In the Modern Era, microlearning has become an integral part of our daily lives due to converging technological, conceptual, and theoretical innovations. This is attributed to global connectivity through smartphones and the need for focus in increasingly shorter periods. Tools like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant have transformed how people access information.
Designed to develop skills and knowledge efficiently, microlearning stands out as an adult learning tool. Combined with mobile devices, it enables people to learn what they want, when, and where they want.
The theory of microlearning is grounded in the research of the German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus on human memory. Ebbinghaus introduced the “forgetting curve,” illustrating the amount of information the brain retains over time. According to this curve, individuals retain only 21% of what they learn in a month.
Microlearning offers a solution by adopting a “little and often” approach. Learners are more likely to retain information when it is divided into digestible parts that can be revisited regularly.
This educational approach focuses on delivering information in small units or modules, such as short videos, quizzes, and infographics. The goal is to provide knowledge quickly and efficiently, allowing learners to absorb essential information in short timeframes.
Defined as the division of learning content into small modules with specific objectives, microlearning stands out for its adaptability. Instead of longer courses, such as a 5-hour Salesforce course, it consists of shorter videos guiding learners through specific tasks.
This approach shifts the focus from sequential course material to an experience where learners can guide their own path based on contextual goals. For example, when a person is learning about sales techniques, they can study according to their learning needs. In other words, they can choose the educational objects that are important for the construction of their content without the need to review things they already know, promoting greater engagement.
Microlearning has become an effective learning strategy, adapting to the needs of today’s fast-paced world. It caters to millions of busy learners, offering flexibility to quickly grasp the basics and seek additional knowledge on their own. Examples of this format include short videos and infographics. When you search the internet for how to use a certain Excel function and watch a 1 or 2-minute video that explains exactly this concept, you are using microlearning!
Incorporated into corporate educational strategies, traditional institutions, or online platforms, microlearning uses different types of media to make topics interesting and memorable. It can be combined with approaches like gamification, scenario-based learning, and video-based learning to create impact. In Latin America, especially in Brazil, WhatsApp is widely used. Large companies in the agricultural sector use WhatsApp as an interface for sending knowledge nuggets to remember and reinforce important concepts of rural work, such as the correct use of protective equipment and the correct application of fertilizers.
Particularly effective in situations requiring speed and relevance, such as corporate training and ongoing education in rapidly changing sectors, microlearning is not without challenges. Superficiality, isolation of context, and lack of interactivity are risks to be considered. Hence, in situations where the person learning needs to have a complete understanding of the whole, microlearning is not recommended. For example, in the pharmaceutical area, understanding just one part of a drug’s function can compromise the patient’s life, so the people involved need to know all the interactions and applications.
EdTechs play a crucial role in popularizing microlearning. Using artificial intelligence and data analysis, they personalize the learning experience, adapting content to individual learner needs. Microlearning synergizes with other educational technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, providing immersive experiences.
In summary, microlearning represents a shift in contemporary education. Its ability to provide efficient knowledge makes it valuable, but it is crucial to balance it with other strategies for a comprehensive understanding. The role of EdTechs is essential in driving innovation and enhancing the accessibility of microlearning in various educational contexts.
