1. The document proposes a theory of "invisible learning" that takes into account formal, non-formal and informal learning, including the impact of technology. 2. Invisible learning recognizes that much of what we learn happens outside traditional education structures, through everyday experiences, creativity, passion and imagination. 3. The theory argues that placing trust in learners and shifting power from a top-down model to one driven by learner interests and self-determination better enables invisible learning to occur.

1. A theory for
invisible learning
John Moravec, Ph.D.
john@educationfutures.com
@moravec
educationfutures.com

2. IMAGINACIÓN
APRENDIZAJE
HACIA UNA NUEVA ECOLOGÍA DE LA EDUCACIÓN
INVISIBLE
CRISTÓBAL COBO Y JOHN W. MORAVEC
UBICUO
E-SKILLS
KNOWMADS
ECO
BIO
NANOCOGNO
TÁCITO

3. Formal Non-formal Informal Serendipitous
Invisible Learning

4. Invisible Learning Facts
Serving Size 1 Learner (80.5 kg)
Calories 0 Calories from Fat 0
% Life Value*
Total Learning 83.33%
Non-formal Learning 100%
Informal Learning 100%
Imagination 100% Innovation 100%
Creativity 100% Passion 120%
*Percent Life Values are based on a full lifespan. Your life values may be higher or lower
depending on your interests and dreams.

5. “…takes into account the impact of
technological advances and changes
in formal, non-formal, and informal
education, in addition to the 'fuzzy'
metaspaces in between.”
Invisible Learning

6. On ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur.
L'essentiel est invisible
pour les yeux.
Le Petit Prince
Antoine de Saint Exupéry

7. The need for invisible learning

8. Society needs knowmadic
workers who work with context,
not rigid structure.
First,

9. Many beliefs and practices in
mainstream education are
antiquated and have no
grounding in reality.
Second,

10. We simply cannot measure a
person’s knowledge.
Finally,

11. Building a Theory for
Invisible Learning

12. We learn more, and do so
invisibly, when we separate
structures of control that restrict
freedom and self-determination
from learning experiences.
The Theory for Invisible Learning

13. Invisible learning is about placing
trust in learners and shifting
the flow of power from the
top-down to the learner-out.

14. Approaches for enabling
invisible learning

15. Schools

16. Free play

17. Building cultures of trust

18. “The thrill of jumping off a cliff by deciding to do so yourself is a high
you will never have if someone else pushes you off of it. In other words,
the top-down, teacher-student model of learning does not maximize
learning as it devours curiosity and eliminates intrinsic motivation. We
need to embrace flat, horizontalized, and distributed approaches to
learning, including peer learning and peer teaching, and empower
students to realize the authentic practice of these modes. Educators
must create space to allow students to determine if, and when, to jump
off the cliff. Failing is a natural part of learning where we can
always try again. In a flat learning environment, the teacher’s role
is to help make sure the learner makes a well-balanced decision.
Failing is okay, but the creation of failures is not.”

19. manifesto15.org

20. We learn more, and do so
invisibly, when we separate
structures of control that restrict
freedom and self-determination
from learning experiences.
The Theory for Invisible Learning