The following definition is based on my current understanding of informal learning as well as influenced by several readings from the course Art Education 814: Informal Learning at Penn State World Campus. 

 

Learning is the acquisition of knowledge and understanding by an individual. Although it may be achieved in various ways, it always takes place in the presence of a teacher, which may take form in a living or non-living thing. Likewise, teaching cannot exist unless learning is accomplished (Zürcher).

 

The teaching/learning process appears on a continuum of formalization. Formalization in education is its generalization and standardization by some authority. Ideal informal learning and teaching is not formalized, and therefore individualized. However, in general, informal learning and teaching can still occur along the continuum, having varying degrees of formalization (Zürcher).

 

In this definition of informal learning, the concept of place refers to the state created by the relationship between and individual and his or her surroundings (Jamieson 24). These places or "teachers" need not be tangible physical locations. They may be found within conversations, through inner dialogue provoked by an outside event, or--what is becoming increasingly more common--on the Internet. Online, individuals can learn both independently and socially, having a vast range of control over their own education. 

 

Informal learning, often spontaneous, experiential, and unplanned (Greenhow and Robelia 122) is both provoked and sustained by the will of the individual.  It is first observed and initiated as a spark of interest, occurring within one or more of the aforementioned places, be it home, work, school, conversation, community, media exploration, online and/or a seemingly infinite list or possibilities. The individual can then foster their own education by seeking out additional learning opportunities within any of these areas. At the most mature point of informal learning, individuals can move fluidly between these areas to create a state of self-perpetuated learning (Barron 200-201).

 

The process of teaching and learning is fully realized when an individual shares knowledge as an expression and continuation of their own education. 

 

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