Microlearning in Practice: Contemporary Insights on Its Design, Application, and Impact

Abstract

This study explores the evolving landscape of microlearning by synthesizing peer-reviewed literature and real-world insights from instructors and learners affiliated with the online learning platform GoSkills. Using a qualitative, exploratory design, it examines how microlearning is defined, delivered, and experienced across corporate and educational settings. A review of 13 academic sources highlights key dimensions such as brevity, adaptability, targeted instructional design, and emerging digital formats. Semi-structured interviews with three instructors and three learners complement this review, offering a grounded perspective on how these concepts take shape in practice. While microlearning offers clear advantages in flexibility, motivation, and knowledge retention, its conciseness may limit deeper learning unless supported by thoughtful scaffolding or contextual aids. By drawing on recent literature and practitioner experiences, this study contributes to a better understanding of microlearning’s current strengths and challenges and outlines future research directions, including its integration into broader learning ecosystems and the evolving role of AI-powered learning technologies.