This microlearning project is about identifying the learning theory that supports my learning with the new tool, 7taps. The learning theory I used the most for this project is the principles of connectivism (Siemens, 2005).

🌐 Embracing chaos. 

🌐 Nodes (what I know already) and connections (how nodes might be linked). For example, I know how to create infographics in Canva. I might use the skill of visualization on a different platform to connect between Canva and 7taps.

🌐 Recognizing patterns --the 7taps platform is somewhat similar to the Adobe Creative Cloud Express that I used in past projects. Once the rough sketch of the storyline was ready, I created the structure first, then filled it with contents. Also, knowing the free version's limitations helped me avoid redo later. 

🌐 Learning and obtaining information from various mediums on the go, for example, listening to podcast episodes on Microlearning in informal ways.

🌐 Know where to search for the most critical information.  

🌐 Plug into sources to meet the requirement, such as tutorials and sample pieces for inspiration.

Why is 7taps effective?

• The 1-minute overview is easy to access by QR code.

• Delivers right at the point of use (Morrison, 2017).

• Helps users stick to ONE learning outcome  (Eades, 2014; Giurgiu, 2017; Morrison, 2017).

• Provides a limit on word counts that makes the users choose words succinctly.

• A simple interface. Only essential information. No overload with too many interactive points. 

• Helps users grasp the concept and get to work immediately (Pandey, 2018).

• Saves time (Morrison, 2017). No endless link loop to other tutorials. 

• Invites teammates to collaborate (Volz, 2020).

The learning of the 21st-century generation has been becoming increasingly on the go. The mobile-friendliness of the learning platform makes knowledge sit on the top of the fingertip. While microlearning can conveniently provide performance-based information whenever it is called upon, I question if an aggregation of microlearning units can create a meaningful learning experience. 

I continued to listen to the microlearning-related podcast episodes. In the eLearning Coach, episode 57, Robyn Defelice (Mahamed, 2019) wrapped up her talk on the conciseness of overall planning with an analogy of microlearning as focusing on a couple of leaves on a limb and thinking of the entire learning as a forest or a group of trees. The visual of how microlearning units fit together toward a larger learning goal resonated with me. 

In the same episode, Karl Kapp also noted, "Learning comes through making connections. Without connections, it's a piece of information, not learning." Microlearning is a part of the whole, and it comes alive when the context is relevant.