Microlearning is the intentional chunking of information to align with the limits of human working memory. It should not be confused with simply creating short content. It is an instructional strategy that balances technical usability by making the content frictionless to consume, with pedagogical usability which ensures the short interaction results in retention and skill transfer.
Microlearning delivers educational content in brief, focused segments, typically lasting 2–10 minutes. Each module targets a specific learning outcome, allowing learners to quickly acquire, apply, and reinforce knowledge.
🎥Watch the video below for a short overview.
Photo by Tara Winstead: https://www.pexels.com/photo/thoughts-taking-different-paths-8378726/
Think about where you may have encountered microlearning as a teacher, learner, or everyday user.
Consider examples such as short tutorials, social media videos, workplace training, educational apps, or professional development activities.
Did you find the learning effective? Why or why not?
Microlearning is not a new concept, and its origins date back to the 1960s! Microlearning as we know it today has largely paralleled technological advancements and the resulting sociocultural shifts in how we live and learn.
Follow the timeline below to track the journey of microlearning from its modest beginnings to today's modern and on-the-go education.
References
Cloke, H. (2019, July 4). History of microlearning. https://www.growthengineering.co.uk/history-of-microlearning/
Ho, C. M., Yeh, C. C., Wang, J. Y., Hu, R. H., & Lee, P. H. (2025). Preclass video nanolearning or microlearning in blended medical education. Frontiers in Medicine, 12, 1639475. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1639475
OttoLearn. (n.d.). The history of microlearning. https://www.ottolearn.com/microlearning/history-of-microlearning
Rued Riis. (2020, December 23). What is microlearning? [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/KlbsuPAibfY?si=BWjYjJRphNHRIUYC
Rustici Software. (n.d.). SCORM versions. https://scorm.com/scorm-explained/business-of-scorm/scorm-versions/