Implications of Current Trends

Micro learning appears to be a super efficient way to teach in small doses. A small you tube video or a short podcast can be a great way to engage students. They come across as "non-committal" as this style of learning can be done in a short amount of time, as well as allow time for reflection after. In this day and age, when humanity is glued to their phones, micro learning seems to be not so much a trend, but a fast evolving way of teaching. The course that I am currently taking shows this, as each you tube video posted by the instructor, Glenn, is a form of micro learning.

I hope to use a similar style to his in my classes in the future. I believe that a small time commitment will make learning easier and more efficient for those who have families, other commitments, like jobs, etc. People live busy lives, and we live in a society of convenience. I believe that micro learning fits right into that.

As far as game based learning goes, there are ways that it can be used to trigger excitement in a new challenge. For instance, in first year plumbing, we have a project for soldering, where you have to cut your pieces, clean them, and the fittings, to make an object. I don't think they used this as a game style to learn, but it can be associated with a game, as there is a time limit, and you have to share your station with a partner. It is a fun exercise to do, and in the end, you are taught how to solder correctly. Magic!