History of Microlearning & KnowledgePulse®

MicroLearning is a new form of technology enhanced learning, but learning by repetition has a tradition going back to antiquity. The principle of learning in small steps is well applied when one learns a language or a musical instrument. With small, repeated and increasing steps we all succeed.

The innovation of Knowledge Pulse® consists in the smart use of computers and Internet to support learners. 2003 the Research Studios Austria started research and development in the field of Microlearning. In fact, we coined the word and promoted the concept through our research and conferences.

2004 a first cross-platform "microlearn"-application was developed and patented as a "Lerntaktgeber mit Zugangsverzögerung". The basic idea was and still is attractively simple. Conventional learning materials are split into small units. These units were at that time displayed as a screen saver to make them easily noticeable and accessible for lifelong learners.

Already in 2004/05, it was important for us to integrate learning steps into the daily workflow. One can take a learning step in the break between two activities. Just simply in between activities of work.

With our research in Microlearning we stimulated the international discourse in the field of e-learning 2.0, workflow learning and informal learning. We also developed more technical solutions.

2006/2007 the original „Lerntaktgeber"(Screensaver + learning request) was extended into the first Knowledge Pulse® widget. The access delay was replaced by a "push-system". This solution allows the learner to learn actively during a normal working day and on the screen of a PC. We also developed the first mobile solutions for language learning.

We chose and protected the name „KnowledgePulse®"to make the point that the memory needs a pulse as a pacemaker like a weak heart does need a cardiac pacemaker. And we developed systematically new features.

2008 we released a new server using a new technology. We changed from php to java to strengthen stability, IT security, safety and mass suitability. And we changed the layout and design of the KnowledgePulse® learning cards.

In 2009, we redesigned the admin interface to match in elegance and simplicity the KnowledgePulse® learning cards. In addition, a new excel-solution was programmed to serve a simple tool for content authoring.

MicroLearning with Knowledge Pulse® has by now become a successful solution to the learning needs in many sectors and industries, ranging from learning for certifications to the targeted education and training of employees in commercial companies, and compliance in the public service.

2010 we introduced new mobile MicroLearning. 4 years after the first prototype we now offer compatibility to a wide range of operating systems. In 2011 the solutions are commercially rolled out.

We learned a lot from our national and international customers and partners such as „Quality Austria", PTC/era, Netdoctor.at, the Austrian Ministry of Finance and the Federal Chancellery of Austria and many more. They all and many other lead-users let us learn how we can realize our vision of using ICT to make things easier through MicroLearning for everyone:

• Easy Learning
• Easy Content Authoring
• Easy Administration