Adapting Informal and Formal Learning Skills for Success in the Virtual Learning Environment

Technology is still evolving. However, two items have remained constant over the past several centuries: the use of formal and informal learning. While not all people have the luxury of attending college and university, informal learning has served as a tool in which a variety of stakeholders have helped others to learn and grow from each other. The key emphasis of this chapter is to focus on these two types of learning, but with a concentration on their relevance in the virtual learning environment. The topics of time management, group interaction, communications skills, and social media will be examined in terms of how these skill sets can be useful to the virtual learner.