The document summarizes a case study of a blended learning program for branch managers that utilized formal and informal learning approaches. The program went through several phases: needs assessment, setting objectives, program design including a syllabus and activities, and implementation using various technologies. It evaluated results and made recommendations. Barriers included buy-in from HR and IT challenges. The program promoted informal learning through activities like international conversations on Skype and simulations in a virtual classroom.

1. Blending Formal & Informal Learning: Utilizing New Technologies in the Workplace to Connect, Interact, and Sustain Learning by Buthaina Al-Othman Language Center, Kuwait University, Kuwait “ New Learning for Sustainability in the Arab Region” New Approaches for Informal Learning Alexandria Bibliotheca, Alexandria, Egypt Friday, August 31, 2007 IUCN – CEC - AB

3. What Is Learning? “ Learning can be defined formally as the act, process, or experience of gaining knowledge or skills. In contrast, memory can define the capacity of storing, retrieving, and acting on that knowledge. Learning helps us move from novices to experts and allows us to gain new knowledge and abilities”. (From How Adults Learn, by Marcia L. Conner )

5. Education is a social process; education is growth; education is not a preparation for life but is life itself. (John Dewey, 1859-1952)

8. http:// www.jaycross.com/informal_book/poster.htm @ 2006 Jay Cross, Internet Time Groups LLC, Berkeley, California The Big Picture Of Informal Learning

10. LEARNING:100% FORMAL: 20% INFORMAL: 80% Family Gathering Diwaniyah Coffee Break Courses Online Events Classrooms

11. Blending Formal & Informal learning approaches using new technologies to teach communications skills! Putting Theories into Action In Spring 2006 http://tinyurl.com/2gvprh A pilot ESP program for a group in the financial industry

13. Building a Collaborative Learning Community http://alothman-b.tripod.com/content-gb-e-community.htm

14. Connecting to Create a Network for Learning Sustainability & Professional Development

18. Different Learning Environments for Performance Support convenient for the busy manager Practicing various communication skills at different environments to support informal learning approach and have fun! Learning from one another

19. Syllabus http://alothman-b.tripod.com/content-gb-courseplan.htm

20. Using New Technologies to Create & Support Effective Learning Environments for voice messages and audio activities used as a CMS, for announcements, and to practice email writing, to practice collaborative group-writing for the final project to practice writing through reflection and sharing information

21. Using New Technologies to Create & Support Effective Learning Environments Delicious - social bookmarking, using the tag (gbk) Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Videoblog to shareand store video clips Blip.tv For formal and informal activities: lessons, meetings, discussions, presentations for voice & text instant messaging & international conversations

22. Examples of Performance Support Activities formal and informal learning situations: three participants were reflecting and reporting on a seminar using Elluminate

23. Promoting Informal learning through International Conversation Activities Live conversation with international educators using Skype (Venue: Awqaf Arab Development Institute) Barbara Sawhill Abeer Bouftain

24. Simulation Activities at the Virtual Classroom Performance support fun activities-(David Winet as Bill Gates  ) David Winet Bill Gates

25. Summary of Program Evaluation’s Results

26. Some Results of the Program Evaluation

29. The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change. (Carl Rogers) I think everyone should go to college and get a degree and then spend six months as a bartender and six months as a cabdriver. Then they would really be educated. ( Al MacGuire) Knowledge which is acquired under compulsion has no hold on the mind. ( Plato)

30. One Final Word! Things manage to work themselves out and nature has always confirmed that…. Change is happening; so, let’s let it be Time to Learn how to learn 