The document presents a model of the relationships between informal, non-formal and formal learning. It depicts informal learning as emerging from the interests of individuals and groups, who organize and access resources to pursue self-determined interests. Non-formal learning involves resources created or provided to support learning sequences and audiences. Formal learning flows from institutions that offer accreditation and related resources to enable groups to meet accredited goals. The model shows learning flowing from left to right, driven by natural curiosity, while education flows from right to left, following institutional rules.

1. Emergent Learning Model; presented by Fred Garnett; OU October 7th 2010
A Proposed Model of the relationships between Informal, Non-Formal and Formal Learning
INFORMAL INFORMAL NON-FORMAL NON-FORMAL FORMAL FORMAL
PEOPLE as PEOPLE as RESOURCES RESOURCES INSTITUTIONS INSTITUTIONS
Individuals Social Groups Created Provided Adaptive Accredited
Groups Audiences Learning Sequences Learning Resources Home Courses
Aggregations Groups Web 2.0 Tools Set texts Library/Museum Units
Individuals Channels Media Templates TV Programmes Community Qualifications
«ADMIN ACCESS» «SCAFFOLDING ADMIN»
LEARNING > < EDUCATION
Learners Teachers
learning skills; a) organising people teachers skills a) structuring resources b)
collaboratively b) accessing resources brokering accreditation
Supported by; Trusted Intermediaries Supported by; Tools & Skills
People are how we scaffold Resources are how we scaffold learners Institutions are how we scaffold
organisation accreditation
EDUCATION; Education flows from Right to Left in the right-hand columns this Diagram
Formal Education flows begin with an Institution offering accreditation, which also provides related resources and enables
groups to meet that expressed goal. The social processes of learning may be acknowledged but only in order to make that
formal education work. From this perspective learners are those who follow the rules of the institution.
LEARNING; Learning flows from Left to Right in the left hand columns in this Diagram
The natural desire to learn is often constructed as informal learning emerging from the interests of individuals and/or groups
who may organise and access resources in pursuit of that self-determined interest. In our educational culture this self-
organisation tends to be seen as inimical to education and is either discouraged, portrayed as plagiarism, or seen as better
placed within a “cultural” context. From this perspective learners are those who follow their interests.