Learning experience platforms) offer this type of integration to enrich the learning experience.
What to remember
1 - Informal learning is largely based on knowledge and information that we will seek out by ourselves when we need it.
2 - A very large part of this content, often of high quality, is accessible on the internet and social and content platforms. Microlearning benefits from integrating it to promote informal learning.
Leveraging gamification
If the Gamification is a proven method for stimulating learner engagement, it is also an effective way to encourage informal learning. In a microlearning context, she encourages exploration, immersion, socialization, and healthy competition. Allowing learners in a community to challenge themselves or to carry out challenges is a way of stimulating them to search and learn by themselves, all in a fun and engaging context that contributes to the strengthening of memory. Apart from social learning, “open” microlearning courses filled with exercises and challenges encourage learners to use their own sources to solve a problem or find information. In this way, we ensure that the learner accesses knowledge and learns in the way that best suits their way of learning.
What to remember
1 - Gamification encourages exploration, socialization, and competition.
2 - It encourages learners to draw on their own resources to solve challenges.
Offer a very large catalog
Use the microlearning to promote informal learning, finally, it is also offer a very wide range of courses and modules from which learners can draw. In the company, a certain number of training courses are difficult to transfer to the informal sector in view of their essential nature. This includes compliance or security training. However, offering a wide range of optional training modules makes it possible to satisfy the curiosity of some and to encourage others to document beyond the minimum required, at a time when they need information, etc.
What to remember
1 - A large microlearning catalog composed of optional modules invites learners to broaden their knowledge informally, in addition to mandatory training.
2 - It makes it possible to satisfy the curiosity of some and to encourage others to research beyond the minimum required, at a time when they need information.
