Zeichen Journal ISSN No: 0932-4747

Micro-learning (ML): An effective way of learning in Teacher Education

*Mahesh Mali
**Prof. Sanjeev Sonawane
***Dr. Vaibhav Jadhav

Abstract:
Micro learning provides self-learning environment to the learner and this concept known as
‘Micro-learning’(ML). This paper is trying to give more understanding of ML and related
concepts of Micro-learning (ML) i.e., background, characteristics, dimension and principles of
Micro learning etc. Micro-learning (ML) has been popularized as learning approach in different
areas or phenomena (Khong & Kabilan, 2020) and this is useful for teacher professional
development. In the era of technology, teacher must be flexible for accepting digital
technologies and this kind of digital technologies provides best opportunities for developing
learning among the teacher community (Inbal & Blau, 2020)

Keyword: Micro-learning, micro-content, learning

Introduction:
Everyday technological changes are triggering new ideas and strategies, that improves learning.
Learning needs changes as per our lifestyle. Many studies shown that small chunks may
increase information retention. (Luminita, 2017). Micro learning determined the content should
be small and interconnected and focus on individuals learning goals (Singh, 2014).

Online learning content is mostly depended on small chunks many researches said that. The
main focus of that small chunks is to fulfill the objective. For that, these small chunks is very
important and very effective for learning. The study divided online content into 16 chapters
and 3 groups of students. Group one answered all questions in the test, group two answered
four questions in the test, and group three answered eight questions in the test. After the first
stage, students have supported the same test in second stage. In the first and second stage result
shown that small chunks content helped students to retain information. In the small chunks
improve the capacity of working memory and give students better learning environment.

Volume 7, Issue 7, 2021 Page No:101

Zeichen Journal ISSN No: 0932-4747

So, Micro learning gives learners the opportunity learns easily and recall the information given
by the learning experiences that are more consumable. Micro learning education is small sized
education no longer than a minute. (Luminita, 2017).

Microlearning is not a different educational strategy or best educational strategy but it is

something that which good way converging micro-media environments. People are not giving
complete information in data, but microcontent gives (Hodgins, 2001). Now a days, people are
working on the web. So that available learning materials need to be converted into acceptable
chunks by microlearning. That’s way Google is most effective e-learning tool yet. This
informal microlearning is the future design of e-learning. Some of these still be macro-
structured content in courses but in future the e-learning content developer must make these
content in micro-structured of the learning material with digital form.

Background of Micro-learning (ML)

Micro learning approach comes in the first time in Austria conference in 2005. Micro learning
focuses on more than theory than practice (Marcovich, 2016). “Microlearning: A new
Pedagogical Challenges” by Hug. T. (2006), the main objective of this research is to develop a
model to guide the production of educational microcontent to be used in virtual learning
environment with mobility paced the way for microlearning. The future learning will be in
short time and frames like micro units or micro learning (Futurethink, 2009). In 2010, the Micro
learning used in learning industry also as publications, and by 2013 it was a recognized trend
in employees training.

Micro-learning (ML): Concept

Micro learning is an approach to learning that delivers information in short and highly focused
chunks. It is the way to search quick answers to specific problems. Micro learning focuses on
small learning content and short learning activities. Microlearning require microcontent
(Mosel, 2005). Macro and Micro learning two concepts are different, Macro is focus on the big
picture and a complete learning series, Micro learning is very short and there is a specific focus
or skill that needs to be learned in specific need (Gutierrez, 2017). Principle of Micro learning
is to divide huge complex information into many short pieces and try to make them as easy as
possible. The content focus only the main and necessary part with appropriate examples on the
things to be learned. This makes work very simple and easy. Student learn in a few seconds or
few minutes in a small part of an information and then repeat it. By this method, student learn

Volume 7, Issue 7, 2021 Page No:102

Zeichen Journal ISSN No: 0932-4747

step wise until understand the complete concept. This is the way the brain acts and work. When
students learn something about the topic the teacher can go complex things because students
already know basic knowledge about the topic (Aitchanov, 2012). Micro learning is changing
day by day and develop the importance among learning professionals. This is the best method
for learning new methodologies. Use of right technology is the key of Micro learning.

Microcontent: Concept

Micro learning depends on microcontent. Microcontent means information published in short

and small form. But the length of the content is a single main topic and its technical limitation
of the software and devices that are used to view the e-content. When we learn in small portions
or parts then it will take time to adopt (Dash, 2002). Microcontent is different concept form
learning objects. Microcontent concept means like, ‘drops in the sea of information’ and ‘Lego
building block’ (Hodgins, 2001). A Microcontent is the specific learning outcome on complete
learning experience. In opposite, microcontent means collection of learning components that
focuses on the complete topic (Gutierrez, 2017). Microcontent is always reusable based on the
needs of the learners. The contents are always separated and convert in different forms (Alonso,
2006).

Micro-learning (ML) and Teacher Education

In the Teacher Education ICT plays very important part. So, Educational technology is the
major aspect in higher education. Educational technology has two perspectives those are
‘Technology of Education’ and ‘Technology in Education’ (NCERT, 2006). Technology of
Education focuses on inclusion of educational processes, theories for achieving objectives of
teaching-learning. Technology in Education focuses on the use of different educational
software and hardware. Micro learning helps to apply classroom practices according to these
two approaches. Micro learning developed as a technology of learning for classroom teaching
learning. Micro learning approach will enable the learners to learn form short time, blended
curriculum, experiences and discovery method, etc. Micro learning helps teachers to develop
their professional development, updating continuous knowledge, skills and creating learning
environment for students. Teacher education assumed that learner will acquire skills,
knowledge and their professional development by their internal capacities but it is not possible
in all conditions. So, in such conditions Micro learning will help to learners. Microlearning
also help to improve the effectiveness of pre-service and in-service teacher education (Joshi,
2015) Micro-learning course is more time efficient and students obtain the required knowledge

Volume 7, Issue 7, 2021 Page No:103

Zeichen Journal ISSN No: 0932-4747

in a short time. Micro-learning curriculum development form is suitable for students according
to their study needs, and confutable for educational environment. Small learning units helps
students for proceeds to plan their studying. Students can use their mobile devices and learn
according to their comfort (Thomas, 2019).

National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education (NCFTE, 2009) recommended that
teachers should learn through activity, discovery, observation and understanding. The role of
teacher as a mentor, he will be motivating learners to learn as active participation for self-
learning, improve the capacity to construct knowledge, learning should be like; based on
personal experiences and reflective learning. NCFTE focused on learner-centered, activity-
based, participatory learning experience, play, projects, discussion, dialogue, observation,
visits, integrating academic learning with productive work such king of teacher training. For
this kind of training needs advanced learning strategies for development and Microlearning
gives that opportunity to fulfill the objectives.

There are five types of Micro learning tools. With the use of these tools learner will be create
effective microlearning content.

 Video

Video is the most important tool for delivering microlearning. Because this tool is
multimedia device, readily build and time effective. These features help students to
understand the content for long time. Video is the most interactive form of learning.
Small videos help to learn better and fulfill the learning objectives. The main features
of videos are:

- This is a different way of learning apart from the classroom learning.

- It helps learner to improve their sensors.
- In the pandemic situation many teachers use this form of learning with the help of
different platform, like; YouTube, WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Classroom.
 Blogs
Blog is the best way of micro learning. Everyone writes something in everyday based
on different topics. Blogs are smalls but gives large information, to many people at one
time. The different methods of blog and the different uses as follows:
- Give opportunity to discuss many topics in blog platform on a large scale.
- blogs use also for the evaluation.

Volume 7, Issue 7, 2021 Page No:104

Zeichen Journal ISSN No: 0932-4747

- Blogs give space to add content, summary, main topics, and different practices.
 Podcasts
It is audio tool that helps to improve learning in audio form and retention of the content.
Podcasts is versatile audio tool that help to improve learnings retention of training
context. MP3 format used in the Podcasts. In the Microlearning tool podcasts is the best
tool for complete learning context. Many benefits of this tool are given below:
- This tool use for create content by experts, institutional leaders and other specialists
- Learners can hear as per their time convenient.
- Easily use as content is assessable on different devices
 Social Media
Social media is important microlearning tool, because learners mostly use these tools,
use the information that are available and require less time to watch. Many social media
tools such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Signal and LinkedIn are most suitable
microlearning content. Recently, the news of data privacy regarding WhatsApp, most
of the social media users are transfer towards new secure social media, like Signal, etc.
This tool improves learner by the following activities:
- Large audience engage in this platform
- Real time scenario with experts
- Share the learning material on platforms
- Most engaging during the learning
 Interactives
Interactives give chance to interact with different people and require high management
skills. This tool improves work efficiency and crate different fun activities based on
content. That’s why, this tool is very useful for creating microlearning content.
- It is very attentive for learners in video form
- Useful for making decisions and do actions
- Hands on activities are more effective

Therefore, the urgent need of integration of ML and Teacher Education in future higher
education in India. For more understanding of ML in Teacher Education, present reader
must be knowing about the characteristics of ML. The characteristics of ML is as
follows:

Volume 7, Issue 7, 2021 Page No:105

Zeichen Journal ISSN No: 0932-4747

- Adequacy: the level of difficulty that enables the generation and updating of
contents without IT professionals
- Convenience: online contents linked to the authoring tool can be made and
revised
- Efficiency: short time required for creation
- Usability: the openness and ease of the form of delivery and outputs through the
web
- Recency: newest technologies can be applied such as support for mobile devices

Although, Rebeca (2020) defined seven dimensions of ML. These dimensions are
very useful for creating ML content (Yasung, 2018). The dimensions are:
- Time: short time and less effort for creating micro content
- Content: small units with limited topic and simple concept
- Curriculum: curriculum content divided into short module and brief elements
- Format: diversity in formats, such as assignments, short videos, text etc.
- Process: activities that are independent and short but complete context
- Media: offline and online learning based on different multimedia
- Learning Models: reflexive, constructivist, discovery, project-based, etc.

 Principles of ML
Four principles of micro learning (Asni, 2018) are more important features of
microlearning is accessible anywhere, anytime and also available and accessible form
highly desirable digital devices. And also downloaded offline microlearning content is
available in different format.
1. Principle of Small Content: It is also important to select the hole content and
divided into different but complete small modules. Make sure that one module
included into one idea. Explain that idea in such way that it really presents a
different way. It should target the first 3 to 5 minutes that will be the turning point
whether the student will acquire something or not. It is very important task that is
the main principal of microlearning.
2. Principle of using Microcontent: Microcontent should be designed with the
proper and related visuals and media to make it motivational and engaging. Keep
text content to short and minimal so learners like to reads and maximum information
in minimum time. Use graphics, animations, sound effect and other elements. The

Volume 7, Issue 7, 2021 Page No:106

Zeichen Journal ISSN No: 0932-4747

main purpose is to help learners to understand the information quickly. Focus on

the big ideas and concepts represent in such way it is easy to remember and
understand. But make sure that that graphics, video and audio is distracts the
learning process of microlearning.
3. Principle of Adjustment: Microcontent should be adjustable. It should be one that
help to leaners to adapts different learning needs. Microlearning help learners to
learn what they want and perform best. This is not easy task to collect all things and
achieve objective but microlearning offer different learning strategies with
available resources at hand.
4. Principle of ‘Less is More’: It is very easy to learners when content is less. In order
to do this, single content that are consider dynamic as different too nice to know.
Use those content that improve value to the learner in graphic or sound. Use
graphics and animation in collective but simple form otherwise it will time taking.

Conclusion

Collected and available huge amount of content accessible by a person needs to be presented
in such a way so that it will be easy to understand and easy to consume. And for that
microlearning is the best tool where learning is consumed in short & small chunks and available
to all. Micro learning is getting attention of learners, easy to accesses, available in anywhere
and anytime, fast developed and changed. Because of these features, microlearning is the best
way of learning today and the future.

References:
Asni Nor, Muhammad Z., Fariza K., (2018). The Paradigm Shift To Microlearning And Its
Design Principles, University Kebangsaan, Malaysia.
B H Aitchanov, A B Satabaldiyev and K N Latuta(2013) ScieTech 2013 IOP Publishing
Journal of Physics: Conference Series 423 012044
Bernhard Goschlberger, (2011). A Platform for Social Microlearning, Reserch Studios
Austria FG, Linz, Austria.
Emtinan Alqurashi, Ed.D., (2017). Creating a Microlearning Environment to Facilitate
Retention of Information: A three step Approach, Temple University, Philadelphia.
Goschlberger B. (2016). A Platform for Social Micro-learning, Johannes Kepler University,
Linz, Austria
Gutierrez K. (2017). When Designing Microlearning, Keep Macro in Mind.
www.shiftelearning.com/blog/micro-learning-macro-learning [2 Jun 2018]
Hug, T., & Friesen, N. (2007). Outline of a microlearning agenda. Didactics of
Microlearning. Concepts, Discourses and Examples

Volume 7, Issue 7, 2021 Page No:107

Zeichen Journal ISSN No: 0932-4747

Hug, T. (2006). Microlearning: A New Pedagogical Challenge: Proceedings of

Microlearning Conference 2005: Learning & Working in New Media (pp. 8-11).
Innsbruck, áustria: Innsbruck University Press.
Hughes A. (2018). 5 Best Practices For Designing A Great Microlearning Experience.
elearningindustry.com/design-a-great-microlearning-experience-5-best-practices [2
Jun 2018]
Ilona Buchem, Henrike Hamelmann, (2010). Micro-learning: a strategy for ongoing
professional development. University of Applied Sciences, Berlin.
Jennifer S. Beaudin, Stephen S. Intille & Margaret E. Morris, (2012). Micro-Learning on a
Mobile Device. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Avenue,
Cambridge.
Job M.A. & Ogale H.S., (2012). Micro learning as innovative process of knowledge
strategy, Faculty of IT, Arab Open University, Kingdom of Bahrain.
Joshi M. M., (2015). Modeling Microlearning for classroom pedagogy and teacher
education: a study, Ph.D., SRTMU, Nanded.
Luminita G., (2017). Microlearning An Evolving elearning Trend, Land Forces Academy,
Sibiu, Romania.
Marcovich E. (2016) The skinny of microlearning. www.meridianks.com/the-skinny-on-
microlearning/ [1 Mei 2018]
National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education: Report (2009) link:
https://ncte.gov.in/website/PDF/NCFTE_2009.pdf
Rebeca P., Manuel C., Juan J., Fernandez V., (2020). Integrating Micro-learning Content in
Traditional e-learning platforms, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain.
Theo Hug, (2007). Outline of a Micro-learning Agenda. University of Innsbruck, Austria.
Thomas Javorcik, (2019), Practical Application of Microlearning in Education of Future
Teachers, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/33689177
Yasung Park, Yong Kim, (2018). A Design and Development of Micro-learning Content in
e-learning System, Korea National Open University, Seoul, Korea.

Volume 7, Issue 7, 2021 Page No:108