What is informal learning and what is so distinct about it?
Informal learning has taken over in a big way. Through this learning, employees are supposed to search for their information on their own. They are not dependent on the Learning and Development teams to give information to them.
Elearning companies can make sure that employees can schedule their learning activities.
Learner centric
Informal training has its focus on the learner and what are his goals. It makes sure employees learn because they need information. For instance, an employee faces some IT trouble. Then he needs information to get rid of the issue and get going with his work. That’s where informal elearning comes in. Employees don’t just go through a presentation or read a manual to learn.
Unexpected
Informal learning happens without a prior decision. Employees get to know their weaknesses. Then they employ online resources to deal with them. Informal activities can be preplanned also. There are preplanned exercises for the employee. Employees know what is in store for them. So, they know how to do discussions online. They have mentoring activities with colleagues so that informal learning can be there.
No Syllabus
Informal training does not have any syllabus. So, you don’t have to give the learning path to employees. The staffers can use whatever is available to them and even use support tools so that their gaps are finished. Since there is no syllabus, employees don’t have to finish all the listed activities. This experience of learning is more suited to the needs of the employees.
At their own pace
Employees can learn whatever they want at their speed. They don’t have to see what their peers are doing. There are also no deadlines for them. So, they can check the training materials whenever they have free time on their hands. In this case, whenever they need for learning something new, they can go about it. Employees can expend 10 minutes to more time mentoring their friends or making sure that they are sharing information about certain topics during an L&D Event.
Focused on the real world
Employees have to see that elearning has some practical uses. In informal training, employees have to check that they can get real knowledge. This is important to them as opposed to learning theories. The employees should be able to gain knowledge to make sure that there are no challenges in work. For example, they can be part of an unexpected live event that makes sure customer service skills are taught to them. This webinar was not preplanned because the team leader saw a fall in customer satisfaction scores and he decided to do something about it. This event may not have a proper outline, so the host ensures that the employees steer the conversation in the right direction to get feedback and see which regions need improvement.
Not rigid
Online training is flexible also so that employees learn the most from the elearning program. They can read the forum whenever they have time. They can also consult their peers depending on any gaps in their knowledge. Informal training makes sure employees can create their learning and development experiences.
So, elearning companies can help companies come up with suitable elearning strategies.