Microlearning is a fascinating topic, and while I conducted my literature review on AI in Education, I wanted to research another trend in educational technology for this discussion post. The idea from the 1999 sci-fi classic The Matrix—where knowledge can be instantly uploaded into our minds, as Neo famously declares, “I know Kung Fu”—has always fascinated me. Unbeknownst to me, microlearning, seen as an “emerging trend” in educational technology, has ancient roots. Carved symbols on cave walls were used to teach essential survival skills like fire-starting, food gathering, and shelter from the elements (Corbiel, 2023). This notion aligns with my initial understanding of instructional design discussed in our first post where I hypothesized “cave drawings” were the first form of teaching people. From personal experience I have found that the contemporary rise of microlearning is evident in my organization’s emphasis on creating YouTube shorts to disseminate educational content.
Corbiel’s historical analysis underscores that microlearning is indeed the “OG” original form of learning, revered and respected throughout history. He traces its evolution from techniques like spaced repetition and programmed learning with behaviorist roots in the 1950s to modern and more connectivism theory based innovations like ChatGPT and Apple Vision Pro in 2023. Corbiel concludes that every interaction with technology—be it using computers, mobile devices, or smart speakers to search the web, watch videos, read the news, or ask virtual assistants questions—constitutes a form of microlearning (Corbiel, 2023). This is something we as modern learners do every single day! Referencing Microlearning in the Workplace of the Future, Corbiel envisions a future where brain-computer interfaces, smart clothing, nanotechnologies, and a ubiquitous worldwide internet will enable seamless, computer-free learning. The prospect of a Matrix-like learning future is becoming increasingly feasible, as educational institutions are already developing robust microlearning strategies to cater to learners like myself, who require efficient and engaging methods due to time constraints and shorter attention spans.
Corbiel, R. (2023, August 2). Microlearning: The “OG” or hot new trend? EDUCAUSE Review. https://er.educause.edu/articles/2023/8/microlearning-the-og-or-hot-new-trend
Hamilton, J., Hall, D., & Hamilton, T. (2021). Microlearning in the Workplace of the Future. In Microlearning in the Digital Age (1st ed., pp. 240–263). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780367821623-19
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