Integrating Mindfulness and Addiction Awareness in Higher Education: Strengthening Resilience and Promoting Well-Being

1. Introduction

The higher education industry has undergone a substantial and wide-ranging revolution since microlearning and micro-credentials were first introduced. These advancements signify a paradigm shift in pedagogical approaches, furnishing pupils with a personalized and flexible learning experience through concentrated learning encounters. Given the dynamic nature of student expectations, the educational sector must address pressing societal concerns. Microlearning, which caters to diverse learning preferences and the fast-paced nature of modern life, is distinguished from traditional lengthy classroom sessions by its utilization of concise and focused learning units. Conversely, micro-credentials deviate from the conventional degree structure by providing tangible evidence of mastery in specific fields or capabilities; they enable individuals to showcase their competence. Higher education has adopted microlearning and micro-credentials to accommodate the changing demands for adaptability and personalized instruction (Varadarajan et al., 2023; Stark & Peacock, 2019). This methodology demonstrates its benefits in a personalized and time-critical setting by allowing students to select material that aligns with their career goals and time constraints. Integrating contemporary topics into the microlearning and micro-credentials framework is of the utmost importance for addressing urgent societal issues, including social justice, environmental sustainability, mental health, and technological disruptions. To tackle these concerns, institutions of higher learning may employ microlearning and micro-credentials as practical means of disseminating current and pertinent information (Erickson, 2019). Traditional higher education methods may need help to accommodate the diverse needs of students with unique learning trajectories, personal histories, and progress rates. Micro-credentials and micro-learning offer a feasible solution by allowing individuals to tailor their educational paths to suit their unique profiles and needs.

By embracing a learner-centred approach, academic establishments are capable of providing a learning environment that is more tailored, accessible, and adaptable (Zhang & West, 2020). In light of the ongoing transformation of the educational landscape, it is critical to incorporate these approaches to enhance students' learning experiences and equip them with the essential skills required to address contemporary obstacles. Microlearning, distinguished by its succinct and targeted learning units, aligns with current education's dynamic and perpetually evolving nature (Orman et al., 2023; Varadarajan et al., 2023). Micro-credentials provide tangible verification of achieved competencies, allowing individuals to showcase their capabilities in the presence of prospective employers. The progression of pedagogical approaches facilitates comprehension of intricate topics and interdisciplinary issues, contrasting with the traditional structure of semester-long courses. Implementing microlearning and micro-credentials poses a substantial obstacle to the conventional framework of extensive, semester-long practices. It addresses the necessity of adapting education to align with the digital age's dynamic and constantly evolving attributes. Microlearning effectively caters to modern learners' limited time and attention capacities by delivering content in easily understandable units. The platform showcases its ability to accommodate various learning styles by including succinct videos, interactive tasks, infographics, and mini-lessons (Hebenton, 2022).

Micro-credentials function as electronic credentials or identifiers that validate an individual's competence in specific competencies. To qualify for this acknowledgement of accomplishments, applicants must effectively fulfil the requirements by finishing micro-learning modules or assessments demonstrating an all-encompassing subject comprehension. Micro-credentials offer a versatile, economically viable, and career-oriented method of obtaining skills. Through personalizing their educational experiences, pupils can explore specific domains of interest while accumulating a portfolio of credentials that serve as evidence of their expertise (Pirkkalainen et al., 2023). In higher education, micro-learning and micro-credentials are propelled by the digital age, offering flexibility, individualized instruction, and sought-after competencies. Education is transformed by integration, which addresses contemporary requirements.