Microlearning and special educational needs: inclusive strategies to personalize learning

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63688/b7ttjf16

Keywords:

microlearning, inclusive education, special educational needs, personalized learning, accessibility

Abstract

Microlearning has emerged as an educational strategy based on brief, flexible, and accessible content, with potential to respond to different student needs. Its relationship with inclusive education is particularly relevant in contexts that seek to personalize learning and promote the participation of students with special educational needs.

A qualitative, documentary, and descriptive systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies published between 2020 and 2026 related to microlearning, inclusive education, special educational needs, and Universal Design for Learning were analyzed. After the identification, screening, and eligibility process, 16 scientific articles were selected.

The findings showed that microlearning can promote flexibility, accessibility, personalization, participation, and autonomy through brief content, videos, audio materials, images, and sequential activities. Of the analyzed studies, 37.5% focused mainly on microlearning, while 62.5% addressed inclusive education and special educational needs.

Microlearning shows potential as a complementary strategy for addressing special educational needs, provided that its implementation incorporates accessibility criteria, pedagogical adaptation, and teacher support.

References

Almeqdad, Q. I., Alodat, A. M., Alquraan, M. F., Mohaidat, M. A., & Al-Makhzoomy, A. K. (2023). The effectiveness of universal design for learning: A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis. Cogent Education, 10(1), 2218191. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2218191

AlRawi, J. M., & AlKahtani, M. A. (2021). Universal design for learning for educating students with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 68(6), 800–808. https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2021.1900505

Carrera-Rivera, A., Ochoa, W., Larrinaga, F., & Lasa, G. (2022). How-to conduct a systematic literature review: A quick guide for computer science research. MethodsX, 9, 101895. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2022.101895

Conde-Caballero, D., Castillo-Sarmiento, C. A., Ballesteros-Yáñez, I., Rivero-Jiménez, B., & Mariano-Juárez, L. (2024). Microlearning through TikTok in higher education: An evaluation of uses and potentials. Education and Information Technologies, 29, 2365–2385. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-11904-4

Dell’Anna, S., Entrich, S. R., & Banks, J. (2025). Assessing the outcomes of students with special educational needs in inclusive education: A comparative study of Germany, Ireland, and Italy. PROSPECTS. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11125-025-09730-2

Denojean-Mairet, M., López-Pernas, S., Agbo, F. J., & Tedre, M. (2024). A literature review on the integration of microlearning and social media. Smart Learning Environments, 11, 46. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00334-5

D’Elia, P., Stalmach, A., Di Sano, S., & Casale, G. (2025). Strategies for inclusive digital education: Problem/project-based learning, cooperative learning, and service learning for students with special educational needs. Frontiers in Education. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1447489

Espada-Chavarria, R., González-Montesino, R. H., López-Bastías, J. L., & Díaz-Vega, M. (2023). Universal design for learning and instruction: Effective strategies for inclusive higher education. Education Sciences, 13(6), 620. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13060620

Hay, S., Beamish, W., & Chambers, D. (2025). Editorial: Advancing inclusive education for students with special educational needs: Rethinking policy and practice. Frontiers in Education, 10, 1607694. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1607694

Lee, Y.-M. (2023). Mobile microlearning: A systematic literature review and its implications. Interactive Learning Environments, 31(7), 4636–4651. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2021.1977964

Liu, X., & Potmesil, M. (2025). A review of research on the development of inclusive education in children with special educational needs over the past 10 years: A visual analysis based on CiteSpace. Frontiers in Education. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1475876

Monib, W. K., Qazi, A., & Apong, R. A. (2025). Microlearning beyond boundaries: A systematic review and a novel framework for improving learning outcomes. Heliyon, 11(2), e41413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41413

Navas-Bonilla, C. R., Guerra-Arango, J. A., Oviedo-Guado, D. A., & Murillo-Noriega, D. E. (2025). Inclusive education through technology: A systematic review of types, tools and characteristics. Frontiers in Education, 10, 1527851. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1527851

Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., et al. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

Prisiazhniuk, D., Makoelle, T. M., & Zangieva, I. (2024). Teachers’ attitudes towards inclusive education of children with special educational needs and disabilities in Central Asia. Children and Youth Services Review, 160, 107535. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2024.107535

Randles, R., & Finnegan, A. (2023). Guidelines for writing a systematic review. Nurse Education Today, 125, 105803. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2023.105803

Rof, A., Bikfalvi, A., & Marques Gou, P. (2024). Exploring learner satisfaction and the effectiveness of microlearning in higher education. The Internet and Higher Education, 62, 100952. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2024.100952

Silva, E. S., Costa, W. P. da, Lima, J. C. de, & Ferreira, J. C. (2025). Contribution of microlearning in basic education: A systematic review. Education Sciences, 15(3), 302. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15030302

Veytia Bucheli, M. G., Gómez-Galán, J., Cáceres Mesa, M. L., & López Catalán, L. (2024). Digital technologies as enablers of universal design for learning: Higher education students’ perceptions in the context of SDG4. Discover Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-024-00699-0

Published

2026-08-23

How to Cite

Gómez Freire, F. J., Moya Soria, R. E., Chicaiza Chiluiza, Águeda L., Villacis Chugchilan, J. del R., & Changobalin Tite, M. R. (2026). Microlearning and special educational needs: inclusive strategies to personalize learning. Sage Sphere of Technology, Sciences, Discoveries And Society, 4(1), 1-28. https://doi.org/10.63688/b7ttjf16