Micro-Learning with Digital Tools
Over the past few years, teaching practices and pedagogy have undergone significant changes, giving rise to various innovative approaches. As these shifts have altered how students learn and as advancements in technology have changed access to learning materials, a new form of learning has emerged: Micro-Learning (Shatte & Teague, 2020). Micro-Learning involves delivering educational content in short, focused bursts that students can access anytime and anywhere. This article will explore the fundamentals of Micro-Learning and highlight some instructional tools that can help educators support their students in achieving their educational goals.
What is Micro-Learning?
Micro-Learning involves delivering educational content in small, manageable doses that students can access and interact with anytime, with the flexibility to pause and return as needed. Many principles of Micro-Learning align with technology-assisted learning, making it a form of mobile learning that can be accessed across various devices (Shatte & Teague, 2020). Key characteristics of Micro-Learning include:
- Fast and Short: Content should be concise, with learning materials organized into brief sessions, typically lasting 10-15 minutes. The goal is to keep the material short and engaging.
- Mobile Friendly: Micro-Learning should be easily accessible on mobile devices, laptops, and tablets, allowing students to engage with the content whenever they have time.
- One Learning Objective or Concept: Content should focus on a single learning objective or concept. This approach follows the principle of “chunking,” which involves breaking down large amounts of information into digestible pieces.
- Variety of Media: Micro-Learning is an excellent way to incorporate various instructional tools, helping students stay engaged and access material in the format that best suits their learning style.
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. It’s crucial to explore all methods for implementing Micro-Learning, and choose the one that fits your instruction better. 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. |
Categories of Micro-Learning
Due to the wide variety of microlearning types available to instructors, we recognized the need to organize them into categories.
This section of the article outlines the distinct categories of microlearning, ranging from video and multimedia to interactive digital tools and static digital content. We’ll provide practical overviews of tools that can help achieve specific microlearning goals, as well as strategies for effectively using each type of tool.
Micro-Learning with Video and Multimedia
Micro-learning with video and multimedia tools enables the delivery of content in short, focused segments, making learning both efficient and engaging. Platforms like Panopto, PlayPosit, and VoiceThread enhance the micro-learning experience by providing versatile features tailored to video-based instruction. These tools not only allow educators to create and share concise, impactful videos but also integrate interactive elements that promote reflection, collaboration, and immediate understanding. By leveraging multimedia, educators can create dynamic, visually rich learning experiences that captivate learners and support key learning objectives.
Panopto
Panopto is a user-friendly video platform that makes it easy for instructors to create, edit, and share videos, making it a great fit for micro-learning. With simple recording tools, educators can quickly capture lectures, tutorials, or demonstrations and turn them into short, focused video segments that students can easily digest. This approach helps break down complex topics into manageable chunks, reducing overwhelm and keeping learners engaged.
What makes Panopto especially effective is its editing tools, which allow instructors to trim, cut, and combine video segments so every piece of content is clear and to the point. This flexibility helps educators tailor videos to specific objectives, ensuring that the material is concise and relevant.
Panopto also includes interactive features that enhance student engagement. The notes feature lets learners jot down key points directly in the video, which helps them stay focused and better retain information. The discussion feature creates opportunities for in-video conversations, so students can ask questions or share thoughts even in online or remote environments. For quick knowledge checks, Panopto’s built-in quizzing tool allows instructors to embed questions into videos, helping students test their understanding and reinforce learning on the spot.
By using Panopto as part of a micro-learning strategy, educators can create a dynamic, interactive experience that keeps students engaged. Breaking content into smaller pieces and incorporating tools like quizzes and discussions helps students learn more effectively and in a way that feels personalized to their needs.
Strategies for Using Panopto:
- Record short videos focused on a single topic or skill.
- Use editing tools to make videos precise and aligned with your learning goals.
- Add interactive features, like notes or embedded quizzes, to keep students active and engaged while learning.
PlayPosit
PlayPosit is a tool that transforms videos into interactive learning experiences by embedding questions, prompts, and feedback directly into the content. Instead of passively watching, learners engage actively as they go, answering questions and reflecting on the material in real-time. This approach not only helps them stay focused but also improves understanding and retention by encouraging immediate application of concepts.
Creating micro-learning lessons with PlayPosit is straightforward. Start with a short video that focuses on a single concept or skill, then add interactive elements like multiple-choice questions, reflection prompts, or brief exercises at key points. These touchpoints keep learners engaged and provide instant feedback, making it easy for them to monitor their progress and correct misunderstandings as they arise.
PlayPosit is particularly useful for teaching complex topics that need to be broken down into smaller segments. For example, an instructor might create a series of short video lessons, each targeting a specific key concept, with embedded questions to reinforce understanding along the way. By guiding learners step-by-step, PlayPosit supports active engagement and ensures that students can easily digest even challenging material.
Strategies for Using PlayPosit:
- Embed interactive questions in videos to keep learners engaged and focused.
- Use reflection prompts to encourage deeper thinking about the material.
- Break down complex topics into short video modules with interactive touchpoints to reinforce understanding.
VoiceThread
VoiceThread creates opportunities for students to engage in interactive, multimedia discussions. By combining images, presentations, and videos with text, audio, or video comments, it allows learners to explore ideas collaboratively. This dynamic platform supports more personalized and engaging interactions, making it a valuable tool for micro-learning.
With VoiceThread, you can design short, focused presentations that encourage interaction. For example, an instructor might upload a few slides or a video with embedded prompts, asking learners to respond with questions, comments, or reflections. Because responses can be in text, audio, or video form, students can choose the format that works best for them, adding a level of accessibility and customization to the experience.
VoiceThread also allows learners to navigate content at their own pace. Students can review specific slides or sections of a presentation without needing to watch an entire video, making it easier to focus on the parts most relevant to their learning needs. Instructors can use the comment feature to add additional context or explanations, turning each presentation into a collaborative and interactive resource.
This platform is especially effective for subjects that benefit from visual or verbal interaction. For instance, a history teacher might post a VoiceThread with historical images and encourage students to discuss their interpretations or share their insights through voice comments. This collaborative environment fosters active learning and promotes deeper understanding through dialogue.
Strategies for Using VoiceThread:
- Create short multimedia presentations with prompts for learner interaction.
- Encourage students to respond using text, audio, or video to cater to different learning preferences.
- Use the comment feature to add context or address common questions, enriching the learning experience.
Micro-Learning with Digital Interactive Tools
Interactive tools are an excellent way to enhance the microlearning experience by fostering engagement and active participation. These tools allow learners to interact with content in meaningful ways, whether by answering questions, exploring scenarios, or engaging with dynamic elements that bring concepts to life. Platforms like H5P, Moodle quizzes, and other interactive technologies provide opportunities to transform passive learning into an active process. By incorporating interactive components into microlearning sessions, educators can create a learning environment that not only reinforces understanding but also encourages critical thinking and application. These tools are versatile, catering to various instructional goals, from self-paced practice to collaborative exploration.
Moodle Quiz
The flexibility of Moodle Quiz makes it an excellent choice for formative evaluation, self-assessment, or even as a guide to direct learners toward additional resources. However, to keep the experience aligned with micro-learning, quizzes should focus on a single concept or topic and remain brief. Overly complex or lengthy quizzes risk overwhelming students and detracting from the focused nature of micro-learning.
For educators seeking a straightforward way to reinforce learning, Moodle Quiz is a powerful tool. It allows for the creation of concise assessments that align with micro-learning principles by targeting specific learning objectives. A well-designed quiz provides learners with the opportunity to test their understanding in a structured yet accessible way. What sets Moodle Quiz apart is its ability to offer immediate feedback, ensuring that students can identify and correct misconceptions right away.
Strategies for Using Moodle Quiz:
- Use quizzes to check comprehension after a micro-lesson.
- Keep each quiz concise, targeting one concept or learning goal.
- Leverage the feedback feature to reinforce correct answers or clarify misunderstandings.
H5P interactive tools
With H5P, educators have the ability to transform micro-learning into an interactive experience. The platform offers tools like branching scenarios, drag-and-drop activities, and interactive videos, which encourage learners to actively engage with the material rather than passively consuming it. By incorporating these elements, instructors can foster deeper understanding and retention.
What makes H5P particularly valuable is its adaptability. Whether breaking down a complex topic into smaller steps with hotspots or creating a scenario that allows learners to explore choices and outcomes, H5P activities can make learning more immersive. However, simplicity is key. Interactive tools lose their effectiveness when they become overly complicated or time-consuming, so educators should aim to create activities that are quick to complete but still impactful.
Strategies for Using H5P Interactive Tools:
- Design interactive videos with questions or prompts to maintain engagement.
- Use branching scenarios to let students explore decision-making in a controlled environment.
- Avoid overloading activities with too many steps or elements; focus on clarity and relevance.
Social connection platforms
Collaboration and community are vital components of learning, and social connection platforms offer a way to incorporate these elements into micro-learning. Tools like discussion boards, group chats, and even social media platforms allow learners to interact briefly but meaningfully with both peers and instructors. These platforms excel at fostering engagement by encouraging dialogue, reflection, and sharing of ideas.
Social platforms can also provide opportunities for informal learning. For example, an instructor might use a course discussion board to post a daily question related to the topic or use a social media channel to challenge students to summarize a key concept creatively. The key to success is keeping interactions targeted and manageable; overly lengthy or broad discussions can detract from the micro-learning experience.
Strategies for Using Social Connection Platforms:
- Create brief, focused prompts for discussions or reflections.
- Use hashtags or group discussions to organize and streamline topics.
- Encourage students to engage regularly but avoid requiring time-intensive interactions.
Micro-Learning with Static Content
Static content remains a powerful component of microlearning, offering straightforward and easily accessible resources that convey essential information concisely. From brief readings and infographics to summaries and step-by-step guides, static materials provide learners with the flexibility to engage with content at their own pace. This format is particularly effective for topics that require clarity and focus, as it allows students to revisit and review the material without distraction. Static content plays a vital role in ensuring that microlearning remains diverse and adaptable to different learning preferences and environments.
H5P Interactive Book
The H5P Interactive Book is a flexible way to package microlearning content into manageable chapters. It allows educators to combine text, media, and activities into one cohesive resource while keeping each section focused on a single concept. Each “chapter” can function as a stand-alone lesson, guiding learners step by step through topics or processes in a structured manner.
Interactive Books are particularly helpful for creating modular learning experiences. For example, an instructor might develop a technical guide where each chapter covers a different tool or step in a workflow. Adding quick quizzes or reflection prompts at the end of sections reinforces understanding while keeping learners engaged. To ensure effectiveness, the content should remain concise and avoid overloading learners with too many elements in one chapter.
Strategies for Using H5P Interactive Book:
- Use chapters to break complex topics into small, logical steps.
- Incorporate media and quizzes to maintain engagement and test knowledge.
- Keep chapters short and focused to align with microlearning principles.
H5P Interactive presentation
Interactive Presentations with H5P bring new life to traditional slideshows by adding elements like quizzes, videos, and clickable hotspots. These presentations are ideal for simplifying complex topics, breaking them into smaller, digestible parts while keeping learners actively engaged. The combination of visual elements and interactivity makes these presentations more immersive than standard slides.
One way to use this tool is by creating a microlearning module on a scientific concept, with slides explaining each step of a process. Embedded quizzes or hotspots can ensure learners grasp key points as they progress. The goal is to keep the slides visually clean and focused on one idea at a time, avoiding the clutter that can distract from learning.
Strategies for Using H5P Interactive Presentation:
- Design slides to cover one concept or step at a time.
- Use quizzes or hotspots to check comprehension within the presentation.
- Avoid overly detailed or lengthy slides to maintain clarity and engagement.
NC State Book
The NC State Book tool is a simple yet effective way to organize microlearning content. It divides information into chapters, allowing learners to explore one topic at a time without feeling overwhelmed. This structure is particularly useful for topics that benefit from a linear progression, like a step-by-step guide or a series of related concepts.
For instance, an instructor might use the NC State Book to create a guide on different writing techniques, with each chapter dedicated to a specific style. By keeping chapters short—no more than a few minutes to read—students can focus on one skill at a time. Adding visuals or summaries can further enhance clarity and retention.
Strategies for Using NC State Book:
- Organize content into logical, easy-to-navigate chapters.
- Use visuals and summaries to support text-based explanations.
- Limit chapter length to maintain learners’ focus and attention.
Moodle Page
Moodle Page offers a straightforward way to present microlearning content in a clean and accessible format. Whether you need a quick guide, a short reading, or an FAQ page, this tool allows you to create concise, standalone modules that learners can access anytime. Pages can include text, images, and embedded videos, making them versatile for various topics.
For example, an instructor might design a page to explain the basics of a concept, supplemented by an embedded video demonstration. By focusing on brevity, educators ensure that learners can absorb the information quickly and move on to related tasks. The simplicity of Moodle Pages also makes them ideal for self-paced learning.
Strategies for Using Moodle Page:
- Create pages for quick guides or concept overviews.
- Embed images or videos to enhance comprehension.
- Keep content focused and concise, targeting one concept per page.
How to Get Started with Micro-Learning
Step 1: Define Your Learning Objectives
Begin by identifying the specific skills or concepts students should master through micro-learning. Focus on narrow, lesson-level objectives that can be addressed in short sessions. For example, rather than aiming for students to “understand basic chemistry principles,” target “identify the different types of chemical bonds.” Clear, focused objectives make it easier to create concise and effective micro-learning modules.
Step 2: Break Down Your Content into Micro-Lessons
Divide your course content into manageable, focused units. Each micro-lesson should address a single concept or skill and be completed in 5–10 minutes. Consider whether the lesson introduces new material, reinforces previously learned content, or supports remediation. For example, the concept of “chemical bonds” might be broken into smaller lessons such as “covalent bonds,” “ionic bonds,” and “metallic bonds.”
Step 3: Choose the Best Type of Micro-Learning for Your Objectives
Select the format that aligns best with your content and instructional goals:
- Video and Multimedia: Use for visual and auditory learners or topics requiring demonstration (e.g., Panopto, PlayPosit).
- Digital Interactive Tools: Choose for active learning and hands-on practice through quizzes, interactive videos, or branching scenarios (e.g., H5P, Moodle quizzes).
- Static Content: Opt for text-based materials like guides, infographics, or step-by-step instructions for straightforward, self-paced learning.
Match the type of micro-learning to the nature of the material and the needs of your students.
Step 4: Develop Engaging Micro-Learning Content
Create content that is concise, visually appealing, and aligned with your chosen format. For example:
- In video modules, use tools like Panopto or VoiceThread to enhance interactivity.
- For interactive tools, design scenarios or quizzes with H5P or Moodle.
- When using static content, ensure the material is well-organized with clear headings and visuals to aid comprehension.
Focus on delivering content that students can absorb and apply quickly.
Step 5: Publish and Integrate into Your Course
Make your micro-learning content easily accessible within your LMS, such as Moodle. Organize modules logically within the course flow—for instance, at the beginning of a unit to introduce new material or at the end to reinforce learning. Ensure the content is accessible on both desktop and mobile devices for flexibility.
Step 6: Set Clear Engagement Expectations
Communicate how students should engage with the micro-learning materials. Whether it’s watching videos, completing interactive quizzes, or reviewing static resources, provide clear instructions and explain how these activities contribute to overall learning goals.
Step 7: Evaluate and Adapt
Monitor the effectiveness of your micro-learning modules using analytics and student feedback. For example:
- Assess whether videos are watched and understood.
- Review quiz scores to identify learning gaps.
- Ask students for feedback on the clarity and usefulness of the static materials.
Use this information to refine your approach, ensuring your micro-learning strategy remains effective and engaging.
Workshop Information
- Register: Micro-Learning with Videos and Multimedia: Introduction to Micro-Learning
- Register: Micro-Learning with VoiceThread
- Register: Micro-Learning with Panopto
- Register: Micro-Learning with PlayPosit
- Register: Enhancing Just Right Videos with Panopto and PlayPosit
- Register: Micro-Learning with H5P
- Workshop Recording (Coming Soon)
- Register: Micro-Learning with Page/NC State Book
- Workshop Recording (Coming Soon)
- Register: Micro-Learning with Moodle Lesson
- Workshop Recording (Coming Soon)
If there are no available workshops, you can request an instructional consultation about this topic.
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.