Non-Formal Learning Environments

Book Chapters

Schwier, R.A. (2012). Comparing formal, non-formal, and informal online learning environments. In J. Huett & L. Moller (Eds.). The next generation of education: Unconstrained learning (pp. 139–156). New York: Springer.

Schwier, R.A. (2011). The elusive metaphor of virtual learning communities. In G. Anglin (Ed.) Instructional technology: Past, present, future (3^rd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, CO: Libraries Unlimited. | abstract

Campbell, K., Kanuka, H., & Schwier, R.A. (2010). Investigating sociocultural issues in instructional design practice and research: The Singapore symposium. In E. Blanchard & Danièle Allard (Eds.), Handbook of research on culturally-aware information technology: Perspectives and models (pp. 49-73). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.

Papers in Refereed Journals

Schwier, R.A., & Seaton, J. (2013). Participation patterns in formal, non-formal, and informal online learning environments. Comparaison des modes de participation dans des environnements formels, non formels et informels d'apprentissage en ligne. Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology. 39(1), 1-15. | Full text

Daniel, B., & Schwier, R.A. (2010). Employing social network techniques to understand community engagement in a formal virtual learning community. International Journal of Virtual Communities and Social Networking, 2(4), 31-50. | abstract.

Schwier, R.A. (2010). Focusing educational technology research on informal learning environments. Contemporary Educational Technology, 1(1), 90-92. | full text

Refereed Conference Papers

Schwier, R.A., & Seaton, J. (2011, November). A comparison of participation patterns in selected formal, non-formal, and informal online learning environments. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Jacksonville, FL.

Schwier, R.A. (2010, July). Comparing learning communities in formal, non-formal and informal learning environments: Cattle drives, watering holes, and murders of crows. AECT 2010 Summer Research Symposium, Bloomington, Indiana.

Schwier, R.A. (2010, June). Thinning the walls of our classrooms: Inviting informal learners to join formal learning environments. Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Conference (STLHE 2010), Toronto, Ontario.

Schwier, R.A., Morrison, D., Koroluk, J., & Daniel, B.K. (2009, October). Participant engagement in a non-formal, self-directed and blended learning environment. Proceedings of E-Learn 2009, Vancouver, British Columbia, October, 2009. | full text | slides

Schwier, R.A., Morrison, D., & Daniel, B.K. (2009, April). A preliminary investigation of self-directed learning activities in a non-formal blended learning environment. Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association, San Diego, CA, April, 2009. | full text

Morrison, D., & Koroluk, J. (2009, June). Examining self-directed processes and virtual communities in non-formal learning environments: Methodological issues and solutions. Paper presented at m-ICTE2009, International Conference on Multimedia and ICT in Education. Lisbon, Portugal, June, 2009. | slides

Schwier, R.A., Morrison, D., & Daniel, B.K. (2008, March). A comparison of formal and non-formal virtual learning communities. In V. Uskov (Ed.), Proceedings the Seventh IASTED International Conference on Web-Based Education, Innsbruck, Austria (pp. 321-326). Calgary, AB: International Association of Science and Technology for Educational Development & ACTA Press. | full text

Morrison, D., Schwier, R., Kezema, K., Koroluk, J., Xu, X., & Daniel, B.K. (2008, November). Self-directed learning in non-formal learning communities. Presentation to the College of Education mini-Conference, University of Saskatchewan, November 15, 2008. | slides

Invited Presentations and Papers

Schwier, R.A. (2011, October). Connections and contexts. The birth, growth and death of online learning communities. Keynote address to E-Learn 2011, World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare & Higher Education, Honolulu, Hawaii.Schwier, R.A. (2011, February). The many faces of learning networks: Klatsches and communities. University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Schwier, R.A. (2011, January). New metaphors for online learning. EdTechTalk podcast. EdTech Weekly #181.

Schwier, R.A., & Koroluk, J. (2011). The conundrum of online discussions. Bridges, 9(3), 4-7.

Schwier, R.A. (2010, November). Open access publishing. Panel presentation for Information Technology Week, University of Saskatchewan (with David Fox, Jim Greer, Frank Klaassen, Roger Pierson).

Schwier, R.A. (2010, October). Los muchos rostros de las comunidades de aprendizaje (The many faces of learning communities). Keynote presentation to the Online Education Symposium 2.0, Guadalajara, Mexico.

Schwier, R.A. (2010, October). A conversation about research in open teaching and learning. Universidad Marista de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico.

Schwier, R.A. (2010, October). Research and development in online learning and virtual learning communities. Universidad de Guadalajara.

Schwier, R.A. (2009, June). Pursuing the elusive metaphor of learning community in formal and non-formal settings. Invited paper presented at ED-MEDIA 2009, Honolulu, Hawaii, June, 26, 2009. | full text | slides | recording