A microlecture is a brief video or audio recording, or multimedia presentation covering a single concept or topic. Originating as 60-second lectures, they have since expanded to include clear, concise descriptions of a single topic or idea in under 6 minutes. These lectures can be used in online, blended, or face-to-face contexts (see 7 Things You Should Know About Microlectures: https://
Microlectures have several benefits and can raise the awareness and curiosity of students by:
- Introducing a learning topic and its objectives with personal touch.
- Providing learners with a brief overview of key concepts.
- Demonstrating a single problem-solving procedure.
- Explaining the step-by-step instructions needed to complete a summative assignment.
Watch this microlecture to learn more about the benefits of microlectures (see what I did there?)
Microlectures align with the cognitive psychology concept of chunking, or the capacity of human’s working memory to process or manipulate information.
A great primer on microlectures, with examples and resources can be found here: https://docs.google.com/
Additional Resources
- Plan and Record Engaging Microlectures https://acue.
org/wp-content/uploads/2020/ 03/Section-5_PG_Record- Microlectures_CFIN.pdf - e-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning 4th Edition https://iucat.iu.edu/
catalog/15472619 (available through interlibrary loan).
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