Informal learning

LearningGuide is a software application that supports better informal learning

Much of the learning that takes places in organizations takes place informally, outside of structured learning programs: asking colleagues for help, searching the network and Internet and through trial and error. Because the pace of change in organizations is increasing - with many more new applications and procedures and compliance issues for workers to learn about - it’s become important for informal learning to have greater structure.

LearningGuide is an electronic performance support system. Workers use LearningGuide to resolve queries and maintain performance levels under self guidance. Over 80% of learning in organizations takes place informally in the workplace and outside of formal classroom and e-learning courses. Electronic performance support systems give structure to informal learning.

Proportion of time spent by employees on different types of learning:

This chart shows that the learning activities where the initiative lies with the employee form the largest amount of time: almost 80% of learning is occurring spontaneously during work through experience on the job, networking with colleagues and consulting manuals and instructional materials. This 80% of learning is called informal learning. It is learning at which the planning, steering and control, for the larger part, lies with the learner. This is in contrast with formal learning at which the organization is responsible for planning, steering and control of learning. The informal learning can scarcely be planned and steered, but an organization can, however, support informal learning. And that is exactly what an electronic performance support system does.

Interested?
For further information, please contact:
telephone +31 73 692 1 692 or e-mail: info@learningguide.co.uk