A Short Guide on Microlearning

The need for employee training is evolving every day. Today, the workforce wants training programs to be personalized with the latest use of methodologies that can explain the concepts with clarity in an impactful manner.

Custom eLearning is a tried and tested solution to conduct training that is relevant, effective, and personalized. The training content is designed exclusively, keeping specific objectives in mind. By including various eLearning strategies such as gamification, augmented learning, virtual learning, microlearning, and more, the content can be made relevant, engaging, and analytical. 

Out of all the strategies, we will specifically unravel the effectiveness of microlearning in this article. Let’s get started.

What is Microlearning?

Microlearning, in simple terms, refers to breaking down long forms of content into bite-sized chunks of information. This enables the learners to pick the core of the concepts faster, resulting in better clarity and knowledge retention.

Microlearning makes use of eLearning methods, and mostly includes short and engaging videos, quick pointers, and infographics, among other forms of media. The aim is to make the content more convenient, straightforward, and engaging for the learners to consume and absorb.

To summarize microlearning in a few words, “Keep it Short” or “Small is the new Big.”

This creates a greater impact on the minds of the learners, who are increasingly used to eLearning and even have come to expect it. 

From social media to online shopping posts, content today is consumed at a very fast pace. The readers do not have time to go through long paragraphs to get to the meat of the topic, instead, they need to consume it in a quick and crisp form.

Microlearning has transformed the way of learning, as the managers can now produce microunits of learning material quickly and instantly.

Studies show that microlearning improves focus and supports long-term retention by up to 80%. It’s fair to say that learners enjoy the content when delivered in short bursts form.

Why is Microlearning so effective?

You must be wondering why a small learning unit is so effective since it does not even involve descriptions and explanations. And yet its popularity is only seeing an upward trend. 

Here is what we know. eLearning is everywhere. Nothing is more common than spotting a mobile phone in the hands of people. Everyone of all ages owns a phone. With the surge in popularity of smartphones, educators realized the power they hold. Phones are a great way to deliver content in a world that never stops and where people are always on the go.

Everyone is so used to using their smartphones, when they want to read or learn about anything, they just take their phones out and consume small chunks of information in a jiffy. This way microlearning has made it easier for people to acquire knowledge even with a shortened attention span.

The use of microlearning is becoming more and more common in employee onboarding and staff training.

Benefits of Microlearning

Let’s explore some microlearning benefits which will further tell you how smaller chunks of knowledge can lead to more prominent results.

Mobile Friendly

In today’s age, when the whole world is literally in the palm of your hands, how can you overlook learning? 

In microlearning, the units are compressed to a smaller size for higher portability thus making them suitable for mobile learning. Also, learning is not restricted to a physical  space any longer. So, no matter if you are on your way somewhere or have no access to a desktop, you can easily start learning with the help of your smartphone to access eLearning courses.

Improves Knowledge Retention

With microlearning, the content is presented in the form of photos, illustrations, diagrams, Google slide presentations, and voiceovers; all these methods are quick, easy, and help grab attention. 

How a short audio or video clip engages you in learning is far different (and more effective) than reading or listening to someone explaining the concepts verbally. Hence, it is safe to say that microlearning has the potential to improve focus and long-term knowledge retention in learners.

Increases Learners Engagement

Microlearning, as the name suggests, delivers content in smaller units that are easier to understand and improve focus. Generally, the average time required to understand a concept through microlearning takes about 5 to 15 minutes. Also, the learners do not feel exhausted and strained in learning when they don’t have to sit for long hours in a classroom. Quick, snackable content form increases comprehension, engagement, and retention in learners.

The inclusion of real-life scenarios not only helps in keeping learners engaged but also prepares them well for the on-the-job implementation of the learned skills. 

Gamification, when used as a micro-learning tool, provides an opportunity for learners to assess their skills by completing various tasks while instilling a competitive spirit within the team.

Reduces Time and Money

Time is money in today’s age and with microlearning, we can utilize it to the best of our abilities. It is beneficial for learners as they take less time in completing courses and saves money for organizations because they do not have to spend money on acquiring classroom space, electricity, or on bringing the instructors to the training venue. Companies also save plenty of money by providing learners with online training resources instead of printing them out. 

Also, if you have a regular LMS content generator tool or software, designing your microlearning content will be even faster.

Faster Delivery of Content

Microlearning content can be prepared quickly and easily. A dozen units can be completed in just a few hours with the help of the right software or any app which supports the medium of content you want to create. Tools like a learning management system that comes with an in-built authoring tool and web conferencing features become relevant here.

Conclusion

Learning is evolving and so are the methods. Finding a way to infuse microlearning can not only improve the learners’ focus but also makes them confident and aware.

Microlearning is not just an e-learning trend but a smart strategy to grab the attention of learners by creating engaging and crisp content easily.