Microlecture

The term microlecture refers to short-form instructional content for online and mobile learning that is typically 60 seconds to three minutes in length. These lectures are combined with specific activities designed to promote the epistemic engagement of the learner. When used in flipped classrooms, which aim to reduce in-class lectures, microlectures are often tailored to student progress based on the results of quizzes or other formative assessments. According to Matt Crosslin, an instructor at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, microlectures follow a constructivist approach. David Penrose, an instructional designer and eLearning consultant at San Juan College, has articulated the process for creating microlectures. The interest surrounding the use of microlectures has continued to grow, even outside of the United States, to places like Hong Kong University, Yantai Nanshai University, Liaoning Police Academy, and East China Normal University. In the United States, the use of microlectures are even considered a part of the Pandemic Response Plans. Additionally, even scholars at schools like Princeton University (Humanities Resource Center), UNC's School of Government, Humboldt State University, University of West Florida, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign support the importance of an innovative teaching-learning approach for learners in the 21st century. The response of the higher education community was mixed, with some positive and some negative.

Short-form instructional content

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The term microlecture refers to short-form instructional content for online and mobile learning that is typically 60 seconds to three minutes in length.^[1] These lectures are combined with specific activities designed to promote the epistemic engagement of the learner.^{[citation needed]}

When used in flipped classrooms, which aim to reduce in-class lectures, microlectures are often tailored to student progress based on the results of quizzes or other formative assessments.^[2]

According to Matt Crosslin, an instructor at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, microlectures follow a constructivist approach.^[3] David Penrose, an instructional designer and eLearning consultant at San Juan College, has articulated the process for creating microlectures.^{[1][4][5][6][7]}

The interest surrounding the use of microlectures has continued to grow, even outside of the United States, to places like Hong Kong University,^[8] Yantai Nanshai University,^[9] Liaoning Police Academy, and East China Normal University.^[10] In the United States, the use of microlectures are even considered a part of the Pandemic Response Plans.^[11] Additionally, even scholars at schools like Princeton University (Humanities Resource Center),^[12] UNC's School of Government,^[13] Humboldt State University,^[14] University of West Florida, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign support the importance of an innovative teaching-learning approach for learners in the 21st century.^{[citation needed]}

The response of the higher education community was mixed, with some positive^{[15][16][17][18]} and some negative.^{[19][improper synthesis?]}

See also

[edit]

• Instructional design
• Microcontent
• Microlearning
• Online learning

References

[edit]

1. ^ ^{a b} Shieh, David (2009-03-06). "These Lectures Are Gone in 60 Seconds". The Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
2. ^ van Alten, David C.D.; Phielix, Chris; Janssen, Jeroen; Kester, Liesbeth (2019). "Effects of flipping the classroom on learning outcomes and satisfaction: A meta-analysis". Educational Research Review. 28 100281. doi:10.1016/j.edurev.2019.05.003.
3. ^ Crosslin, Matt (2009-03-04). "Microlectures: A Constructivist's Dream Come True". EduGeek Journal. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
4. ^ "Commentary: Using technology to improve access, success". www.communitycollegetimes.com. Archived from the original on 2012-05-14. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
5. ^ "Microlectures turn lessons into interactive snippets". The State News. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
6. ^ Robledo, L. (2009, March 18). Small school expands use of 'one-minute lectures'. Brown Daily Herald, 144(38), 5-6. Retrieved on March 26, 2009 from "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-09-30. Retrieved 2009-03-26.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
7. ^ "Teaching in One-Minute Snippets -". Campus Technology. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
8. ^ "Minutes of a meeting of the Knowledge Team held on Friday, 24 April 2009". lib.hku.hk. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
9. ^ Zhang, Y.C. (2013) Microlecture Construction Research and Thinking. China Education Network, 10, 1-2
10. ^ Liu, M. and Zhu, Z. (2013). Design analysis and model building of micro lectures. China Educational Technology, 12, 127-131
11. ^ "Faculty Guide for Pandemic Planning". University of St. Thomas. 2009. Archived from the original on 2010-05-28.
12. ^ Brady, A (2009-03-09). "Microlectures in distance and online learning". Archived from the original on 2011-07-20.
13. ^ Cunningham, C. (2009, March 8). Micro-lectures: A cure for content bloat. Teaching and Learning Support. Retrieved on January 21, 2010 from "Micro-lectures: A Cure for Content Bloat | Teaching & Learning Support". Archived from the original on 2010-06-13. Retrieved 2010-01-22.
14. ^ HSU. (2011, October 13). Microlectures by Joan Van Duzer: Just-in-time teaching for critical topics and skills. Retrieved on November 5, 2012 from "Micro-lectures, by Joan van Duzer: Just-in-time teaching for critical topics and skills - Learning & Teaching Tips - CELT". Retrieved 2012-11-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
15. ^ Baltzer, J. (2009). "Online degrees evolve to meet new demands". Trustee Quarterly. 32 (4): 34–35.
16. ^ Demski, Jennifer (2009-11-01). "Micro & Macro Video". Campus Technology. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
17. ^ Humboldt State University. (2009, October 8). Micro-lectures: Just-in-time teaching for critical topics and skills. Retrieved on January 21, 2010 from "Micro-lectures: Just-in-time teaching for critical topics and skills - Learning & Teaching Tips - CELT". Archived from the original on 2010-06-09. Retrieved 2010-01-22.
18. ^ Morris, L.V. (2009). "Little Lectures?". Innovative Higher Education. 34 (2): 67–68. doi:10.1007/s10755-009-9108-1.
19. ^ "Lilliputians of Higher Education Invent Microlectures". The Fourth Policeman. 2009-03-03. Retrieved 2025-09-03.