Microlearning, Minicourses, and Instructional Design Document (IDD) Overview

Microlearning consists of micro-lessons or lessons that impart essential details or answer a specific question without overwhelming or extraneously loading the learners with information. At its core, Microlearning aligns with Ebbinghaus's statements on the forgetting curve, spacing effect, serial positioning effects, learning curve, and George Miller's Information-Processing Theory, empowering learners with efficient learning. One widely used strategy within the realm of microlearning is Incremental Learning. This strategy breaks down complex topics into bite-sized learning chunks or 'nuggets, 'making it easier for learners to digest and retain information. While the idea of chunking information is not new, Microlearning has gained traction in recent years, especially with significant technological advancements and innovative instructional design inputs.  ​

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Strengths and Limitations of Microlearning ​​

Strengths

• Learning is quick and requires less dedicated time than traditional learning.  

• Increases learners engagement

• Improves retention of knowledge and recalling information even long after learning the material. 

• It is accessible, meaning anyone can access the material from any device using technology (mobile learning), ensuring everyone feels included and considered.

• Supports self-paced learning (in your spare time or whenever it is convenient for the learner).

• It empowers learners by personalizing their learning (the learner can choose what to learn depending on their needs and knowledge gaps)

Limitations

• It takes resources and a lot of work to maintain and keep the microlearning materials up to date. 

• Sifting through the microlearning courses and materials and personalizing them can be difficult. 

• Directing the courses and materials to the right individuals can also be extremely difficult when working at a large company or institution, and sometimes is not cost-effective.  

• Making all these materials and courses accessible for everyone (including people with disabilities) creates accessibility problems. 

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