Microlearning

Microlearning (English micro learning) refers to learning in small learning units and short steps. General refers the term "micro- learning " on the micro - aspects in the context of learning, education and training processes. More frequently, the term is used more specifically for a technical realization in the field of e-learning, which uses the application of new Web technologies for e -learning. This small information units and test questions via PC or mobile phone be retrieved from the server. The software on the server observes the individual learning progress and adjusts the questions and question repetition on the far right or wrong answered questions.

Introduction

Microlearning is a fairly recent term whose meaning and aspects are still the subject of research. In the broadest sense, micro learning can be understood as a metaphor that refers to micro aspects of the variety of learning models, concepts and processes. With all kinds of learning ( eg, the structure and organization of knowledge, behavior changes, change of belief and value systems, cognitive skills and structures, emotional reactions, social behavior ) can be micro-, meso -, and macro - aspects of sustainable differ learned changes. Depending on the frame vary micro - meso-and macro aspects. You are referencing concepts. For example, one would like to in the context of language acquisition, refer to the micro-level in learning the vocabulary and phrases. A distinction is made here to the situations and episodes ( Mesoaspekte ) and the socio- cultural features or complicated semantics (macro aspect). In a more general explanation of learning, one should make the distinction between the learning of individuals, groups, organizations, societies or generations.

In addition, micro learning identifies a shift from traditional learning models to micro- perspective learning units and emphasizes the importance of the latter for learning. The approach to micro- learning is a new emerging paradigm, which is why there are no exact definitions formulated, or application representations. In any case, the growing focus of micro- learning activities can be tracked at the power users who label their personal weblog entries and bookmarks with the name of the micro learning, for example.

As instructional technology, micro learning focuses on the design of micro- learning activities through micro-steps in digital media developments which is already a daily reality for today's knowledge managers. These activities can be incorporated into the daily routine tasks and programs of the learner. Unlike traditional e -learning concepts and approaches, micro learning can be seen as a shock technology, which reduces the cognitive load in learning. Consequently, the selection of micro learning objects, just as well as the time and place of learning activities is of great importance for the learning success.

Characterization of micro- learning

Micro- learning is characterized by many small learning units. These are called micro content. They are found both in structured form ( e-learning), as well as in dynamic processes, such as in a blog or a bookmark ( Micromedia ) on the World Wide Web again.

In addition, micro- learning can describe a period of time. Thus, the learning time needed is meant for a specific job (for example, answering a question ). Learning processes, which are described under the name of micro learning, often cover a few seconds, but can also last for 15 minutes or longer.

Micro- learning can be understood as a process of short learning activities. We learn in this sense, for example, by interactions. These are scattered with minimal learning units and run in short time periods. It is at this point gets microlearning then also a more concrete form. Responses, counter-positions, improvements, etc., allowing us to learn. A further characteristic of the micro- learning is clear here: the immediate and direct control of the learning success without detours ( short feedback loop ).

In the broadest sense microlearning describes the way as more and more people are learning informally. Knowledge is created through the development of small learning units. In particular, this application of Web2.0 and wireless network technologies are meant. In this interpretation approach blurs the boundaries between micro and micro learning knowledge, they are complementary.

Dimensions of the micro learning

The micro aspect is known for the following dimensions:

• Time: The learning steps are short (seconds, minutes at most ).
• Content: The course units are small and the subjects are limited and fairly easy
• Quick feedback: the control of learning success happens immediately and directly.
• Form: fragments, facts, episodes, short elements
• Process: different, concomitantly or in fact, repetitive, integrated
• Learning type: repetitive, pragmatic, active, reflexive, cooperative; also: action learning, classroom learning, corporate learning
• Media: print media, electronic media, mono -media versus multi-media

Examples of micro- learning

• In sport: To learn to balance on a surf board to refine its impact, throwing or shooting technique, one needs many small learning units, many short learning steps and immediate, direct control of learning success. Theory is less helpful.
• In language learning: language - PC programs, vocabulary trainer.
• To weaning of bad habits.
• Read a section of text, an email or a text message

Other: · Playful learning through so-called micro - games · Create short poems or haikus · answering quiz questions / multipe -choice questions · Answer selection issues · Sorting of small knowledge resources · internalization of words, vocabulary, definitions · Podcasts / short video clips · Read a section of text, an e-mail or SMS

Applications of micro- learning

• Screensavers that require the user to solve short sequences of simple tasks
• Multiple-choice quiz on a cell phone using SMS or mobile applications ( such as the MLE, an open source learning application for mobile phones )
• Word of the day as a daily RSS feed or e- mail
• FlashCards software to remember your content by repeating with intervals
• Clients for Windows
• Applications for iPhone

Micro learning in computer science

Software engineering is increasingly understood as a learning process: One can not know everything in advance and plan correctly at the beginning of a project. It is better to admit the reality of not knowing at the beginning of a project and leave open all the decisions that can be taken seriously only after completion of the learning process. "We can not develop faster than learning " is the testimony of experts in Extreme Programming ( XP). On the other hand, there is enormous pressure on the acceleration of the software development process. It must follow to make the learning process even more efficient. This is done today with micro learning.

Test-driven development (Test - Driven Development, TDD) is an example of micro- learning in system development and the practice of software engineering has revolutionized in the last five years. Today, software is created in micro - iterations, the success test, for example, unit test, first, before the development of the functionality is. TDD helps developers to get into the flow.