A defined learning experience (DLE) may be formal, such as offered by institutions. Or a DLE may be informal, such as the MOOC model for training, professional development, and learning centered on learner interests and goals.
Learning circles, run much like a book club, are described in this article as an informal learning approach to bring groups together to take free online courses in a library or anywhere where a facilitator can help learners pursue learning goals. The facilitator is not considered a content expert.
Learning Circles add a social element to what is otherwise a solitary learning experience by bringing people together in person to take an online course together over six to eight weeks, with the help of a facilitator. Librarians at Chicago Public Library (CPL) partnered with the nonprofit Peer 2 Peer University (P2PU) to make online education more accessible through this program.
http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2016/04/25/online-learning-why-libraries-could-be-the-key-to-moocs-success/