Microlearning. Have you heard the term? It may sound like a fad or the latest trend for some, but for me, it has profoundly changed how I approach learning. For years, I engaged with the traditional long, drawn-out courses that were usually dry and overwhelming. The passion I have always had for acquiring and applying knowledge was dwindling. Little did I know that a simple shift to microlearning could reignite my passion and transform my perception of adult learning into an exciting journey!
The Turning Point
Initially, I was skeptical about the effectiveness of microlearning. How could it possibly replace the traditional, comprehensive courses I had grown accustomed to? My mindset shifted when I stumbled upon video learning in LinkedIn! These video micro-courses gave me compact, digestible content that I could consume in just a few minutes. Intrigued, I decided to give it a shot. After a few lessons, I found myself engrossed in topics I had never considered before.
The bite-sized nature of microlearning makes it easy to dive into subjects of interest without feeling overwhelmed and has allowed me to create my own learning pathways about areas I want to further explore. This brought me to audio books, how-to videos, online course auditing, and podcasts. The thrill of learning something new and immediately applying it into my daily life felt like a jolt of caffeine for my brain!
Benefits of Microlearning
Convenience and Flexibility
One of the most significant advantages I've experience with microlearning is its convenience. The courses are often accessible on multiple devices (smartphones, tablets, or laptops). This flexibility allowed me to learn on the go, whether I was waiting in line, commuting, or enjoying a quiet evening at home.
Microlearning courses fit perfectly into my hectic lifestyle, so much that I would sneak in a lesson during lunch time at work. For example, a 5-minute LinkedIn video course about the foundations of grant writing, led me to pursue a certificate on Grant Seeking Essentials. Each module in the course felt like a small victory, creating a satisfying sense of progress that fueled my motivation.
Enhanced Retention and Engagement
Another critical aspect for me is how microlearning enhances my retention of the learning. Research indicates that microlearning, delivering educational content in short, focused segments, can significantly enhance knowledge retention. A mini-review by Mostrady et al. (2025) highlights that microlearning improves knowledge retention, lowers cognitive load, and allows learners to consume content at their own pace. This aligns with my experience of absorbing information more effectively without feeling overwhelmed or distracted.
With traditional courses, I often struggled to stay focused for extended periods. However, with microlearning, the short segments keep my attention tightly honed. For instance, short tutorial videos on social media, led me on the short journey to obtain a certificate with Canva. The excitement of completing a lesson in just a few minutes and applying my learning created a wonderful feedback loop; each completed module felt like adding a feather to my cap.
Customizable Learning Paths
For me, the beauty of microlearning lies in the ability to tailor your learning journey. Unlike traditional courses with rigid structures, microlearning allows me to cherry-pick topics based on my interests and goals. This personalized approach makes the learning process far more engaging.
I started exploring various areas I wanted to upskill in, from adult learning design and course development tools, to grant writing and prompt engineering, picking and choosing sparked my curiosity and I've learned what works for me. By assembling my own unique learning path, I feel empowered to augment my skills in ways that directly aligned with my passions.
Building a Community
To enhance my experience, I joined online forums and discussion groups focused on my learning topics. Connecting with like-minded individuals reignited my passion for networking and knowledge-sharing.
Exchanging ideas with fellow microlearners and sharing insights from our learning journey has made the experience more enriching. Not only have I gained different perspectives, but I also find myself motivated by the learning journeys of others.
The Impact on My Lifelong Learning Journey
Embracing microlearning has not only transformed my way of acquiring and applying new knowledge and skills, but it has also rekindled my zest for learning. I'm a lifelong learner and this new approach to learning has made it an exciting, ongoing adventure rather than a daunting task.
Every micro-course I complete inspires me to seek out further resources, explore new topics, and engage in discussions with others. I am convinced that this approach fosters a growth mindset and allows for a more profound understanding of the world around me.
References:
Mostrady, A., Sanchez-Lopez, E., & Gonzalez-Sanchez, A. F. (2025). Microlearning and its effectiveness in modern education: A mini review. Acta Pedagogia Asiana, 4(1), 33–42. https://doi.org/10.53623/apga.v4i1.496
Comments