Online Learning in Higher Education: The Promise of Negotiated and Informal Learning Environments

Until very recently, most online learning experiences and research related to them has focused on formal courses or learning experiences strictly associated with an institution for higher education. More recent movements in mobile technology are enabling opportunities to grow for negotiated and informal online learning afforded by the latest innovations and ever-increasing access to information. An overall framework for negotiated and informal online learning is presented. Specific examples based on a recent research study exploring the use of mobile technology by third year medical students are presented to illustrate negotiated and informal online learning. Implications and recommendations for practice and research are presented.