Differences Between Microlearning and Traditional Learning

When we want to choose one of the two methods of microlearning and traditional learning, it is better first to examine the difference between microlearning and traditional learning in terms of education and social interaction. For microlearning, we must use the learning management system and online test software, while in traditional learning, only smart schools use this software.

When students choose one of these two methods, they may notice only the most obvious difference between the classroom and the microlearning applications. However, many differences between the two significantly impact success. They have an individual education. In this article, we intend to discuss some of these factors. Among the factors that lead to the difference between microlearning and traditional learning are the following:

• learning method
• Class environment
• Technology
• Tuition
• the quickness of the learning process

Microlearning and traditional learning method

The first difference between microlearning and traditional learning is that more attention is paid to independent learning styles in microlearning. Students who use microlearning are expected to act autonomously in achieving their academic goals while balancing other responsibilities. In some subjects, some microlearning styles take precedence over others. There are teaching methods in which content is presented in the form of recorded audio lectures, which are useful for students who learn by listening. Teachers can use school management software to record and upload audio, and students can listen to and memorize it using their school software .

Although there are still misconceptions about microlearning today, including that it is considered to isolate students, it is important to know that most online school curricula today use active learning environments where people engage in various activities. We also see peer communication with each other and student interaction with the online teacher. This feature of microlearning is useful for people who, along with others, can learn the lessons better. Some of the ways of communication in the microlearning environment are:

• email
• Forum
• Instant messaging
• video conference
• School software
• Chatroom  

However, in comparing microlearning with traditional learning, the traditional learning method mainly meets the needs of students whose learning style is participatory— especially those who learn by listening or moving. Also, in traditional learning environments, the student can interact face to face, both inside and outside the classroom.

traditional learning and Classroom environment

Several students gather at a specific time and place in a traditional learning environment. They may attend lectures and independent study groups with their peers. Interact with your instructor after class or during break hours. This teaching style in traditional schools is often teacher-centered, meaning that the educator, who is knowledgeable and experienced, teaches students about their subject matter.

Some microlearning courses follow the same pattern, with an online classroom and Q&A sessions held online during school hours. However, other microlearning courses are more flexible, meaning that students can choose the time and place that suits them best. This teaching style in microlearning programs is mostly student-centered, and students differ in the option they choose in the quickness of the learning process and class attendance, depending on the subject they choose.

You can read this article for more information: Microlearning theory

Technology and related issues in traditional learning

For a student to function well in a virtual classroom, they must have a basic knowledge of computer use in this area. Teachers also need to know how to integrate these resources into the lessons and teach students how to use them. Online teachers in smart schools usually use a learning management system. In addition to the communication methods we have already discussed, some of the media that can be used in microlearning courses include web pages, webinars, software programs, webcasts, search engines, and social media.

Although traditional classes are conducted physically, students and teachers must have some of the technical skills needed to use programs that enable them to produce documents, conduct Internet-based searches, and other resources. Technical help.

Tuition and traditional learning

Another difference between microlearning and traditional learning is in reducing costs. Although some schools charge students in microlearning the same as students in traditional learning, students pay less for distance learning programs in many schools. Schools often charge a fee for the entire year at the beginning of the educational year, including all expenses for that school year. Some schools eliminate certain costs unrelated to online students (such as lab fees) or may charge additional costs to provide the technical infrastructure for online curricula. Although tuition may not be much different, microlearning reduces costs such as travel, books, printed brochures, etc.

Quikness of traditional learning process

In a traditional learning environment, students must take units per semester, date, and time allotted. Because there is no physical environment in the microlearning method, these courses are often more flexible. This is true in two ways. First, many schools offer so-called self-regulated courses so that students receive instructional content based on their preferred time and using the resources provided by the institution. In this way, they have the necessary flexibility and can be trained whenever ideal for them.

In general, the quickness of the learning process in microlearning is much higher than in traditional learning. Students learn more during the same period because factors such as students’ mischief in class, repetition, questions, and answers from other students are eliminated. The the student can make the most of their teaching time.

Microlearning educational method has some other features that make this method an ideal and appropriate learning strategy for everyone.

these features are:

1. Achieving an educational goal in each topic

2. Provide information in a targeted manner

3. Schedules are timed

4. Available on all mobile devices

5. Presented in a variety of formats

Microlearning will not necessarily be offered as standard e-learning courses to date. They Can have independent training units in any format, including short videos, infographics, podcasts, short questionnaires, scripts, motion graphics, interactive PDFs, or games. This diversity eliminates the uniformity of learning programs and levels.

6.Will increase the interest of learners

Among the objections and criticisms that experts have to traditional learning today, it can be said that traditional learning and processes occur face to face and lead to the encouragement of traditional learning. As we mentioned, individual differences and needs are not taken into account.

The fact that today the quickness of the learning process has increased and, the contents are changing rapidly; it is no longer possible to achieve their goals by simply emphasizing traditional learning approaches; we must inevitably turn to new learning methods such as microlearning; it Made learning relevant for learners and design and present more effective and efficient learning. Learning with a high level of productivity is one of the important goals of higher education. The traditional learning method is the method that has been used by most educational centers in the world throughout the history of education and is still one of the most common methods in educational centers today.

Traditional learning features:

Learners read and memorize concepts, experiences, and rules and try to memorize them.

 Learners recall whatever they have deposited in their minds during the test.

The teacher often teaches by lecturing method and plays the role of problem-solving. (Gives exercises, helps to solve exercises, justifies concepts with examples)

Teachers often offer booklets, summarize the book’s contents, and lead learners to use problem-solving books.

The teacher gives homework to the class, and the learners are the spectators in this process.

 The teacher controls the class.

The teacher is fully active in the teaching scene, and the learners are silent.

 The teacher practices, solve exercises, answers questions, solves problems, teaches, and writes pamphlets.

Traditional learning is not suitable for some students

In traditional learning, education is the transfer of information and knowledge from the teacher’s mind to the mind of the student or educator. This system is so-called teacher-centered and plays a fundamental and pivotal role. The chairs are arranged in a row in the classroom, which indicates that everyone should pay attention to the teacher and be under his orders.

In this system, teaching lectures are usually applied without discussion, exchange and learning activities. In addition, students do not have the right to argue with each other, and in some cases, they even have to wait until the end of the class to ask the teacher. Up to twenty of them have been tested to be rejected or accepted based on their mark archives, and after the test, the content is usually forgotten. Sometimes the booklets and textbooks are discarded or burned by the learners.

Summing it up : What is the best learning method?

None of the teaching methods are good or bad in themselves, but the manner and conditions of their use make them strong or weak. Therefore, the teacher must choose the most appropriate method for teaching according to the educational goals, teaching content, needs and interests of students, available facilities (time, space, equipment, etc.), student density, etc. In a teaching session, we do not necessarily have to use only one method, and depending on the situation; we can use a combination of teaching patterns and methods. To do this, we must have many knowledge, ability, and skills in using various teaching patterns.

Certainly, no one claims that microlearning methods are not appropriate methods, but the important point is whether the conditions for these methods are ready? What should be done until it is ready? Is it wise to do the work incompletely and incorrectly without training? Have our teachers been trained for these methods? Sometimes it was seen that by putting the chairs together, new methods are performed, while it is neither a traditional learning method, nor a new one, nor a correct combination of them.