Assessment 1: Online Community Scan

Patrick Fernandez

New Jersey City University

EDTC 816 Advanced Building Online Communities
Spring 2024
 Introduction
My dissertation will look to examine the connections between online communities and informal
learning. Informal learning is broadly defined as learning that occurs outside of formal learning
settings; such as schools, work places, offices, training programs, ect. Characteristics
associated with informal learning can vary but have been described as; self paced, self driven,
asynchronous, unstructured or organic.

Hobbies or recreational activities make a perfect medium for highlighting the connections
between online communities and informal learning. Examples can include learning beekeeping,
candlemaking, crocheting, gardening, cooking, meditation, exercise, ect.

The online annotated webliography below will serve to highlight where online communities exist
and intersect with informal learning. For purposes of this activity I will cite one specific informal
learning community; the how to read tarot cards community. However, the list can be made
applicable to other hobbies or activities like those mentioned above.

Annotated Webliography
Instagram
For the person looking for visuals, this is the app. Widely used social media that allows people
to search hobbies with hashtags, like pictures, videos or live streams of people sharing content
about their interests. The algorithm will take care of the rest and curate your feed and
recommend similar content. For a person looking to learn a hobby, there is plenty of content in
the forms of picture posts with descriptions or video tutorials. Learners can follow and connect
with others in their community if they desire. Even share what they learn via content or
messaging.

Examples
@biddytarot 156k followers
Considered “The #1 Online Tarot Education Source”. Uses visual posts to offer insight
into the meaning of tarot cards. Provides links to future informative material and sites.

@persephonessister 45k followers

Also uses visual posts and descriptions. More representative of an average content
creator in the space.

@hothighpriestess 510k followers

Account wouldn’t be considered as educational as the first two; although she offers
workshops on how to read tarot. Content is not intended to be educational but serves as
an example of what tarot readings look like. Has varied content both personal and
diverse interests which could explain a larger following.

TikTok
Widely known much like Instagram. In recent marketing campaigns it has even marked itself as
the place to go for informal learning. Operates very similarly to Instagram but relies on short
form video tutorials rather than offering still photos. Algorithms tailors very specific content, for a
person looking to learn more about just about anything.

Examples
 @kate.vanhorn 109k followers
Example of a Tarot Card reader who informs users about the interpretation and meaning
of cards for educational purposes. Uses hashtags like #tarotschool #tarotforbeginners

@divinekelsey 464k followers

Content serves as example

@almeds.tarot 317k followers

Content serves as example in spanish language

@hothighpriestess 2.1M followers

Content serves as example, larger account, diverse content

Reddit
Web based app which serves as an open forum for users to discuss basically any topic in
subreddits, anonymously. Can serve as a conversation space or resource bank.

Example
https://www.reddit.com/r/tarot/ 343k members
Described as a space “For tarot enthusiasts of all experience levels and belief systems.
Beginners, professionals and skeptics welcome! Discuss the history of tarot cards,
oracle cards, lenormand, and other cartomancy systems; learn theory, compare reading
techniques, and more.”

Youtube
You can argue this platform educates more people than universities. Also markets itself as the
place to go to learn. We’ve all used it at some point in our lives and typed in “How to ____.”
Often a search on here is the gateway to learning something and is often the first reference to
learning something. Videos vary in length and tutorials are plentiful here. Hashtags can also be
used on this platform although not as often used as instagram and tiktok. Users can subscribe
to pages they find helpful.

Examples:
@Tarot Shop UK 18k subscribers
Described as “We post Tutorials (tarot basics for beginners), unboxing videos to take a
peek inside (both old and new decks to give you a broad view)”
Comprehensive Tutorial 527k views

@BronxWitch 17k subscribers

Described as “On this channel you will find episodes of BetterWitch podcast, behind the
scenes videos of my life as a working witch and educational videos on Wicca, witchcraft,
tarot and more!”

Pinterest
A visual social media platform which allows users to “pin” reference material. Often it's where
you will find visuals in the form of pictures, artwork or infographics. Material can be searched
and saved (pinned) on a board. For some hobbies this can be a great platform for inspiration or
ideas.

Examples:
@dwellinmagic 72k followers, 1M monthly views
 Contain reference material like effective tarot questions or types of spreads. Diverse
material aside from tarot could explain large views and follows

@tarotluv 27.5k followers, 1.2M monthly views

Showcases the art/visual component

Stan
This platform could be considered the Amazon of informal courses. Given informal learning can
be self paced, this platform can be used by anyone to either share their knowledge on any
subject or enroll in a course to learn more about their interests. On the informal learning
continuum this learning is much more intentional and organized than a social media video.
However if youtube is the gateway, Stan might be where someone may want to go to expand
their knowledge on a given subject.

Website Stan.store
About

ThriveCart
This platform can be used in the same way as Stan. However its business model and user base
is much more formal. It has some of the same functions as Stan but less content which would
be attractive to someone looking to gain insight on a recreational activity or hobby.

Website Thrivecart.com

Spotify (Podcasts)
Platform known for its audio collection; it contains a variety of podcasts. For the informal learner
looking to expand their knowledge on a podcast which may give advice or tips on a given topic
this can be helpful. Given its an audio medium some hobbies may be more applicable to
learning than others. Nonetheless, discussing any topic of interest can still lead to expanding
your knowledge base.

Examples:
The Biddy Tarot Podcast *
Bridit Esselmont aka @biddytarot describes her podcast as the place where she and
guests can provide help whether you are looking to become a professional tarot reader
or just want to improve your skills.
*Podcast is available across various platforms and exact subscription/follow numbers are
unknown but claims of 2M downloads are reported on podcast website.

The Tarot Diagnosis *

Example of a podcast that is less “How to…” or educational but contributes knowledge to
the topic and community aspect of the hobby/activity.
*Exact subscription/follow numbers are unknown but ranks highly in charts.

Discord
This platform can function well with some informal learning communities as a channel for
communication for information on some topics. Functions similar to Reddit with its open forum
and is built like Slack which is used in formal office settings. Much like Reddit and Slack
members of some online communities can use hashtags and join servers dedicated to their
specific virtual community. Some communities are public, while others are private and invite
only.
Examples
Melysid Tarot & Astroloji 21k members
Turkish Server, all things Tarot and astrology

Celestial Astrology 1.7k members

Public server dedicated to vedic and western astrology as well as numerology and tarot
reading

Digital Magazines
Magazines have always been a medium that has led to informal learning. Print media and
magazines are not as big as they used to be but they have moved to digital formats now, across
various platforms as the ones mentioned above. Depending on the hobby or recreational
activity, magazines could still be useful for tip, advice or general commentary on a topic.

Examples:
Total Tarot Magazine *
Described as a guide for mastering the art of Tarot.
*Subscribers or readers unknown but 2.2k Followers on Instagram

Cosmopolitan *
Popular magazine that describes itself as “Your source for the latest sex tips, celebrity
news, dating and relationship help, beauty tutorials, fashion trends, and more”
How to Article
*4.3 Followers on Instagram