Distributed_Learning-InformalSettings

Informal and Leisure Time Settings
There is also an informal aspect to distributed learning; online gaming is a big example. The simplest example of distributed learning is looking up published cheat codes or gaming hints - even though it is a simple lookup, it is a form of anonymous asynchronous communication. And, the learner often has to engage some critical thinking skills in evaluating the veracity of the source, translate and visualize the instructions, and also decide when such codes are appropriate and when not to use them.

But the larger aspect of distributed learning occurs in multiplayer games. Some of the massively multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPG) like World of Warcraft, Second Life, Dark Age of Camelot, and others have an already established community of practice, and the only real way to learn is to jump in and learn from watching other players, finding allies to help with the concepts in a synchronous in-game activity, and of course go to asynchronous learning using fan forums and the like. This is also extending to gaming consoles with advent of things like X-Box Live or PlayStation Network, which allow the player to connect to others online while engaging in a video game experience that is separate from the traditional "computer in a darkened room" model.

These games have spawned whole communities of players who use the whole suite of web 2.0 tools to create tutorial videos, shared information, live video and audio connections, and cataloging of past tips, tricks, and ideas so that others may learn. No longer are gaming friends limited by geography - instead, gamers will spend large portions of their lives online with other gamers who have similar interests and experiences. Distributed location friendships often have the potential to last longer than traditional "carbon-based" friendships, as long as the common interests remain.

Finally - there is a segment of gaming that is oriented to simulating real world activities to the closest possible approximation. Simulators for high dollar and/or high risk activities such as flight simulators, driving simulators, and others bring a mix of people that would otherwise not have a chance to meet. For example, in online driving and racing simulators, real world race car drivers have used simulators to hone their skills while at the same time showing the armchair racers how it should be done, and giving the non-professionals a chance to learn to compete at a very high level.