Micro-Learning with Videos and Multimedia

There are numerous applications and strategies for implementing Micro-Learning, from social media and video to branching scenarios. While this article will provide some examples of how to use Micro-Learning, the focus will be on the most common approach: using video, or what we like to call Micro-lectures (Shatte & Teague, 2020).

Benefits of Micro-Learning

• Faster and Simpler to Access: Micro-Learning materials are designed to be brief and focused, making them quicker and easier for learners to access and engage with.
• Supports Flexible Learning: Learners can engage with Micro-Learning content whenever and wherever they choose, fitting their education into their schedules.
• Empowers Personalized Learning: Micro-Learning allows learners to navigate their own learning journey, selecting the topics and pace that best suit their needs.
• Enhances Learner Engagement: The concise and interactive nature of Micro-Learning helps maintain learners’ attention and interest, leading to more active participation.
• Improves Knowledge Retention: Because Micro-Learning breaks down information into manageable segments, it becomes easier for learners to process and remember, leading to better retention of knowledge.

Types of Micro-Learning

Micro-Learning encompasses a variety of strategies for delivering concise, bite-sized learning materials. While this article primarily focuses on micro-lectures, it’s crucial to explore other effective methods for implementing Micro-Learning. Various instructional tools can facilitate these diverse approaches, enhancing the effectiveness of Micro-Learning in different contexts. In the following sections, we will also examine these tools and how they can be utilized to support various Micro-Learning techniques.

Instructional Tool		Description
Quizzes		Quizzes can be used in Micro-Learning to reinforce key concepts through quick, targeted assessments that provide immediate feedback.
Games		Educational games offer an engaging way to reinforce learning objectives through interactive, bite-sized challenges.
Micro-Lectures or Videos		Short videos or Micro-lectures deliver focused content in just a few minutes, allowing learners to grasp key points quickly.
Short Pages or Readings		Brief reading materials or web pages present essential information in a concise format, making it easy to consume and review.
Master Classes		These are condensed expert-led sessions that focus on specific skills or topics, offering deep insights in a short timeframe.
Interactive Flashcards or Activities		Flashcards and interactive activities promote active recall and practice in short bursts, helping students retain information more effectively.
Social Connection Platforms		Using social connection platforms fosters collaborative learning and engagement by enabling learners to interact, share insights, and build a community around the content, enhancing their overall learning experience.

Micro-Lecturing with Digital Tools

Micro-learning with digital tools makes it easier to deliver content in short, manageable pieces, helping students engage with material efficiently and without feeling overwhelmed. With learners often juggling multiple responsibilities, the ability to access quick, focused sessions can make a big difference. Video-based tools like Panopto, PlayPosit, and VoiceThread not only provide flexibility but also make learning more interactive and engaging, allowing students to reflect, collaborate, and test their understanding as they go.

Micro-Learning with Panopto

Panopto is an all-inclusive video management platform ideal for micro-learning.  It enables instructors to create, edit, and manage videos with ease, making it perfect for breaking down information into bite-sized, manageable chunks, that students can digest without feeling overwhelmed.  With its user-friendly recording options, instructors can effortlessly capture lectures, tutorials, and demonstrations.  

One of Panopto’s standout features is its robust editing capabilities. Instructors can trim, cut, and merge video segments to refine content and ensure that each piece is precise and focused. This flexibility is particularly valuable for creating concise micro-learning videos that align perfectly with a micro-learning strategy. Additionally, Panopto offers interactive features that enhance the learning experience. The notes feature allows learners to jot down thoughts or highlight important information directly in the video, fostering more active engagement with the material. The discussion feature encourages in-video conversations where learners can ask questions and share insights, promoting collaboration, even in remote environments.

Micro-Learning with PlayPosit

Set up involves selecting or creating short videos on specific concepts, then integrating interactive elements such as questions, prompts, or reflections at key points throughout the video. These videos can be first made with Panopto then added to PlayPosit to add interactions.You can also use videos from VoiceThread and Vimeo if you don’t want to create you own. This approach allows learners to engage actively with the content, check their understanding in real-time, and apply their knowledge immediately, all within a concise learning session.

PlayPosit might be a good choice when you want to enhance engagement and comprehension through interactive video content. For instance, if you’re teaching a complex subject that can be broken down into several key concepts, you can use PlayPosit to create a series of short, interactive video modules. Each module can include embedded questions and prompts to reinforce learning and provide immediate feedback. This setup allows learners to actively engage with the material, self-assess their understanding, and receive instant clarification, all within manageable, focused segments.

Micro-Learning with VoiceThread

VoiceThread is an interactive multimedia platform that allows users to create and engage with content through a combination of text, audio, and video comments. It facilitates dynamic discussions by enabling learners to respond to presentations, images, or videos with their own multimedia inputs. This collaborative approach enhances engagement and allows for richer, more personalized interactions within educational content.

With VoiceThread, you can set up a series of brief, focused discussions or presentations on specific topics. Begin by creating short, engaging multimedia presentations or prompts that introduce key concepts. In each VoiceThread, include opportunities for learners to interact by adding comments, questions, or reflections using text, audio, or video.

This setup allows learners to actively engage with the material and with each other, providing a dynamic and interactive learning experience. By structuring content in manageable, bite-sized segments and encouraging multimedia interactions, you can effectively support Micro-Learning goals. You can also use each slide to cover different portions of the learning your are offering, students can slide through the VoiceThread to find the instruction they are looking for without having to watch the whole video. Instructors can use the comment feature to share additional information or explanation of the information on the slide.

Getting Started With Micro-Lectures and Videos

Step 1: Define Your Learning Objectives

Before diving into micro-learning, start by identifying the key learning objectives for your course.  Rather than focusing on broad course goals, concentrate on specific, lesson-level objectives that can be effectively taught in short, focused sessions.  Pinpoint the skills or concepts students should master by the end of each micro-learning segment.  For example, instead of aiming for students to ‘understand basic chemistry principles’ (a broad objective), focus on ‘identifying the different types of chemical bonds’ in a single micro-learning session. This targeted approach makes it easier for students to absorb and apply the material within a short time frame.

Step 2: Break Down and Outline your Micro-Lesson Content: 

Once you’ve defined your learning objectives, the next step is to break down your course content into manageable segments.  Select on key concept for each micro-lesson and define a specific learning objective related to that concept.  Consider whether this lesson will introduce a new concept or help remediate an existing one.  Divide the related material into smaller, focused units that can be covered in 5-10 minutes.  For example: if your objective is to “Identify the different types of chemical bonds,” break this into smaller lessons such as “Covalent bonds,” “Ionic bonds,” and “Metallic bonds.”  Each segment should be concise, self-contained, and focused on core points, allowing students to progress through the material step-by-step.

Step 3: Create Engaging Micro-Content with Visuals and Interactive Elements: 

To enhance engagement, gather and prepare relevant visuals and media, such as images, video clips, or demonstrations, that help clarify and visualize the content.  Creating interactive micro-content, including features like quizzes (PlayPosit, Panopto) or video comments and annotations (VoiceThread), can encourage active learning and increase student participation.  However, these interactive elements are optional and should be used based on the specific needs and goals of your content. Ensure that all content is clear and concise, making it easily digestible in one sitting so students can quickly absorb and apply the information effectively.  

Step 4: Record your Video: 

Once you’ve defined your learning objectives, broken down your content, and created engaging micro-content with visuals and interactive elements, its time to record your video.  This step will help you determine which tools and features work best for your specific needs.  The clarity of your objectives (Step 1), the organization of your content (Step 2), and the effectiveness of your interactive elements (Step 3) will guide your choice of tools and recording strategies. By aligning your recording process with these earlier steps, you’ll ensure that your final video is well-structured, engaging, and supports your micro-learning goals effectively.

Step 5: Publish, Share and Integrate into Course Flow: 

After recording your video, the next step is to make it accessible and integrate it effectively into your course.  Share the video throught your Moodle course or the platform’s link, ensuring it is easy to access on any device.  Additionally, strategically place these micro-learning modules within your course structure – whether to introduce new topics, reinforcing key concepts, or provide review material. This integration will ensure that your micro-learning videos not only complement the larger course flow but also enhace learning experience without overwhelming students.

Step 6: Set Engagement Expectations: 

Communicate with your students about how to engage with the micro-learning materials.  Provide clear instructions on what’s expected of them – whether it’s watching a video, completing a quiz, participating in a discussion or reflections.  Outline how these activities fit into their overall learning and how they will be assessed.  

Step 7: Monitor and Adapt:

Regularly assess the effectiveness of your micro-learning content to ensure it meets your learning objectives.  Gather feedback from students and monitor their engagement using analytics features if available.  Evaluate whether students find the content helpful, and if they are retaining the information. Use this data and feedback to make improvements and fine-tune your approach.  Regular evaluation will help you adjust content for clarity, engagement, and effectiveness, ensuring that your micro-learning strategy continues to meet students’ needs and supports their learning success.  

References

Allen, D. W., & Ryan, K. (1969). Microteaching. Addison-Wesley Pub. Co.

Brown, George. Microteaching: A Programme of Teaching Skills. London: Methuen, 1975​

Shatte, A. B., & Teague, S. (2020). Microlearning for improved student outcomes in higher education: A scoping review.