Using community-mediated learning tools for informal learning online

Abstract

Individuals are using the internet in increasing numbers to engage in informal learning either alone or in a group. This study aims to determine which types of learning tools participants used in a specific online community to negotiate possible learning. The scope of this study was not to determine if learning occurred but to provide insight into the tools used in an online community that encompassed characteristics of learning. The methodology was a qualitative case study including detached observations, participant observations, interviews and document analysis. The study found that there were two types of learning tools used on the blog cognitive (discourse, action, reflection and checking for accuracy) and physical (text, videos, images and links).