7 Benefits Of Microlearning in Higher Education

Generation Z, born approximately between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, is marked by digital nativism, technological adeptness, and diverse perspectives. Growing up in the internet age, Gen Z is characterized by a strong inclination towards social activism, individual expression, and a preference for inclusive, interactive digital communication. Short, focused modules align with Gen Z’s preference for quick, accessible information. As Digital natives, they engage well with multimedia elements, fostering effective learning. Generation Z (Gen Z), with its tech-savvy nature, have different learning preferences. Microlearning in higher education is becoming popular.

What is the Role of Microlearning in Higher Education?

Microlearning caters to the on-the-go lifestyle, promoting flexibility and accommodating their desire for personalized, bite-sized educational experiences.

Microlearning in higher education refers to the practice of delivering educational content in small, focused modules that are easily digestible by students. It involves breaking down complex topics into bite-sized pieces, allowing learners to engage with the material in short bursts.

Microlearning is gaining attention in higher education due to its numerous benefits. It has been found to increase learning and retention of course material by 18%.

Microlearning – Features

The duration of microlearning modules can vary based on the specific learning objectives, content, and delivery method. The key is to keep the modules concise, engaging and focused on specific learning outcomes.

• Microlearning modules are usually designed to be less than 20 minutes long, with a single learning objective or topic.
• Microlearning sessions can last for just one, two, five, or ten minutes, providing learners with concise bursts of information.
• Microlearning videos and talks are typically fast and easy to digest, allowing learners to quickly acquire knowledge.
• Branching scenarios, a type of microlearning activity, are generally 5-15 minutes long.
• The goal of microlearning is to deliver a complete learning experience in short bursts, rather than simply carving out a small chunk from a longer training module.
• The focus of microlearning is on delivering information in smaller pieces that can be easily received, sorted, and stored by the brain without losing focus or multitasking.

What is the Difference Between Microlearning and Traditional Learning?

Microlearning is a supplement to traditional teaching methods, not their replacement. 

• Higher education still benefits from lectures and textbooks, but microlearning may make them even more effective. 
• Schools may give their students a more personalized and interesting learning experience by offering a range of learning styles. 
• Microlearning can occasionally take the place of regular lectures, which are frequently tiresome and lengthy. Alternatively, lectures can be divided into smaller, more digestible chunks so that students can learn the material more actively. 
• In similar ways, written materials such as textbooks can be simplified into shorter, more concentrated chunks of information, which facilitates reading and comprehension.

7 Benefits Of Microlearning in Higher Education

Microlearning, a teaching approach offers several benefits for higher education. Here are seven unexpected advantages of microlearning:

1. Improved Engagement:

Microlearning modules, being short and targeted, engage learners better by addressing specific learning objectives. Learners can quickly go through the content without feeling fatigued, leading to increased engagement.

2. Enhanced Retention:

Microlearning’s short duration and focused nature align with the brain’s working memory capacity, resulting in better retention of concepts. Learners can easily revisit and review the modules, reinforcing their understanding.

3. Personalized Learning:

Unlike traditional education, microlearning allows customization based on individual students’ needs and skill levels. This personalized approach ensures that students don’t waste time on content they already know, leading to more efficient learning.

4. Time Efficiency:

Microlearning can be developed three times faster than traditional learning methods. Its concise format allows learners to complete courses quickly, saving time for other academic pursuits.

5. Cost-Effectiveness:

Compared to traditional learning, microlearning requires 50% less development cost. Its shorter duration and focused content reduce the resources needed for course creation.

6. Flexibility and Accessibility:

Microlearning can be accessed on various devices, making it flexible and accessible for learners. Its mobile-ready format allows students to learn anytime and anywhere, accommodating their busy schedules.

7. Targeted Skill Development:

Microlearning is ideal for teaching niche skills that are relevant to specific tasks or areas of expertise. It allows learners to focus on acquiring specific knowledge without the need to learn unrelated information, making it efficient and effective for skill development.

Microlearning – Steps

It is not as difficult to apply this approach as it may seem. The steps needed to create content using a microlearning technique are:

1. Decide on the subject of study.
2. Specify the goal.
3. Select the media (text, video, audio, etc.).
4. Use templates to organise the ideas.
5. Choose and produce the material and any scripts that are required.
6. Upload or send the content to the students.

Also Read:

• How to help new-age students learn and retain information better?
• 6 Educational Technology Trends That Will Have A Major Impact In 2024

Implementation of Microlearning

1. Incorporate Technology into the Learning Process: Learning Management Systems (LMS) are already used by schools for delivering online course materials.  By integrating microlearning into these platforms schools may design brief, interactive courses that students can finish on their own. This enables a more customized and adaptable learning environment that can be adjusted to meet the needs of every student.
2. Incorporate Microlearning into the Classroom Setting: Teachers can divide lectures into manageable chunks and include interactive tests and exercises to keep students interested and encourage active learning. Condensing standard textbooks and written materials into shorter, more concentrated sections of information can also improve their accessibility and comprehension for students.

Devices to Access Microlearning

The accessibility of microlearning across multiple devices ensures that students can engage with the content in a way that suits their preferences and learning styles. Microlearning can be accessed on various devices, including:

Computers: Microlearning modules can be accessed on desktop or laptop computers, allowing students to engage with the content using a larger screen and full keyboard functionality.

Mobile Devices: Microlearning is designed to be mobile-friendly, allowing students to access the content on smartphones and tablets. This flexibility enables them to learn on the go and at their convenience.

Tablets: Tablets provide a larger screen size compared to smartphones, offering a more immersive learning experience for microlearning modules.

Smartphones: Microlearning is particularly well-suited for smartphones due to their portability and ubiquity. Students can access microlearning modules anytime, anywhere, making it convenient for quick learning sessions.

Conclusion

By incorporating microlearning into higher education, institutions can create a more engaging, personalized, and efficient learning environment. It promotes better retention, saves time and resources, and enables students to acquire targeted skills. Embracing microlearning can enhance the overall learning experience for students in higher education.