Microlearning for Micro-Attention: Strategies for Enhancing Student Focus in High-Distractibility Environments Using Short-Form Educational Media
Downloads
Background. Student attention spans are increasingly challenged in digital learning environments characterized by high levels of distraction. Microlearning, with its short and focused instructional units, has been proposed as a pedagogical strategy to address issues of micro-attention and cognitive overload. Despite its popularity, limited empirical evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of short-form educational media in sustaining student focus.
Purpose. This study aimed to examine the role of microlearning strategies in enhancing student attention within high-distractibility learning contexts. Specifically, it investigated how different formats of short-form educational media influence learners’ focus, perceived engagement, and knowledge retention.
Method. A mixed-method design was employed involving 250 undergraduate students across three Indonesian universities. Participants engaged with microlearning modules delivered through video, infographic, and interactive quiz formats. Quantitative data were collected using attention and retention tests, while qualitative insights were gathered through focus group discussions.
Results. Findings revealed that students exposed to short-form interactive quizzes demonstrated significantly higher attention and retention scores compared to those using static infographics or video-based modules. Furthermore, qualitative data indicated that students valued the brevity and interactivity of microlearning content, particularly in environments where distractions were prevalent.
Conclusion. This study highlights the potential of microlearning as a strategy for addressing micro-attention challenges in digital classrooms. By leveraging short-form, interactive educational media, educators can design more engaging and cognitively sustainable learning experiences. The results provide practical implications for instructional design in technology-rich and high-distractibility learning environments.
Alshammari, M. T. (2025). Design and evaluation of online microlearning tailored to learning styles. International Journal of Advanced and Applied Sciences, 12(4), 213–224. https://doi.org/10.21833/ijaas.2025.04.023
Chisholm, B. S. (2024). A Mixed Methods, Cluster-Randomised Study Protocol to Design and Test WhatsApp Group-Based HIV Microlearning for Rural South African Healthcare Workers. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 23(Query date: 2025-08-21 04:16:41). https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069241284205
Denojean-Mairet, M. (2024). A literature review on the integration of microlearning and social media. Smart Learning Environments, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00334-5
Dorland, A. M. (2023). CULTIVATING CREATIVITY: ENHANCING CREATIVE CAPACITY THROUGH ONLINE MICROLEARNING. Marketing Education Review, 33(2), 156–162. https://doi.org/10.1080/10528008.2022.2159443
Draxler, F. (2022). Agenda- and Activity-Based Triggers for Microlearning. International Conference on Intelligent User Interfaces Proceedings IUI, Query date: 2025-08-21 04:16:41, 620–632. https://doi.org/10.1145/3490099.3511133
Gorham, T. (2023). Analyzing learner profiles in a microlearning app for training language learning peer feedback skills. Journal of Computers in Education, 10(3), 549–574. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40692-023-00264-0
Hassan, S. (2024). Design and Development of Microlearning Content to Complement Skills Training in Learning. Advances in Science Technology and Innovation, Query date: 2025-08-21 04:16:41, 191–201. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-51244-5_21
John, T. (2024). Ad-Hoc Assessment for Microlearning Units in Competency-Based Learning Paths in Learning Management Systems. International Conference on Computer Supported Education Csedu Proceedings, 1(Query date: 2025-08-21 04:16:41), 518–525. https://doi.org/10.5220/0012706800003693
Jubran, S. M. (2024). An Instructional Model Based on Mobile Microlearning for Teaching English Idioms Through Songs to EFL Learners. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 14(4), 1105–1111. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1404.18
Karlsen, J. T. (2023). A study of employees’ utilization of microlearning platforms in organizations. Learning Organization, 30(6), 760–776. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-07-2022-0080
Kim, A. R. (2024). A Microlearning-Based Self-directed Learning Chatbot on Medication Administration for New Nurses: A Feasibility Study. CIN Computers Informatics Nursing, 42(5), 343–353. https://doi.org/10.1097/CIN.0000000000001119
Kohnke, L. (2024a). An exploration of microlearning as continuous professional development for English language teachers: Initial findings and insights. Open Learning, Query date: 2025-08-21 04:16:41. https://doi.org/10.1080/02680513.2024.2362649
Kohnke, L. (2024b). Creating the conditions for professional digital competence through microlearning. Educational Technology and Society, 27(1), 183–197. https://doi.org/10.30191/ETS.202401_27(1).SP05
Matsumoto, H. (2023). A Randomized Control Trial for ReDeSign: A Dementia-Friendly Mobile Microlearning Training for Store Workers in Japan. Gerontologist, 63(8), 1300–1310. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnac182
Mollaei, A. (2024). Adoption of quick response codes as a digital microlearning tool among clinical nurses: A quasi-experimental study. BMC Medical Education, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06278-1
Moore, R. L. (2024). A systematic review of mobile-based microlearning in adult learner contexts. Educational Technology and Society, 27(1), 137–146. https://doi.org/10.30191/ETS.202401_27(1).SP02
Nakai, T. (2023). Attaching Microlearning to Existing Habits. Ubicomp Iswc 2022 Adjunct Proceedings of the 2022 ACM International Joint Conference on Pervasive and Ubiquitous Computing and Proceedings of the 2022 ACM International Symposium on Wearable Computers, Query date: 2025-08-21 04:16:41, 284–286. https://doi.org/10.1145/3544793.3560381
Ning, P. (2024). CHINESE PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SOCIAL MEDIA-BASED MICROLEARNING FOR IMPROVING STUDENTS’ ENGLISH-SPEAKING ABILITIES. Journal of Information Technology Education Research, 23(Query date: 2025-08-21 04:16:41). https://doi.org/10.28945/5282
Ouellet, J. (2025). ASO Visual Abstract: Microlearning in Complex Surgical Oncology-Proof of Concept and Impact on Surgical Skills Acquisition During Residency. Annals of Surgical Oncology, 32(5), 3446–3446. https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-025-17099-x
Palmas, F. (2022). Daily Learning Challenge: A Gamified Approach For Microlearning. Proceedings 2022 International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies Icalt 2022, Query date: 2025-08-21 04:16:41, 104–105. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICALT55010.2022.00039
Promsron, K. (2024). Adaptive Microlearning Using Mixed Reality Technology. Lecture Notes in Educational Technology, Query date: 2025-08-21 04:16:41, 53–60. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-3883-0_5
Rodríguez-Carmona, L. M. (2023). Alfabetización y Educación Medioambiental en Las Webs de Los Medios Audiovisuales en España: La Información Como Microlearning. American Journal of Distance Education, 37(4), 294–307. https://doi.org/10.1080/08923647.2023.2231810
Rodriguez-Medina, A. E. (2022). A Microlearning path recommendation approach based on ant colony optimization. Journal of Intelligent and Fuzzy Systems, 42(5), 4699–4708. https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-219257
Romero-Rodríguez, J. M. (2023). Collaborative online international learning between Spain and Mexico: A microlearning experience to enhance creativity in complexity. Education and Training, 65(2), 340–354. https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-07-2022-0259
Silva, E. S. (2025). Contribution of Microlearning in Basic Education: A Systematic Review. Education Sciences, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15030302
Skalka, J. (2025). Comparison of Methods for Identifying Rapid Guessing Behavior in Microlearning Courses. E Learning and Enhancing Soft Skills Contemporary Models of Education in the Era of Artificial Intelligence, Query date: 2025-08-21 04:16:41, 61–79. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-82243-8_4
Sung, A. (2023). A study of learners’ interactive preference on multimedia microlearning. Journal of Work Applied Management, 15(1), 96–119. https://doi.org/10.1108/JWAM-01-2022-0007
Susilana, R. (2022). Can microlearning strategy assist students’ online learning? Cakrawala Pendidikan, 41(2), 437–451. https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v41i2.43387
Tabares, M. S. (2022). A feedback model applied in a ubiquitous microlearning environment using SECA rules. Journal of Computing in Higher Education, 34(2), 462–488. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-021-09306-x
Tur?ínek, P. (2022). Database and SQL Microlearning Course. Microlearning New Approaches to A More Effective Higher Education, Query date: 2025-08-21 04:16:41, 157–169. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-97095-6_10
Tuyen, B. Q. (2025). Applying extended UTAUT model to examine microlearning adoption: An Empirical study of Vietnamese Telecommunication Companies. Zbornik Radova Ekonomskog Fakulteta U Rijeci Proceedings of Rijeka Faculty of Economics, 43(1), 233–258. https://doi.org/10.18045/zbefri.2025.1.1
Wakam, G. K. (2022). Adapting to the Times: Combining Microlearning Videos and Twitter to Teach Surgical Technique. Journal of Surgical Education, 79(4), 850–854. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsurg.2022.02.001
Wibisono, I. (2024). Comparing the User Experience of Mobile-Based Microlearning Application Using Heart Metrics and Honeycomb Framework. Proceedings of 2024 International Conference on Information Management and Technology Icimtech 2024, Query date: 2025-08-21 04:16:41, 450–455. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICIMTech63123.2024.10780836
Copyright (c) 2025 Vicheka Rith, Amir Raza, Mpho Nkosi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
