I would like to discuss the definitions and interaction of three terms: ubiquitous learning, informal learning and workplace learning.

According to Kinshuk, Graf S. (2012), ubiquitous learning can be defined as an everyday learning environment that is supported by mobile and embedded computers and wireless networks in our everyday life (Ogata et al. 2009). It is aimed to provide learners with content and interaction anytime and anywhere (Hwang et al. 2008). The learning process includes the real-life experience augmented with virtual information and is adapted to the learner and learner’s environment.

According to Hager P.J. (2012), informal learning is usually defined by those particular features that it lacks in relation to formal learning. The concept of formal learning usually includes three necessary features: (i) A specified curriculum; (ii) Taught by a designated teacher or group of teachers: and (iii) With the learning attainments of individual learners being assessed and certified in some way. In his definition, informal learning can be a synonym of workplace learning. However, I think these are two related but different concepts.

According to Billett S. (2012), the term workplace learning usually refers to the processes of learning through and for engaging in paid employment: on-the-job learning or learning through work. As a term, workplace learning emphasizes that particular contributions to individuals’ learning provided and secured through engaging in work activities and interactions within workplaces or work practices. These contributions are often taken as being of a different kind than those accessible through participating in educational institutions.

If we analyze these definitions, first, we find that ubiquitous learning has two main characteristics, it happens anywhere, anytime, and it relies on technology to facilitate the learning process. Informal learning can happen anytime, anywhere, but it may or may not happen with the support of technology. So this means that not all informal learning is ubiquitous and vice versa. Second, workplace learning is one type of informal learning. Probably, informal learning is the most common type of workplace learning, in the sense that it happens almost inevitably when a worker starts a new job, a new project or is asked to perform a new task. However, workplace learning can also happen in a more formal context with an instructor such as an induction course or any training with a structured curriculum. For example, employers currently use technology to deploy HR resources such as “Ethics at the workplace” or “managing social media” in a way that workers can access the short training anytime, anywhere. It is not formal in the sense of having a portable certification outside the organization, but is a mandatory training all workers must take, and there is a “certificate” at the end of the course. In sum, these terms overlap, but they are different concepts. Finally, workplace learning can happen with or without the support of technology, so again these two terms do not fully overlap.