Towards Post-pandemic Transformative Teaching and Learning: Case Studies of Microlearning Implementations in two...

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Higher Education Pedagogy
• Instructional Design

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated shifts in post-secondary education, closing campuses and limiting face-to-face instruction.
• This crisis created opportunities for innovative teaching practices, leading to a re-evaluation of technology-mediated strategies like microlearning.
• Microlearning (ML) provides flexible, short-burst learning materials accessible on demand, initially as supplementary resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the feasibility and implementation of microlearning (ML) in post-secondary institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To examine institutional approaches to adopting ML using the SAMR model.
• To identify challenges and potential strategies for advancing ML adoption in higher education.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory case study design was employed, focusing on two post-secondary institutions.
• Data collection involved quantitative questionnaires and qualitative teacher reflections.
• The SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition) model was used as a framework for analysis.

Main Results:

• Microlearning (ML) shows promise for post-pandemic educational resilience and enhanced teaching and learning.
• Current ML implementations face practical and pedagogical challenges that limit transformative impact.
• The study identified varying levels of ML adoption across the examined institutions.

Conclusions:

• Microlearning (ML) is a viable strategy for post-secondary education, offering flexibility and engagement.
• Overcoming current implementation challenges is crucial for realizing ML's full potential.
• Further strategies are needed to elevate ML adoption towards transformative educational experiences.