Microlearning: Small Bites, Big Knowledge
Lynda Weinman and Bruce Heavin are pioneers in the field of microlearning, which is the delivery of learning content in small, digestible chunks.
Weinman and Heavin's research has shown that microlearning can be an effective way to deliver learning content because it is:
Flexible: Microlearning modules can be accessed anytime, anywhere, and on any device.
Engaging: Microlearning modules are typically short and visually appealing, which can help to keep students engaged.
Effective: Microlearning modules have been shown to be effective in helping students learn and retain information.
Lynda.com has been very successful with its microlearning approach. The platform has over 16 million users and offers over 16,000 courses on a wide variety of topics.
How BeED is Aligned with Microlearning
Bachelor of Education (BeED) is a four-year undergraduate degree program that prepares students to become teachers. The BeED program at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) is aligned with Weinman and Heavin's findings on microlearning in the following ways:
The BeED program teaches students about the benefits of microlearning and how to use it effectively in their teaching.
The BeED program prepares students to create and deliver their own microlearning modules.
The BeED program provides students with opportunities to use microlearning tools and technologies in their own teaching practice.
For example, BeED students at UPOU learn how to use tools like Articulate Storyline and Camtasia to create their own microlearning modules. They also learn how to use microlearning modules to supplement their traditional instruction.
By aligning the BeED program with Weinman and Heavin's findings on microlearning, UPOU is preparing its graduates to become teachers who can use microlearning to improve student learning.
Benefits of Microlearning
Microlearning has a number of benefits for both students and teachers.
Benefits for students:
Microlearning can help students to learn and retain information more effectively.
Microlearning can help students to learn at their own pace.
Microlearning can make learning more engaging and fun.
Benefits for teachers:
Microlearning can help teachers to save time and resources.
Microlearning can help teachers to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners.
Microlearning can help teachers to track student progress and identify areas where students need additional support.
Conclusion
Microlearning is an effective and efficient way to deliver learning content. BeED graduates who are trained in microlearning will be well-prepared to use this approach to improve student learning in their classrooms.
Here is a specific example of how a BeED graduate at UPOU is using microlearning to improve student learning:
Teacher B is a BeED graduate who teaches science at a public school. She uses microlearning videos to introduce new concepts to her students. She also uses microlearning quizzes to assess student understanding.
One day, Teacher B was teaching her students about the concept of photosynthesis. She used a short microlearning video to introduce the concept. The video was visually appealing and explained the concept in a clear and concise way.
After watching the video, Teacher B gave her students a microlearning quiz to assess their understanding of the concept. The quiz was short and easy to take, and it provided Teacher B with immediate feedback on her students' learning.
Teacher B found that her students were able to learn and retain the concept of photosynthesis more effectively after watching the microlearning video and taking the quiz. She continued to use microlearning throughout the year, and she found that it was an effective way to engage her students and improve their understanding of science concepts.
Teacher B's story shows how BeED graduates can use microlearning to improve student learning. By preparing BeED students to use microlearning, UPOU is helping to improve the quality of education for all students.