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Week 4, Post 1: Microlearning Challenges

 In my exploration of this week's articles, the first one to catch my attention was about the use of microlearning challenges to promote student self-directed learning. This article was particularly interesting to me because I value the use of microlearning in an educational context. With all the new learning trends going on, microlearning has been increasingly utilized due the its flexibility, motivational elements, engagement, and other things like shortness. So when I noticed this article being on the list, I was interested to learn more about the impact that this form of learning is having in our Higher Education Institutions. 

With any type of learning, it is very necessary to have certain guidelines in place for how learners need to participate or go about their learning. Microlearning is one of those instances where learners still need some type of reward for participation which in this case is making it a requirement within a course. In the case of the article, we see this with the badges that were awarded to students based on challenge completion. At the same time, students get to take the lead for how they go about their learning based on the time flexibility, options for learning, and finding ways to incorporate what they're learning within a given course. 

Something I noted was that the researchers talked about how "Motivating voluntary learners is one of the biggest challenges of any optional learning experience " (Dennen et.Al p.176). This is a great point that was brought up, considering that learners tend to focus on required course materials and assignments. It is certainly a challenge to have people do something that is optional, which is why some sort of reward would be helpful in promoting participation. 


Reference

Dennen, V. P., Arslan, Ö., & Bong, J. (2024). Optional embedded microlearning challenges: Promoting self-directed learning and extension in a higher education course. Educational Technology & Society, 27(1), 166-182. https://doi.org/10.30191/ETS.202401_27(1).SP04 

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