An Exploration of An Exploration of Formal and Informal Formal and Informal

Learning Flows in Learning Flows in LMS 2.0: Case Study LMS 2.0: Case Study

Edu 2.0Edu 2.0

Malinka IvanovaMalinka IvanovaTechnical University – Sofia,Technical University – Sofia,

BulgariaBulgariaAnguelina PopovaAnguelina Popova

University of Utrecht, the NetherlandsUniversity of Utrecht, the Netherlands

SPeL 2009, SPeL 2009, 15 September 2009, Milan, Italy15 September 2009, Milan, Italy

AimAim>> To analyze the formal and

informal learning flows from the point of view of learning enhancement in Web 2.0 environment

Outline Outline • The role of LMS in education• 2.0 meaning for Higher education• Learning area in LMS 2.0: Edu 2.0– Personal Learning Space– Course Learning Place– Public Recourse Repository– Participation in the community

• Formal and informal learning flows

• Experience sharing and survey analysis

• Conclusion

LMS in EducationLMS in Education

LMSs are widely used and will continue to grow in many higher education institutions over the world for: planning, delivering, and managing learning events

>> Commercial >> Open source>> Free hosted

The evolution of LMS market , according to Bersin & Associates, 2009

2.0 meaning for Higher education 2.0 meaning for Higher education

2.0>> free hosted >> open >> mashupable

>> networking >> communities of practice forming

LMS 2.0 - underexplored segment of the expansive territory of eLearning

MethodMethod

1. Examination of the main functional characteristics and available social tools in Edu 2.0

2. Exploration of formal and informal learning experience gathering

3. Tracking of students’ learning activities and their arrangement in flows

4. Creation of a survey questionnaire on students’ experiences of formal and informal activities

5. Results’ analysis

Research questionsResearch questions• How should the advantages of LMS 2.0 for learning

enhancement be used in the most effective way? • How could LMS 2.0 social capabilities be integrated

into a learning process?

Research questionsResearch questions• How could students’ learning experience be

improved combining formal and informal learning flows?

• How could student-generated artifacts be incorporated in a formal learning program?

Learning Area in Edu 2.0Learning Area in Edu 2.0

• The learning area spreads out upon: (1) personal learning space(2) course learning place(3) public available resource repository (4) formed community

Personal Learning SpacePersonal Learning Space

>> provides support for students to set and manage their own learning

Personal Learning SpacePersonal Learning Space

>> contact with educators, classmates, friends and community members to exchange ideas or get advice

Personal Learning SpacePersonal Learning Space

>> plan and manage learning activities and meetings, record class events and assignment deadlines

Personal Learning SpacePersonal Learning Space

>> Contact with community members and share personal information

Personal Learning SpacePersonal Learning Space

>> image and resource sharing as a reflective activity related to:1.student’s current interests2.the course subject matter

Personal Learning SpacePersonal Learning Space

>> communicate with experts and peers with common interests

Personal Learning SpacePersonal Learning Space

>> created artifacts and a digital record of the performed learning activities

Personal Learning SpacePersonal Learning Space

>> stimulating analytical thinking and problem reflecting

Personal Learning SpacePersonal Learning Space

>> Materials that support learning – private and from the community

Course Learning PlaceCourse Learning Place

>> Content is aggregated from different social media>> The learning activities can be completed in other Edu 2.0 sections as well as outside the system

Course Learning PlaceCourse Learning Place

Course Learning PlaceCourse Learning Place

Course Learning PlaceCourse Learning Place

Course Learning PlaceCourse Learning Place

Course Learning PlaceCourse Learning Place

Course Learning PlaceCourse Learning Place

>> Collaboration and communication section via course blog, wiki, debates, chat

Course Learning PlaceCourse Learning Place

Public Resource RepositoryPublic Resource Repository

User-centered resource repository : >> students dynamically use existing and add new content>> it provides a multimedia experience, accumulating various media formats >> it is socially engaging: students can add to favorites and vote about resources>> it is community innovative - it could be modified by community participants

Participation in the CommunityParticipation in the Community

>> direct access to registered schools, groups, and members>> create and view social profiles, create friends lists, and directly message >> create groups with special interests

Formal and Informal Learning FlowsFormal and Informal Learning Flows

Informal learning flows appear at all four parts of the Learning area

Survey AnalysisSurvey Analysis

>> 60 students in 3 groups, average age 22 years, female/male: 30/70%>> Most time is spent in the personal learning space and slightly less in the course learning section

>> the networking among students from different groups and among students and educators is well developed>> but not with peers from over the world

ConclusionsConclusions

• Our students are surrounded by formal learning forms to this moment at university

• But they use social media in their everyday life without understanding the power for learning

• So, participation in the course focused their attention to:

(1)How to use social software in formal learning

(2)How informal interactions could facilitate formal learning?

Formalize

informal

ConclusionsConclusions

• Advantages of the new generation of LMSs:– openness of the learning

process (media, content, human capabilities)

– dynamics and interactivity in formal and informal ways

– opportunities for self-regulated and life-long learning

BETA

ConclusionsConclusions• There is adhesion between

different types of learning flows• Informal learning flows supplement

and enrich the formal learning process

• Formal learning flows are premises for informal learning to occur

• The students’ learning experience was enriched during the course on the subject matter and from a technological point of view

• Several of the artifacts added by students are incorporated in the course’ formal learning - videos, images, links, sites, widgets, interactive posters

SOCIAL

For contacts:m_ivanova@tu-sofia.bga.popova@uu.nl

Thank you for your attention!