ABC in the City
English for Specific Purposes
MicroLearning Project
Creating the Tool
Microlearning involves small bursts of concentrated learning with a specific goal/outcome in mind. It is usually facilitated through video, animations or static visual representations such as infographics (Margol, 2017). Since the tool that I wanted to use does not exist, interactive concept map maker, I used Wix tools. I initially wanted to create an interactive concept map but I ended up choosing a perceptual map instead. I still used existing Wix tools to create the map (hover boxes, lines and shapes).
I completed my interactive learning theories comparison map in the following steps:
-
I decided which information was most relevant between the theories (knowledge schemas, skill response, environment-centered and learner-centered).
-
I used the shape tool to choose the icons that represent each learning theory.
-
I positioned the icons on the chart to represent their main focus for learning. This allows for an immediate visual comparison between the different learning theories, in a very intuitive way.
-
I used the interactive tools and chose the hover buttons to create a text box that housed the important information for each learning theory. This was critical because I wanted the information hidden from view until the user moved their pointer (hovered) over the icon. This prevented information overload and allowed for user control and interactivity with the map (which was my goal).
-
I ensured that everything was positioned properly so that the map did not require scrolling to view (at least on my computer) to get the maximum benefit from the visual representation this technique offered.
The interactive perceptual map is found on the 'Comparing Learning Theories' page.
Learning Theory
The main learning theory is constructivism. I literally built my knowledge of the subject through experimentation and development. Since I do not have a blueprint for my learning, I will use my previous knowledge and build new information from there.
Constructivism allows the learner to elaborate and interpret information. This is what I did as I worked with the available Wix tools to develop my solution. It is also the definition of problem-solving since there is not a pre-existing solution.
Additionally, I am in complete control of my learning because I have an outcome in mind. I drove the process based on my own criteria. In this way, I am exhibiting the aptitude of an advanced user, moving from learning to solving. The entire process is meaningful and authentic because it meets my own prescribed criteria and is a solution that is applicable in many real-world settings.
Problem Solving as Learning (aka: The Constructivist Approach)
The 'ah-ha' learning moments are the learning process itself. I was looking for an app to perform the function I require but since I could not find one I realized that Wix has tools that allow me to create my own solution. The 'ah-ha' moments are more around the solutions as they present themselves. My learning approach is to research, absorb and create an intellectual space for those solutions to manifest.
References
Margol, E.G. (2017). Microlearning to Boost the Employee Experience. Learning & Development, 34(1701), pp. 1-18.