Open and distance learning (ODL) often faces challenges in student motivation and engagement. This study aimed at examining the effectiveness of a virtual laboratory-assisted microlearning platform in enhancing student motivation and engagement. Using a quasi-experimental methodology, 52 students from higher education institutions in Indonesia were divided into two different groups: the experimental group, which received the virtual laboratory-assisted microlearning treatment, and the control group, which used a conventional microlearning platform. The study revealed that students who used the virtual laboratory-assisted microlearning platform showed significantly higher motivation and engagement in ODL than those who used the conventional platform. The platform was also found to be more effective in improving cognitive ability (N-Gain = 0.7243) and practical skills (N-Gain = 0.7130), showing both in the high category. The ANCOVA test confirmed that motivation and engagement significantly influenced academic success. These findings confirm that the integration of virtual laboratories in microlearning not only positively impacts student motivation and engagement but also contributes to increased student academic success in ODL, making it an effective alternative for teaching in the digital age.