Learning Beyond the Classroom

 

From this week's readings, one idea that stood out to me was the connection between formal and informal learning. Dabbagh and Kitsantas (2012) explain that "learning on demand is becoming a type of lifestyle in modern society." That statement was relatable because I often find myself learning outside of traditional courses or professional development sessions (and I prefer it).

As both a classroom teacher and graduate student, some of my most meaningful learning happens when I am trying to solve a problem, improve a lesson, or explore a new idea. Sometimes that learning comes from colleagues, social media, online resources, or conversations with other educators. While formal education provides an important foundation, I have found that learning does not stop when a class ends.

This reading reminded me that learning today is much more connected and accessible than it has been in the past. Whether I am seeking a new instructional strategy, technology tool, or classroom management idea, there is often a network of people and resources available to support that learning. I think that balance between formal and informal learning is one of the most valuable aspects of being an educator in today's digital world.

Reference

Dabbagh, N., & Kitsantas, A. (2012). Personal learning environments, social media, and self-regulated learning: A natural formula for connecting formal and informal learning. The Internet and Higher Education, 15(1), 3–8.