Creating Big Lessons by Using Small Data - Tip #66

Rapid learning is achieved by putting lessons in micro-scenarios. Instead of serving the "whole pie of knowledge" all at once, serving slices to elearners is also effective.

Micro-scenarios prevent information overload and give learners more capacity to focus and accumulate information.


The eLearning culture has a couple of limitations. In virtual learning, both the trainer and the learners are separated by space and barriers. Technology compensates these limitations. Virtual learning centers do their best to make virtual human presence as real as face-to-face presence.

In this regard, the mode of learning in a physical classroom differs from an elearning environment. Big data, huge knowledge sources and voluminous information should not be forced upon the elearners. Instead of pontificating on large data, eLearning methodology selects only a micro-lesson which can be plucked from the whole knowledge source.

In his article, Little Data Makes Big Data More Powerful, Mark Bonchek shares a parallel view. He placed a distinction on the specific uses of big and little data and their specific uses in transmitting lessons:


Selecting a small data or a micro-lesson is indeed an effective way to bring lessons across in an eLearning environment.

I compared these micro-lessons to kernels. In my many years as an eLearning professional, I can say that focusing on kernel knowledge is a lot more effective than serving the entire corn. This is so because the constraint in the elearning environment is different from a classroom setting.

In my blog, Instant and Rapid One-Minute Learning for mLearning and eLearning, I stated tips on how to pick up the "kernel":


Although our brains are powerful, we can only process a quantified amount of data at a given time. Since not all the data we acquire translates into learning, it is only rational to choose kernels of knowledge and focus on particular lessons. In eLearning, the kernel is more significant than the corn.

Do you agree that fleshing out small pieces of learning a little at a time, instead of dumping a huge amount of info all at once works better? Share your thoughts in the comments section!

References

Mark Bonchek: Little Data Makes Big Data More Powerful

Instant and Rapid One-Minute Learning for mLearning and eLearning


Ray Jimenez, PhD
Vignettes Learning
"Helping Learners Learn Their Way"