One fascinating but often overlooked concept in ubiquitous learning is Over-the-Shoulder Learning (OTSL). This refers to the process by which learners acquire knowledge not through formal instruction, but by observing the activities, problem-solving strategies, or digital interactions of others. Traditionally, this term comes from physical spaces: a student “looking over the shoulder” of a peer to see how they complete a task. In today’s digital world, OTSL has expanded into online environments, making it a powerful ubiquitous learning strategy.

At its core, OTSL embodies the social and informal dimensions of learning. Learners don’t need structured courses or assessments to gain insights—they can learn by watching tutorial videos, livestreams, or even browsing code repositories where others’ thought processes are embedded. This aligns with Bandura’s social learning theory (1977), which highlights observational learning as a cornerstone of human development.

Example in practice:
A strong example of digital OTSL can be found in platforms like Twitch and YouTube Live, where programmers, gamers, or artists broadcast their workflow. Viewers gain tacit knowledge by observing decisions in real-time, asking questions in chat, and even replicating the steps themselves. Similarly, in coding communities like GitHub, learners frequently review others’ code “over the shoulder,” picking up best practices that textbooks or formal classes might not capture.

This concept is particularly powerful for lifelong learners who want to upskill quickly by immersing themselves in authentic practices rather than relying solely on structured modules. It also benefits learners who may not have direct mentors but can still shadow experts virtually.

Resources for further exploration:

Bandura, A. (1977). Social Learning Theory. Google Books link.

Example of live coding: The Coding Train YouTube Channel