Abstract:

The prevent use of web communication tools and abundant online resources have made learners easily to acquire information at any time from any location. Also, the advancement of digital technologies brings good opportunity for adult educators to rethink the potential of incorporating online tools and resources into the design of adult learners’ informal learning activities. Informal learning has capability of stimulating adult learners’ sharing, collaboration, and reflection skills that can enrich their learning experiences. Thus, how to applying online informal learning resources in designing adult learning activities has become a critical issue to investigate.

The purpose of this study has fourfold.
1. To understand adult learners’ motivations of online informal learning in the workplace.
2. To analyze adult learners’ perceptions of online informal learning in the workplace.
3. To discuss adult learners’ behavior model in the process of online informal learning in the workplace.
4. To understand the impacts of online informal learning to the professional development of adult learners in the workplace.

This study employed qualitative approach. In-depth interviews and content analysis were used to collect research data. The participants of this research were eight civil servants from government agencies in central Taiwan. Research results revealed that adult learners valued the importance of online informal learning. Most respondents used social media to communicate and share information related to their works. Also, the study found out that most adult learners liked to use search engines to search information they needed. Participants indicated that government or organizations provided many useful database and knowledge portals that helped them to acquire relevant information quickly. In addition, based on respondents’ opinions, organizations should offer information literacy trainings to employees in order to reinforce and update their online searching and data organization skills. The study proposed five useful strategies that organizations can be used to design effective online informal learning activities for their employees.

Keywords:

Online informal learning, Adult education, Workplace learning, Educational training.