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Mobile collaboration empowers employees to connect with others, share experiences and solve workplace challenges collaboratively. With mobile platform, real-time communication, peer feedback and social constructivist learning are now possible even when employees are in different locations or departments.
Before diving into the mobile collaborative learning in workplace, it is important to first understand how learning happens in workplace, particularly how collaborative learning take place.
How Learning Happens in the Workplace
Similar to student learning, workplace learning also occurs formally and informally, As Emma (2025) describes, "Formal and informal learning are two opposing learning styles. One is pragmatic and organized. The other, casual and unstructured." In this OER, we will focus on current mobile collaborative learning, how they shift collaborative learning dynamics, redefine the roles of learning designers and learners, and hopefully can inspire meaningful reflection on current and future employee learning activities.
According to "Defining Workplace Learning" (Cacciattolo, 2015), 80% of workplace learning is informal, which includes self-directed learning and work-related interactions. Examples of these types of learning are outlined in the below comparison table. Learning is a dynamic process that occurs between "individual" and "collectives", often supported by learning intervention.
Typical learning intervention includes "in-house training", "experience-based learning opportunities" and training coaching and mentoring, and continuous learning (Silverman, 2003).
Experience-based learning often happened informally and unaware, making it difficult to measure and supported, it usually happened in day-to-day tasks.
Formal Learning
Formal learning strategies include face-to-face sessions, online training and blended learning, they are always supported by LMS platforms, webinars and seminars. It is also instructor-led to ensure employees follow a standard curriculum and assessed accordingly. This structured approach allows employees to experience streamlined, efficient learning to acquire skill, compliance-related and professional learning. Examples of formal learning include "Compliance training", "New Hire Orientation", "Product Training" (Emma, 2025).
Collaborative learning is often integrated into structuralized formal learning to facilitate learning. Mobile applications and functions are encouraged to enhance engagement. For example, using Zoom's breakout rooms for group discussions in online learning, using Padlet for groups to co-create in face-to-face workshops.
This video tutorial captures the essence of successful formal training, emphasising SMART goal setting, training materials, checklists, timelines and budget proposals. These curated, instructor-led activities form the backbone of formal learning. In the following section, we will explore few commonly used digital applications that facilitate collaboration in formal learning.
Informal Learning
Informal learning occurs outside formal curricula and guidelines. It is varied, spontaneous and sometimes unconscious. It can happen through conversations with co-workers, mentoring, reading online self-directed learning resources, and problem-solving in the projects (Pradnya, 2025). Employees learn by observating others, sharing from colleagues in the meetings or chat apps. Informal learning leverages various workplace applications, and social networking tools, such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, Linkedin and Whatsapp. In the following section, we will also explore how these tools encourage informal learning.
This interview highlights that although it would be an uphill battle to measure informal learning, informal learning is much more important than formal learning in certain extent. Therefore, how to facilitate informal collaborative learning among employees is also an important topic for organisations if they want to promote learning environment.
Mini Conclusion
Workplace collaboration and learning are no longer only confined to offices or workshops, it happens in virtual spaces as well. For structuralized formal learning, collaborative LMS platforms encourage employees to learn collaboratively through topic-based discussions. Tools like Mentimeter, Padlet, Miro, Kahoot! are widely used in both online learning and face-to-face workshops. These tools not only facilitate collaboration and co-creation but also gamify the learning experience.
With thoughtful instructional design, employees today can enjoy collaborative and engaging learning experience with peers and mentors, and apply new knowledge directly in their work environment.
For spontaneous and informal learning, it usually happens in daily work challenges, social interactions or self-directed learning. Mobile applications such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, Linkedin are common sources of informal learning. Online communities, meetings and threaded conversations serve as social learning tools that create rich informal learning opportunities.
References
Cacciattolo, K. (2015). DEFINING WORKPLACE LEARNING. European Scientific Journal ESJ, 11(10). https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Karen_Cacciattolo/publication/277206749_Defining_Workplace_Learning/links/5602d74a08ae596d2591b743.pdf
Emma. (2025, April 1). Formal vs Informal Learning: What’s the Difference? LearnUpon. https://www.learnupon.com/blog/formal-and-informal-learning/
Kim, J. (2023). Why the Future of Adult Learning Is Mobile Learning. Inside Higher Ed.
Silverman, M. (2003) Supporting Workplace Learning: A background paper for IES Research Network Members, The Institute for Employment Studies.
Pradnya. (2025, August 14). Formal vs. Informal Learning in the Workplace | Paradiso Solutions. Paradiso eLearning Blog. https://www.paradisosolutions.com/blog/formal-vs-informal-learning-in-the-workplace/
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