Mixing Formal and Informal Learning

The Dabbagh and Kitsantas article talks about Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) and their place in higher education.  The article discusses the differences in formal learning (courses) and informal learning (asking questions, searching Google, etc).  Researchers contend that 80% of what a person knows about their job happens through informal learning.  That's a pretty amazing statistic!

Obviously this class is a great mix of both worlds - formal and informal.  However, most college courses are still very structured and formal and do not allow learners to construct or use PLEs.  What are your thoughts on this?  Are higher education institutions out of touch with current trends?  What are your suggestions for blended learning?

Personally, I believe students should be guided by an instructor in a formal environment, but given more flexibility in choosing their learning path.  Students should be able to explore topics of their interest and collect and organize content as it relates to the overall learning goals of the course.  For example, a course on instructional design may require students to use a methodology to create a training course, but students are allowed to research different methodologies, share and compare them with peers, and then choose which methodology they prefer rather than a methodology being taught and then repeated by the student.  The instructor could provide feedback on their selection and execution of the methodology.  I believe I learn more when I try to find my own solutions.  How about you?