This Works: Informal Learning and Support Through Social Media

Hi everyone,

We often think of learning as something that happens in a classroom or through formal training, but sometimes, the most useful knowledge finds us when we just scroll through social media. Funny.

That is precisely what happened to me. After taking a formal course to improve my Microsoft Office skills, including Word and Excel, I stumbled upon Instagram accounts that offered quick, practical tips on the same tools. Short videos, engaging visuals, and real-world examples helped me grasp tasks I had not learned in my traditional course. Suddenly, formulas in Excel made more sense. Word formatting tricks became second nature. And hacks were learned in seconds, which enabled me to get faster in my daily activities.

It reminded me of how powerful informal learning can be. From my perspective, with its dynamic flow of content, social media makes knowledge feel like a river, smooth, accessible, and constantly moving. You learn at your own pace. You discover things that a rigid syllabus might overlook. And you feel supported, not by a teacher in front of the room, but by a community that shares because they want to help.

In this case, I would say that social media did not just work; it taught me in ways that formal learning did not. What do you think about it?


Have a great week!

The Great Gatsby.

Comments

  1. HBJuly 13, 2025 at 2:38 PM

    This is really interesting to think about from an instructional-design standpoint. The work that went into the design of your formal coursework clearly didn't resonate in the same way as the Instagram videos. Maybe the shorter format of the Instagram reels also helps it to feel more accessible and less overwhelming? Compared to being in a class, where you feel like you have a set time frame to learn everything you need to know.

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    Replies
    1. GatsbyJuly 16, 2025 at 8:19 PM

      Hi HB,

      You bring up such a great point about instructional design! I have been thinking a lot about how the format and tone of content shape our engagement. I would say that the Instagram Reels definitely felt more approachable, I mean, quick, visually engaging, and often focused on one practical tip at a time. In contrast, formal coursework, while valuable, can sometimes feel rigid or overwhelming, especially with deadlines and heavier content loads. I think you are right, there is something about the flexibility and “bite-sized” nature of informal learning that makes it easier to absorb and revisit when needed. It makes me wonder how we might bring some of that accessibility into more formal learning environments!

      All the best!

      Delete

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