Microlearning 5151803 199875632 2008-03-21T18:19:37Z Crystallina 429935 Repairing link to disambiguation page - [[Wikipedia:Disambiguation pages with links|You can help!]] '''Microlearning''' deals with relatively small learning units and short-term learning activities. Generally, the term 'microlearning' refers to [[micro]]-perspectives in the context of learning, education and training. More frequently, the term is used in the domain of [[E-learning]] and related fields in the sense of a new paradigmatic perspective on [[learning]] processes in mediated environments on micro levels. == Introduction == In a wide sense, microlearning can be understood as a metaphor which refers to micro aspects of a variety of learning models, concepts and processes. "No matter if learning refers to the process of building up and organizing [[knowledge]], to the change of [[behaviour]], of [[attitudes]], of [[values]], of mental abilities, of [[cognitive]] structures, of emotional reactions, of action patterns or of societal dimensions, in all cases we have the possibility to consider [[micro]], [[meso]] and [[macroscopic|macro]] aspects of the various views on more or less persisting changes and sustainable alterations of performances." (Hug 2005, p. 4). Depending on frames and domains of reference, micro, meso and macro aspects vary. They are relational concepts. For example, in the context of language learning, one might think of micro aspects in terms of vocabularies, phrases, sentences, and distinguish them from situations and episodes (meso aspects) and socio-cultural specifics or complex semantics (macro aspects). In a more general discourse on learning, one might differentiate between the learning of individuals, group learning or learning of organizations and the learning of generations or societies. Furthermore, microlearning marks a transition from common models of learning towards micro perspectives on and the significance of micro dimensions in the process of learning. The microlearning approach is an emergent [[paradigm]], so there are no hard definitions or coherent uses of the term yet. However, the growing focus on microlearning activities can be seen by [[web]] users' activities on the subject, who [[tag (metadata)|tag]] their corresponding [[weblog]] postings and [[Social bookmarking|social bookmarks]] with the term 'microlearning' (check the corresponding [http://www.technorati.com/tags/microlearning Technorati] and [http://del.icio.us/tag/microlearning del.icio.us] tags for examples). As an [[instructional technology]], microlearning focuses on the design of micro learning activities through micro steps in digital media environments, which already is a daily reality for today's [[knowledge workers]]. These activities can be incorporated in learner's daily routines and tasks. Unlike "traditional" elearning approaches, microlearning often tends towards [[push technology]] through [[push media]], which reduces the [[cognitive load]] on the learners. Therefore, the selection of micro [[learning object]]s and also pace and timing of micro learning activities are of importance for didactical designs. == Characterization of microlearning == Microlearning can be characterized as follows: * Microlearning processes often derive from interaction with [[microcontent]], which takes place either in designed (media) settings (eLearning) or in emergent microcontent structures like weblog postings or social bookmark managers on the [[World Wide Web]] (Mosel 2005). * Microlearning can be an assumption about the time needed to solve a learning task, for example answering a question, memorizing an information item, or finding a needed resource (Masie 2006). Learning processes that have been called "microlearning" can cover a span from few seconds (e.g. in mobile learning) up to 15 minutes or more. There is some relation to the term [[microteaching]], which is an established practice in teacher education. * Microlearning can also be understood as a ''process'' of subsequent, "short" learning activities, i.e. learning through interaction with microcontent objects in small timeframes. In this case, the design, selection, feedback and pacing of repeated or otherwise 'chained' microlearning tasks comes into view. * In a wider sense, microlearning is a term that can be used to describe the way more and more people are actually doing informal learning and gaining knowledge in [[microcontent]], [[micromedia]] or [[multitasking]] environments ([[microcosm]]), especially those that become increasingly based on [[Web 2.0]] and [[wireless]] [[web]] technologies. In this wider sense, the borders between microlearning and the complementary concept of [[microknowledge]] are blurring. == Dimensions of microlearning == The following dimensions can be used to describe or design micro learning activities: * '''Time:''' relatively short effort, operating expense, degree of time consumption, measurable time, subjective time, etc. * '''Content:''' small or very small units, narrow topics, rather simplex issues, etc. * '''Curriculum:''' small part of curricular setting, parts of modules, elements of informal learning, etc. * '''Form:''' fragments, facets, episodes, "knowledge nuggets", skill elements, etc. * '''Process:''' separate, concomitant or actual, situated or integrated activities, iterative method, [[attention management]], awareness (getting into or being in a process), etc. * '''Mediality:''' print media, electronic media, mono-media vs. multi-media, (inter-)mediated forms, etc. * '''Learning type:''' repetitive, activist, reflective, pragmatist, conceptionalist, constructivist, connectivist, behaviourist; also: [[action learning]], classroom learning, corporate learning, etc. (Hug 2005, used with permission) == Examples of microlearning activities == * reading a paragraph of [[Writing|text]], [[email]] or [[Short message service|sms]] * listening to an informational (short) [[podcast]] or an educational video-clip * viewing a [[flashcard]] * memorizing a word, vocabulary, definition or formula * sorting a set of (microcontent) items by (chrono)logical order * selecting an answer to a question * answering questions in quizzes * playful learning with micro-games * composing a [[haiku]] or a short poem == Microlearning applications (examples) == * Screensavers which prompt the user to solve small series of simple tasks after a certain amount of inactivity * Quizzes with [[multiple choice]] options on [[cell phones]] by use of [[Short message service|sms]] or mobile applications ([[Java platform|java]] [[midlet]]s, [[symbian]]) * Word of the day as daily [[RSS (file format)|RSS]]-feed or [[email]] * Flashcard-software for memorizing content through [[spaced repetition]] ==References== * Gassler, Gerhard (2004): [http://138.232.201.12/cgi-bin/xhs_voll.pl?UID=&ID=73296 Integriertes Mikrolernen]. MPhil. thesis, University of Innsbruck (Austria). * Gassler, Gerhard; Hug, Theo & Glahn, Christian (2004): Integrated Micro Learning – An outline of the basic method and first results. In: Auer, Michael E. & Auer, Ursula (eds.): International Conference on Interactive Computer Aided Learning, ICL 2004, Sept. 29 - Oct. 1, 2004, Villach, Austria (CD-ROM). * Gstrein, Silvia & Hug, Theo (2005): Integrated Micro Learning during Access Delays. A new approach to second language learning. In: Zaphiris, Panayiotis (ed.): User-centered computer assisted language learning. Hershey: Idea Group Publishing, pp. 152-175. * Hagleitner, Wolfgang; Drexler, Arthur; Hug, Theo (2006). Evaluation of a prototypic version of Knowledge Pulse in the context of a management course. Paper presented at the [http://www.mapec.at MApEC] (Multimedia Applications in Education Conference) 2006, September 4-6, [http://www.fh-joanneum.at/aw/~a/home/?lan=en FH Joanneum], Graz, Austria. * Hug, Theo; Lindner, Martin; Bruck, Peter A. (eds.) (2006): [http://www.microlearning.org/micropapers/microlearning2005_proceedings_digitalversion.pdf Microlearning: Emerging Concepts, Practices and Technologies after e-Learning]. Proceedings of Microlearning 2005. Innsbruck: Innsbruck University Press, 2006. * Hug, Theo (2005): [http://web.mit.edu/comm-forum/mit4/papers/hug.pdf Micro Learning and Narration]. Exploring possibilities of utilization of narrations and storytelling for the designing of "micro units" and didactical micro-learning arrangements. Paper presented at the fourth Media in Transition conference, May 6-8, 2005, MIT, Cambridge (MA), USA. * Masie, Elliott (2006): [http://www.clomedia.com/content/templates/clo_article.asp?articleid=1221 Nano-Learning: Miniaturization of Design]. * Mosel, Stephan (2005): [http://www.microlearning.org/micropapers/MLproc_2005_mosel.pdf Self Directed Learning With Personal Publishing and Microcontent]. Constructivist Approach and Insights for Institutional Implementations. Paper presented at the Microlearning 2005 conference, June 23-24, 2005, Innsbruck, Austria. * Weber, Charles M. (2003): [http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/8003 Rapid Learning in High Velocity Environments]. Ph. D. thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) / Cambridge (U.S.A.). ==See also== * [[Integrated Microlearning]] (IML) * [[Microcontent]] * [[Microformats]] * [[Microknowledge]] * [[Micromedia]] ==External links== * [http://www.microlearning.org Microlearning.org]: Learning, Working and Living in New Media Spaces. * [http://www.eamil.org/ European Academy for Microlearning] (EAMIL) * [http://www.microlearning.net/ Microlearning.net] (French) * [http://microlearning.typepad.com/ Microlearning & Micropédagogie] (French [[blog]]) * [http://www.theledge.com/micromoments/ Micromoments]: An interstitial video learning series that teaches college-level computer science fundamentals in short five-minute episodes. * [http://www.nanolearning.com/ NanoLearning.com]: A marketplace for small, focused learning content. * [http://www.technorati.com/tags/microlearning Technorati Tag: Microlearning] * [http://del.icio.us/tag/microlearning del.icio.us Tag: Microlearning] * [http://www.skillsfeed.com/ SkillsFeed.com]: Web 2.0 microlearning platform [[Category:Computing and society]] [[Category:Educational psychology]] [[Category:Educational technology]] [[Category:Learning]] [[Category:Technical communication]] [[Category:Distance education]] [[de:Mikrolernen]] [[fr:Microlearning]]