That seems to be the current trend for a multitude of reasons;
1): It's cheaper that way. If only tiny mL quantities are used, the supply can last much longer and the university doesn't have to buy as much. Cheaper methods = better looking for the accounting sector of the university.
2): Safety. It has become a sad trend in society today whereby safety is taking a backseat to stupidity. Even worse, if someone makes a mistake they claim that it's not their fault and sue whomever's residence they are in. By performing reactions on a small scale, the chances of a big accident happening and the school getting sued because of it goes down. Again, cheaper = better for the school.
Those really are the two big reasons why microscale labs are preferred nowadays over larger scale labs. Sad but true.