Learning With Short Bursts: How Effectively Can We Build Competencies in Climate Change-Related Areas Based on Microlearning?

Abstract

The study examines the effectiveness of microlearning in developing the capacity to address climate change and adapt to environmental challenges. Conducted as an online field experiment with 140 participants, the study focused on the impacts of smartphone use as an illustrative learning domain for education in climate change-related areas. Using a pre–post research design and simultaneous equation models, the study found improvements in knowledge retention, with a median increase of 38%. The results indicated that the brief microlearning units also promoted sustainability action competencies, such as confidence in one's influence and willingness to act sustainably. This suggests that higher-order learning processes were also triggered, although to a much lesser extent. Furthermore, learner satisfaction was identified as a mediating variable for these positive outcomes. The study concludes that short bursts of knowledge delivered through microlearning activities can be used alongside traditional training methods to build the critical skills needed for initiatives such as the EU Green Deal.