I have an update on my findings regarding my free Inquiry topic of Microlearning. I have researched what Microlearning is and what platforms are used to distribute the learning. I have also looked at the benefits of Microlearning and how they compare to traditional learning.
Look at my last post for my original plan and what I researched last week!
What is Microlearning?
Microlearning is a teaching approach that delivers content in short clips, passages, and other formats, ranging from 2 to 10 minutes. It is delivered through videos, social media, quizzes, and infographics, which are highly relevant to what current generations use daily on their mobile devices.
Some platforms help facilitate the engagement and rise of Microlearning, including Duolingo, TikTok videos, YouTube clips (such as TED Talks), Instagram Reels, and Khan Academy’s short lessons. All of these platforms are examples of Microlearning in today’s society.
Microlearning Examples
Microlearning can occur in many different ways! This video explains 4 examples of microlearning that are used today!
1: Infographic: This could include visual charts, posters, maps, or timelines.
2 : Videos: This could be a YouTube video, a Tiktok video or an Instagram reel!
3: Short Scrolling Pages: This could include apps with information pages divided by categories of knowledge.
4: Quizzes – This could include a google form quiz or a kahoot!
Benefits of Microlearning
After researching Microlearning and more specifically its benefits I have further narrowed down my topic by exploring my personal interests and questions related to it.
I have begun exploring the rise of Microlearning and whether it is something that can compete with traditional education. After researching the benefits I am intrigued by the level of student content retention and how It compares to traditional learning in terms of student attention spans.
My plan was to further narrow down my topic depending on my interests around the topic, after looking through the benefits of microlearning in comparison to traditional learning I have gained an interest in learning about student retention and attention span. I plan to further research these benefits and how they relate to traditional learning, as well as relate on my own personal experiences of learning.
Hello Ella!
I have heard of microlearning before but haven’t ever thought of trying to apply it to teaching students in schools. I am wondering how that would be possible to deliver the short-form pieces of education on a subject when there are so many hours of teaching a day. Like you, I am also curious about the retention and attention span of students (and myself to be honest) as I find an increase in shortened attention spans generally. I honestly can’t tell yet whether the shortened attention spans will benefit or harm students and society as a whole, as I know that boredom is seldom felt in today’s climate which may not be ideal.
When our brains feel bored, as the Mayo Clinic Health Centre states it, we are able to generate creative thoughts and ideas, experience mindfulness and the world around us, and default to a resting mode for our brains (2022). I found this information in this article if you’re interested!: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/boost-your-brain-with-boredom
I am super intrigued in learning more about your inquiry topic with you 🙂
Thank you for sharing!