What is Microlearning?

What is Microlearning?

What Is Microlearning?

Microlearning delivers content in focused 3-15 minute segments, each targeting a single learning objective. This approach benefits students who need chunked information and smaller, bite-sized learning objectives by making learning flexible and manageable.

Benefits:

  • Students can learn during small pockets of time
  • Mobile-friendly for students without laptops
  • Easy to catch up when life interrupts
  • Students review specific concepts without rewatching entire lectures

Core Principles

1. One Objective Per Unit

  • ❌ "Introduction to Statistics"
  • ✅ "Calculating Mean, Median, and Mode"

2. Make It Immediately Applicable Include quick practice activities, problem-solving exercises, or reflection prompts right away.

3. Prioritize Active Engagement Follow content with action: quizzes, practice problems, or discussion questions.

Getting Started in 5 Steps

Step 1: Choose Your First Topic

Look for content that:

  • Confuses students regularly
  • Students reference repeatedly
  • Requires step-by-step demonstration

Step 2: Write a Clear Learning Objective

"By the end of this unit, you will be able to [action verb + specific skill]."

Step 3: Create Simple Content (5-10 minutes)

Use tools you already know:

  • Phone video or Zoom recording
  • Slide presentation with voiceover
  • One-page visual handout
  • Short text document with examples

Step 4: Structure Your Unit

  1. Brief intro stating the objective (30 seconds)
  2. Main content explaining the concept (3-7 minutes)
  3. One clear example (1-2 minutes)
  4. Quick check for understanding (1-2 minutes)

Step 5: Assess and Get Feedback

Try it with students and ask what worked and what didn’t.

Easy Content Formats

Videos

  • Demonstrations or problem-solving walkthroughs
  • Record with Zoom, phone, or free tools
  • Students value clarity over production quality

Visual Guides

  • Step-by-step processes or concept relationships
  • Create with Canva (free templates available) or other tools

Interactive Documents

  • Fillable PDFs or shareable documents with practice problems
  • Worksheets that guide students through processes

Audio

  • Concept explanations for students who multitask
  • Guides for reading assignments

Talon Tools

  • Built-in quizzes and discussion boards
  • Use what students already access

Integration Ideas

Flipped Classroom Model Students learn foundational concepts via microlearning, freeing class time for application and discussion.

Review Resources Create targeted units students can access before exams or when reviewing earlier material.

Scaffolded Sequences Break complex topics into sequential units students complete at their own pace.

Just-in-Time Support Develop quick tutorials for common problem areas students can access when needed.

Quick Assessment Checklist

✓ Are students completing the units?
✓ Are you getting fewer questions about this topic?
✓ Has performance improved on related assignments?
✓ What feedback are students giving you?

Potential Challenges

"I don't have time to create content"

  • Start with just 1-2 units for your most time-consuming topics
  • Time invested upfront saves time answering repeated questions
  • Use a simple template that speeds up future creation

"Students aren't engaging"

  • Add light accountability: quick quizzes or bring-a-question activities
  • Make the connection to course success explicit
  • Build check-ins into your course structure

"Not all students have good tech access"

  • Design for mobile viewing
  • Keep file sizes small
  • Provide alternative formats (written summaries for videos)
  • Have low-tech backup options

A Possible Action Plan

Week One:

  1. Identify one topic that causes confusion or takes significant class time
  2. Write one clear learning objective for that topic

Week Two:

  1. Create your first 5-10 minute unit using tools you already have
  2. Include one practice activity

Week Three:

  1. Share with students and gather informal feedback
  2. Revise based on what you learn

Going Forward: Add 2-3 more units for high-impact topics.

Remember

  • Start small and build gradually
  • Imperfect action beats perfect planning
  • Focus on student needs, not production quality
  • Review feedback and revise accordingly

Microlearning is a flexible tool that makes learning more accessible for students. Reach out to an instructional designer with questions.