Informal learning in eLearning?

What is Informal Learning? What is the difference between Informal and Formal Learning? How can Informal Learning be applied to eLearning scenarios?

Informal learning is any learning that is organized differently compared to the formal learning that happens inside classroom, either online or regular, because it has no pre-determined and clear objectives in terms of knowledge or learning outcomes.

This is also underlined by the fact that informal learning happens unintentionally from the learner's standpoint.

According to various education specialists 70% of one’s learning is experiential, 20% takes place through social or collaborative activities and only a 10% is through formal training programs.

Informal learning comes in a variety of forms, such as watching videos, reading articles that draw the learner’s interest, participating in online communities, coaching sessions or even by playing serious or commercial games. For instance, an example of informal learning would be a new employee who has no idea how to use a software or a tool, to be helped by a colleague on the spot by showing the new-comer how to operate it. This spontaneous and immediate demonstration and acquisition of knowledge is an example of informal learning. 

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