Microlearning and its Use in Education
Author: Lucie Brzáková
Published: 03/07/2023
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, microlearning has emerged as a powerful tool to transform the way we learn and acquire knowledge. With its bite-sized, focused approach, microlearning offers learners the flexibility to access concise learning modules anytime and anywhere. Leveraging advancements in technology and catering to individual needs, microlearning has the potential to revolutionize education by providing personalized and adaptive learning experiences. This article explores the use of microlearning in education, examining its benefits, applications, and future implications in enhancing learning outcomes and preparing learners for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Although Microlearning is not new abroad, the Czech environment is only now discovering it. It is spoken of as a new trend in corporate education. However, we do not have to limit ourselves to the corporate sphere, microlearning is applicable across all areas of education.
Microlearning can be seen as breaking down learning into small learning chunks that only take a few minutes to study (usually 2-5). These educational “breadcrumbs” are designed to cover a specific educational need (for example, to introduce new functionality of a product).
Microlearning can be designed formally, but we often find it in the informal learning field. In fact, this new phenomenon can be incorporated into everyday learning activities, not only in the workplace. Microlearning can easily be used on websites or social networks to break out of the realm of traditional formal education.
Microlearning typically uses a range of multimedia formats adapted for use on different types of devices (especially mobile phones and tablets). This makes the learning format easily accessible, takes a short time to learn and allows the learner to use the knowledge gained immediately.
The most common format for microlearning is therefore short texts or videos. They have a clearly defined structure and a time span limited to just a few minutes. Subsequently, we can include additional, expanding videos that gradually develop the topic, creating comprehensive learning packages. However, the whole always needs to be broken down into small, easily digestible parts.
An example of microlearning is the How to Angry Customer course, which takes no more than a few minutes to study. This course is part of a larger number of small courses designed to prepare call centre workers for their not often easy jobs.
So what are its benefits?
Benefits for Learners:
Learner-oriented
In microlearning, the learner is in the lead. The learner is in control of their studies and learning plan. They determine what they study now and what they skips (and maybe return to in the future). This way, we do not put barriers to the different learning styles and learning pace of the learner
Available at the Right Time
This is where I see one of the biggest benefits for the student. Educational breadcrumbs are available to learners when they really need them. They don’t have to study anything ahead of time (and then manage to forget). Just offer learners these short educational materials and let them study when they need the knowledge.
Accessible
Microlearning can be optimized for multiple device types – from traditional computers to tablets to smartphones. This gives learners the flexibility to study on the device of their choice.
Time Saving
There’s no time to waste. We all know it. There’s no need to study a comprehensive, multi-hour course when only a specific part of it it needed.
Benefits for the Provider:
Cheaper
Because of its short scope, microlearning tends to be less expensive to create than a traditional e-learning course.
Faster to Create
The time required to create a microlearning course is usually shorter than creating a traditional course.
Easier to update
In the case of an update, we can edit, for example, only a single video that exists clearly separated from the others. This makes any updates easier.
Wide Use
Microlearning can be used in a regular e-learning system as well as on a company’s social media, in company emailing or as part of an intranet. You can use the educational “crumbs” on their own or as part of larger courses.
Educational Efficiency
Microlearning is narrowly focused on a specific goal. This allows us to tailor its content to meet our exact expectations – and remove anything superfluous. It is thus a very effective form of information transfer.
Microlearning in Elementary Schools
Microlearning can be effectively used in elementary schools to enhance learning experiences and improve student engagement. This approach can be implement in several ways:
Bite-sized Lessons
Complex topics can be broken down into bite-sized lessons or modules. Each module can focus on a specific learning objective or concept, making it easier for students to grasp and retain information.
Multimedia Content
Multimedia elements such as videos, interactive quizzes, animations, or infographics can be incorporated into microlearning modules. These elements can enhance student engagement and cater to different learning styles.
Gamification
Gamification of microlearning by incorporating game-based elements such as points, badges, or leaderboards can motivate students to participate actively and achieve learning goals.
Personalized Learning
Microlearning can be used to provide personalized learning experiences. Students can access modules based on their individual needs, progress at their own pace, and receive immediate feedback on their performance.
Reinforcement and Revision
Microlearning is excellent to reinforce previously learned concepts and facilitate revision. Short review modules can be provided to help pupils consolidate their knowledge and retain information over time.
Mobile Learning
Mobile devices and apps are probably the best means to deliver microlearning content. Mobile compatibility allows pupils to access learning materials anytime, anywhere, making it convenient for both in-class and independent learning.
Just-in-Time Learning
Microlessons provide quick and accessible resources to support just-in-time learning. Students can access relevant information or resources whenever they encounter a specific problem or need clarification on a particular topic
Micro-assessments
Short quizzes, assessments, or interactive activities within microlearning modules emphasise student understanding and progress. These assessments can provide immediate feedback and help identify areas that require further attention.
Collaborative Learning
Microlearning activities can help foster collaboration and peer interaction. Students can engage in group discussions, share resources, or collaborate on short projects within the microlearning environment.
Learning Support and Remediation
Microlearning can be used also as a tool to provide additional support and remediation for students who may require extra help in specific areas. Tailored microlearning modules can be designed to address individual learning gaps or challenges.
It’s important to note that while microlearning can be a valuable approach in elementary schools, it should be integrated strategically with other teaching methods and aligned with curriculum goals. The selection of appropriate microlearning strategies should consider the age, developmental stage, and specific learning objectives of the students.
Micro-learning in Vocational Schools
While many of the principles and benefits of microlearning apply to vocational schools, there are some specific considerations to keep in mind when implementing microlearning in vocational education:
Relevance to Vocational Skills
Microlearning modules in vocational schools should be directly relevant to the specific skills and competences that students need to develop for their chosen vocational careers. The content should align with industry requirements and focus on practical, job-specific knowledge and skills.
Authentic Simulations and Scenarios
Microlessons should incorporate authentic simulations and scenarios that mirror real-world vocational situations. This allows students to apply their knowledge in context, develop problem-solving abilities, and enhance their vocational skills through practical exercises.
Technical and Hands-on Content
Vocational education often involves hands-on training and technical skills development. Microlearning in vocational schools can include instructional videos, step-by-step demonstrations, interactive simulations, or virtual reality experiences to provide practical guidance and support skill acquisition.
Industry Standards and Regulations
Microlearning content in vocational schools should align with industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols. This helps students understand and adhere to industry best practices and prepares them for the workplace.
Integration with Work-Based Learning
Microlearning can complement work-based learning experiences in vocational schools. It can provide students with supplemental resources, refreshers, or just-in-time support to enhance their understanding and performance during practical training or apprenticeships.
Certification and Badging
Integrating micro-certification or badging within the microlearning modules allows students to earn digital credentials for specific vocational skills or competencies they have acquired, validating their achievements and enhancing their employability.
Collaboration and Feedback
Collaboration among vocational students through microlearning activities can involve peer-to-peer discussions, sharing of experiences, or collaborative problem-solving exercises that mimic real workplace scenarios. Providing feedback on student performance and progress is also essential for improvement and growth.
Continuous Professional Development
Microlearning can support ongoing professional development for vocational teachers and trainers. It can provide them with easily accessible resources, updates on industry trends, and opportunities to enhance their instructional methods and techniques.
Remember to align the implementation of microlearning in vocational schools with the specific needs, requirements, and regulations of vocational education programs and industries. Adapting microlearning strategies to the vocational context can help maximize its effectiveness in skill development and prepare students for successful careers in their chosen fields.
The Future of Microlearning
The future of microlearning holds great promise and is poised to evolve further as an effective approach to learning. It will become increasingly adaptive and personalized, leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. By analyzing learner data, systems will be able to deliver customized microlearning experiences tailored to individual needs. Mobile platforms and apps will play a larger role in delivering microlearning, granting learners access to concise and relevant learning modules at any time and from any location.
Microlearning will continue to be instrumental in the development of specific skills and competences, effectively addressing the ever-changing demands of industries and supporting lifelong learning. In vocational and technical education, incorporating elements like gamification, interactive simulations, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) will amplify engagement and foster dynamic learning environments.
Microlearning will also serve as a valuable performance support tool, providing learners with timely resources and job aids to tackle immediate challenges and bridge knowledge gaps. Enhanced analytics and assessment mechanisms will enable accurate tracking of learner progress, measuring learning outcomes, and offering insights for instructional improvement.
Seamless integration of microlearning into broader learning ecosystems will facilitate a holistic and blended learning experience, connecting with other learning modalities. Continuous professional development will also benefit from microlearning, providing educators, trainers, and professionals with accessible and up-to-date resources to stay abreast of emerging trends and evolving knowledge domains.
These trends underscore microlearning’s ability to adapt to learners’ needs, leverage technological advancements, and meet the demands of the modern workplace. Its flexibility and bite-sized format make it well-suited for the fast-paced and digitally-driven learning landscape of the future.
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