What is microlearning? A new approach to learning material design.
Microlearning is a learning method in which content is broken down into short units of knowledge, each focusing on a specific learning objective. Instead of learning through long lectures, learners can access content in smaller chunks, making it easier to remember and apply.
Learning units in microlearning typically last only a few minutes and can be accessed flexibly through digital learning platforms. This allows learners to be more proactive in choosing content and adjusting the learning pace to suit their needs.
In the studies and implementation trials of RIDE, microlearning is considered one of the suitable approaches for designing learning materials on the Retudy platform. Instead of creating long courses, the content is organized into short learning modules that are logically connected, allowing learners to access skills step by step in a flexible manner.
Why is microlearning being increasingly widely adopted?
The popularity of microlearning comes not only from technological factors but also from changes in the way people receive information.
In line with the modern learning pace
In today's learning and working environment, learners often do not have much time for lengthy training programs. Microlearning allows learners to access content more quickly and flexibly.
During the research and development of digital learning solutions, RIDE found that organizing content into small learning units on the Retudy platform allows learners to access lessons at any time, while also making it easy to revisit the content that needs to be reviewed.
Increase memory retention and application
Breaking down the content helps learners focus on each specific skill, thereby increasing their ability to remember and apply it in practice.
On the Retudy platform, microlearning content can be combined with exercises, simulation scenarios, and interactive activities. This approach aligns with RIDE's direction in developing learning models that help learners not only acquire knowledge but also gradually develop skills.
Increase the learners' initiative
One of the important advantages of microlearning is that it helps learners become more proactive in the learning process. Learners can choose the content, adjust the learning pace, and repeat the necessary parts.
In Retudy's learning design, learners are encouraged to choose a learning path that suits their personal needs. This is also one of the approaches that RIDE is researching to develop personalized training models in education.
Microlearning in soft skills training
For soft skills training, microlearning is particularly suitable because the nature of skills lies not only in understanding concepts but primarily in being formed through practice and repeated experiences in various contexts. Unlike theoretical knowledge that can be absorbed through long lectures, soft skills such as communication, collaboration, or problem-solving often require learners to gradually refine, experiment, and adjust their behaviors during the learning process.
Therefore, breaking down training content into short learning units following the microlearning model makes the skill development process more flexible and accessible. Instead of participating in long training sessions with multiple topics at once, learners can focus on specific situations or skills in a short amount of time, and then continue to practice and reinforce through interactive activities.
For example, in training skills such as communication, teamwork, or problem-solving, the content can be designed into short scenarios linked to real-life contexts in learning or work. Learners can approach each scenario individually, try to propose solutions, then receive feedback and adjust their approach. This design method helps learners not only understand the content but also gradually develop habits and skill reflexes in situations that are close to reality.
Similar approaches are also being tested in several digital learning models. For example, during the research on platforms that support personalized learning, the research team at RIDE – Institute for Research on Digital Organization and Economy developed the Retudy platform, where soft skill content is organized into short learning units linked to scenarios and practice activities. This organization helps skill training occur in small steps, while also allowing learners to access and practice skills more flexibly.
From a broader perspective, the integration of microlearning with digital learning platforms shows potential in designing learning experiences that are better suited to the current pace of learning and working, especially in soft skills training programs.
The role of technology and AI in microlearning
The development of digital learning platforms along with artificial intelligence (AI) technology is creating favorable conditions for learning models such as microlearning to be implemented more effectively. In the past, organizing learning content into small units and tracking the learning process of each individual often faced many limitations in terms of tools and data. However, with the support of digital platforms, the process of designing and managing learning has become more flexible and scalable.
Current digital learning platforms can support many important functions in implementing microlearning. First, learning content can be organized into small modules, each focusing on a specific topic or skill. This organization helps learners access knowledge in short, manageable steps, making it easy to follow and convenient for review or practice when necessary.
In addition, digital platforms also allow for tracking learners' progress through interaction data, study time, or practice results. This data helps instructors or curriculum designers gain a better understanding of the learning process of students, enabling them to adjust the content or teaching methods accordingly.
Another advantage of the digital learning environment is the ability to personalize the learning experience. Instead of all learners following the same path, the system can suggest different content based on each individual's needs, progress level, or previous learning outcomes. Additionally, practice exercises, quiz questions, or automated feedback can also be integrated into each learning module, allowing learners to receive feedback right during the learning process.
At RIDE – Institute for Research on Organizations and Digital Economy, AI is an important support tool in developing digital learning models. On the Retudy platform, AI is used to assist in creating learning materials, designing learning scenarios, and suggesting content that is suitable for learners based on learning data. Additionally, analyzing the learning data collected by the system also helps provide more information about how learners interact with the content, which parts are challenging or need improvement. This data can serve as a basis for adjusting training programs and designing more effective learning materials in subsequent stages.
Looking more broadly, the combination of microlearning, digital learning platforms, and AI technology shows potential in creating flexible learning environments where content can be continuously updated and the learning experience can be tailored to the needs of each individual learner.
Conclusion
In the context of rapidly changing education and training, microlearning is becoming a learning method that aligns with the characteristics of learners in the digital age.
The combination of microlearning with digital learning platforms and AI technology can open up new approaches in training program design. This not only enhances the effectiveness of knowledge acquisition but also enables learners to be more proactive in the skill development process.
From the perspective of researching and implementing digital training solutions, RIDE – Institute for Research on Organization and Digital Economy is continuing to research and develop data-driven learning models, in which the Retudy platform is seen as an experimental step to promote flexible and personalized training models in education and skills training.