What lessons can we learn from social media?

A significant shift in education is underway, especially adult education which is being driven by the increasing use of informal online platforms such as YouTube, social media and emerging technologies like AI. The Learning and Work Institute’s (L&W) latest annual survey has shed light on this transformation, revealing that more adults than ever are engaging in learning through informal channels, with online video platforms like YouTube and TikTok leading the change.

The L&W survey interviewed 5,000 adults this year about their learning habits, motivations and the benefits they reap from their educational experiences. One of the most notable findings is the dramatic rise in online learning. Since the pandemic, the amount of adults who primarily learn online has jumped from 47% to 63%. Of those, 46% used platforms like YouTube and TikTok for educational content, 40% completed online assessments, 38% engaged with email-based learning, and 24% turned to social media platforms such as Instagram.

TikTok has emerged as a particularly powerful tool for learning, especially in fields like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). The platforms and engaging videos make it easy for users to consume educational content on a variety of subjects. TikTok’s STEM feed, which includes everything from coding tutorials to revision help has seen massive growth. Its algorithmic approach ensures that users are exposed to content tailored to their learning needs.

Despite the surge in informal learning, formal educational participation has declined. Only 33% of adults engaged in formal education settings such as college courses or community learning programmes in 2023, compared to 43% in 2019. This highlights a significant change in how adults approach learning, with more people opting for flexible, self-directed learning opportunities online.

How informal learning is reshaping adult education 

While the rise in informal learning is seen as a positive development, experts from L&W caution that it should not replace formal educational pathways altogether. L&W’s Chief Executive Stephan Evans emphasised the importance of providing routes to more structured and accredited learning for those who want to further their education and their career prospects.

 The benefits of informal learning go beyond just acquiring knowledge. It can be enjoyable, increase confidence and serve as a hook for individuals to progress in more formal learning. L&W Deputy Director Emily Jones noted that many people start through formal avenues.

The challenge of funding and access

Despite the growing demand for adult education,funding remains a major barrier. With learning and skills in England funding decreasing by £1 billion, a trend that threatens to limit access to formal education for many adults. According to Jones, while informal learning provides immediate benefits, it often lacks the structure and accreditation needed for long-term career advancement. Without more investment in formal learning opportunities, adults may miss out on the advantages that accredited education can offer.

The future of lifelong learning

Looking ahead we hope that organisations such as Skills England will focus on improving access to formal learning opportunities for all adults. The institute has pointed to Wales’ new tertiary education body, Medr, as a potential model for creating a more unified and accessible system of education. In England, the Lifelong Learning Entitlement programme, which offers modular courses at higher levels, could be expanded to include lower levels, helping to address the needs of a broader range of learners.

As the landscape of adult education continues to evolve, informal learning platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and other digital tools will play an increasingly important role. However, balancing these informal opportunities with accessible, accredited educational pathways will be crucial in ensuring that adults can continue to develop new skills and advance in their careers. This is where apprenticeships and short courses come into play—they offer structured learning paths that can be pursued at any age, allowing individuals to gain practical skills and formal qualifications that directly support career growth. These options not only bridge the gap between informal and formal learning but also emphasise that it’s never too late to invest in personal and professional development.

The role of providers in this educational evolution is critical. As facilitators, we’re responsible for helping learners harness the skills and insights these platforms offer. Our focus is on creating training solutions that fit into both the lives of individuals and the specific demands of their roles in the workforce. Our flexible approach allows learners to engage with materials in ways that best suit their needs, creating a seamless learning experience that feels more like a natural extension of their work or interests than a formal learning process.

Providers are also positioned to ensure that informal learning serves as a gateway to more structured, formal education for those who seek it. By offering adaptable, role-specific training that supports individual goals and aligns with business needs, we can help learners gain valuable skills while fostering confidence and curiosity. Whether through apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps, or short courses, these programmes provide flexible pathways for adults at any stage in their career, encouraging growth and development across industries.

Ultimately, informal learning methods allow adults of all ages to build their skill sets on their terms, making learning an accessible, enjoyable, and ongoing part of life.

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