How does formal and informal learning experiences combine to make up a persons learning network? Why is it important for a instructional designer to understand these connections?
Do you only learn in the classroom? Do you learn on the playground? from your parents? your other activities? your siblings? your neighborhood?
You learn from all of those areas in your life. So how does this make up your learning network? Is it that your learning network is your teacher, peers, family,and your environment?So how does this help your instructor to understand these connection?
Why is it important for an instructional designer to know these connections?
Peers, family, and environment vary a great deal. In order to teach a child, the teachers and instructional designers must know about the child's entire learning network in order to teach him/her.
For instance, many years ago my mother taught kindergarten in a poor area of Chicago. Many of her children had never seen Lake Michigan, although they lived a short streetcar ride away from the lake. Obviously their experiences were severely limited.
Thank you so much, you have always been a great help to me. I am 52 years old and sometimes I just need a little push in the right direction. I am trying to obtain my bachelors degree in early childhood education. I already have my associates degree.
Good luck to you. It takes guts and determination to pursue a degree at your age.
You're very welcome.
Formal and informal learning experiences combine to make up a person's learning network by providing different types of knowledge and skills. Formal learning refers to structured and organized learning experiences, usually delivered through educational institutions or training programs. This could include attending school, taking courses, or participating in workshops and seminars. In formal learning, there is typically a clear curriculum, set objectives, and an established assessment or evaluation process.
On the other hand, informal learning refers to learning that occurs in everyday life and is not necessarily structured or planned. It can take place through various means such as observing others, engaging in conversations, reading books or articles, watching videos, or using online resources. Informal learning is often self-directed and driven by personal interests and curiosity.
The combination of formal and informal learning experiences forms a comprehensive learning network for individuals. While formal learning provides a structured foundation and theoretical knowledge, informal learning complements it by offering practical skills, real-life application, and the ability to adapt to changing contexts.
Understanding the connection between formal and informal learning is crucial for instructional designers for several reasons:
1. Designing effective learning experiences: By understanding the connection, instructional designers can create cohesive learning experiences that integrate both formal and informal elements. This can enhance learner engagement, motivation, and retention of knowledge.
2. Personalization and learner-centered design: Recognizing the value of informal learning helps instructional designers cater to the diverse needs and preferences of learners. They can create learning environments that are flexible, interactive, and relevant to individual learners, allowing them to apply their prior knowledge and experiences.
3. Leveraging existing knowledge and skills: Understanding the connections between formal and informal learning enables instructional designers to leverage learners' prior knowledge and bridge the gap between what they already know and what they need to learn. This helps in building on existing foundation and facilitating a deeper understanding of new concepts.
4. Facilitating lifelong learning: By acknowledging the importance of both formal and informal learning, instructional designers can cultivate a culture of lifelong learning. They can help learners develop strategies and resources to continue learning beyond formal educational settings, empowering them to adapt to new challenges and acquire new skills throughout their lives.
In summary, the combination of formal and informal learning experiences contributes to a person's learning network. Instructional designers understanding these connections is important to design effective, learner-centered, and lifelong learning experiences.