If the title seems like another fictional word you need to learn in order to know the current IT trends and in case you are tired of such practice, after reading this blog it will be clear that you knew its meaning a long time ago and that you could create this phrase after a short reflection by yourself.
In the blogs you have had the opportunity to read so far, we talked about a large number of different details from the world of eLearning, modern technologies and everyday challenges we face as a society, and many of them emphasized one general dimension of the problematic topic. Today we will concretely approach one of the processes in online learning that we design for different teaching purposes.
In order to summarize the content that may interest you to further explore this topic, we have divided it into three different chapters, giving answers to simple questions.
What is Microlearning?
We do not have consensus about definitions for an increasing number of terms in the 21st century, while in parallel an increasing number of terms lose their unambiguity and some long-established formulations change their connotations. We could say that Microlearning is one of the standardized eLearning terms that denote learning processes by which we deliver information in small, rounded quantities in a concise and balanced way to quickly transfer knowledge through a classic story with an introduction, main and final message.
When it comes to time frame and "speed" parameters, a typical module can be completed within five minutes, but the lesson of some experts is that it is important to keep in mind that the content should be "as long as necessary, but presented as briefly as possible." (Shannon Tipton, Learning Rebels). Although, after focusing on responding to a clear problem within the module, its duration is naturally narrowed.
To simplify, we will say that almost anything can become a form of Microlearning. Watching a short video, reading a paragraph or part of a text, playfully learning through gamification, answering short quiz questions or simply writing your opinion or reflections on a given topic, depending on the target group and the age for which Microlearning is designed.
What are some of the most distinctive features of using this kind of learning?
- Time frame - Compared to long lectures lasting several hours, Microlearning is synonymous with constructively used time in learning with exact goals and ways of interpretation.
- Flexibility - There are no restrictions in terms of topics or areas that need to be instrumentalized in order to become teaching material, all for the purpose of training and education.
- Mobility - Microlearning is fully adaptable to different platforms and devices. Therefore, we are no longer limited to the use of computers, but we can start our learning anywhere and anytime, even on our mobile device.
- Personalized learning - This type of learning is a favorite in companies or courses because it easily adapts its scenario so that no one is deprived of the necessary knowledge, taking into account the specificity of the way that suits him best in such processes.
- Positive impact - Research proves that smaller parts of the material studied are presented in a concise and concrete way more easily memorized, understood and later fruitfully used.
What does it all look like?
Finally, we present a few examples of Microlearning.
TED Ed - Relying on their practice of publishing motivational, inspiring and scientific videos through their TED Talks platform, they successfully bring together some of the world's greatest thinkers, scientists and activists, all to promote additional, holistic and diverse knowledge.
iSpring Suite Tutorials - Specialized in the world of IT and providing answers to many questions in the form of problems faced by developers, designers and regular users of various programs, platforms and devices, while educating their audience according to their real needs.
DuoLingo - One of the most popular internet services for learning a large number of world languages. In a productive, methodologically proven and adaptable way, on this platform in a short time it is possible to make recognizable progress in terms of learning a foreign language.
