Keeping your workforce trained is critical. Organizations are beginning to abandon conventional e-Learning methods. Instead, they opt to use a cutting-edge approach for training and learning known as “Microlearning.” Microlearning is characterized by bite-sized learning materials that present a concept in a condensed manner.
Modern learners can swiftly attain their chosen learning outcome or unique learning target at their convenience by receiving bite-sized modules or, more precisely, bite-sized eLearning modules. Every module as part of microlearning enables you to focus on specific learning aims.
Now that instructional designers and learning and development professionals have started understanding how successful microlearning is for training and learning, it is becoming more and more common.
In this article, we’ll ponder microlearning in detail and examine the features of microlearning that prove microlearning is a must-have. Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
It Requires Less Time
As the term implies, the first aspect of digital learning that qualifies as “micro” is its brief duration. Users may swiftly learn new information and make the most of their limited free time by keeping the duration brief. Micro-learning courses are the solution for learners who can only dedicate a few minutes to studying and skill improvement.
Since microlearning is accessed on portable, mobile devices, keeping the duration brief keeps learners interested even on smaller-screen devices. So they may easily pick up a vital skill or piece of knowledge when needed. This feature of short duration keeps the learners motivated to complete their learning and training.
It Provides Agility
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that eLearning course materials rarely get updated, given the volume of courseware provided by third parties and produced by authors who infrequently see the results of their labor. This indicates that they frequently reference out-of-date case studies or, at best, are regarded as “timeless.” They may become uninspired and difficult to relate to as a result. But this problem can be easily solved through microlearning.
A successful microlearning technique will provide the flexibility and Agility needed to update a course with case studies that might have emerged on yesterday night’s news. This increases the relevance and relatability of the educational material, increasing its usefulness. In the current changing times, this feature makes it a must-have!
Microlearning Enables Specific and Targeted Dissemination of Information
Any training program includes two categories of knowledge: things you should know and irrelevant things. Microlearning mainly provides the necessary knowledge, whereas any basic eLearning course covers both. This saves time and makes microlearning modules focused, direct, and informative. It clears up the ambiguity surrounding what is crucial and what is not and provides just the amount of data required to complete the task.
Microlearning Enables Micro-Module Learning
The fact that microlearning can be used independently is one of the reasons it is a must-have nowadays! Microlearning modules are excellent at delivering a specific lesson on their own. A genuine micro-module is complete and doesn’t require prior study from the learners. Even if some curriculum sections call for more information that cannot be included in the module, learners can nevertheless be given external links and references.
However, a microlearning module can never exist independently because of its small size. This means that it will always be a small portion of a more extensive eLearning course and can never fully convey a topic. The same micro module, however, can be utilized in any course that might include the micro topic in its curriculum because it is self-sufficient.
It Has Discussion Forums
Online forums are an effective feature of online micro-training. Why? These online tools encourage group learning. Interactions between peers or instructors and learners are essential to exchange ideas. After discussing a certain subject, learners acquire newer, deeper perspectives on it.
You can develop chat and discussion boards for each course using a well-designed microlearning LMS. There is scope for more interactions because some LMSs incorporate social learning platforms. The open exchange of ideas between people from different backgrounds, the creation of message threads, enhanced dialogue delivery quality, and the promotion of self-learning make it a must-have.
It Can Be Used at Different Stages of the Learning Lifecycle
The great thing about microlearning is that you can apply it at any learning cycle stage and utilize it independently or in conjunction with your overall training approach.
Before the actual formal training program, assess learners’ past knowledge or educate staff members about what to anticipate from the course (pre-training). You can use microlearning during the pre-test stage. During the training phase of the learning cycle, you can utilize it to provide extra references, examples, and tasks. Finally, you can use it to reinforce knowledge during the post-training stage, which comes after the training program.
It Enables the Use of Interactive Elements
Microlearning is packed with interactive components to keep learners interested for a shorter period. Interactive components are more active online training than merely reading about the topic or viewing an eLearning video. Interactivity enables your learners to put what they’ve learned into practice, which aids in helping them retain information.
Your microlearning module can include simulations, drag-and-drop activities, eLearning games, and interactive walkthroughs so your learners can apply their newfound information and abilities. Additionally, it offers quick feedback, enabling individuals to immediately correct performance behaviors. They can even repeat the exercise to refine their problem-solving approach, if necessary.
It Provides Increased Freedom
Employees can study at their convenience because microlearning modules are small pieces of information accessible in the cloud and even visible in offline mode on mobile devices. The need to not be present at a specific location and time gives the learners immense freedom. This is a vital feature, considering individuals’ packed schedules today.
It Is Suitable for Individuals with Short Attention Spans
With only one performance objective for each module and focused material, microlearning is so organized that learners don’t need to spend more than 8 to 10 minutes on a module, whether in the form of a video, podcast, infographic, or interactive PDF. It is typically substantially lower than that. Due to this feature, microlearning is perfect for today’s time-constrained learners with short attention spans.
It Is Mobile Device Friendly
The most underrated and taken-for-granted feature about microlearning is that you don’t always have to use a computer to access a microlearning module. Most microlearning modules are created to be accessed on any mobile device, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and iPads. Additionally, the modules’ brief duration makes mobile access possible and comfortable.
Conclusion
Organizations that want to transform their learning culture with quick, precise learning that stimulates curiosity and improves learner engagement from the top down will benefit significantly from microlearning. On the other hand, employees can benefit from microlearning’s short length, focused content, accessibility from any device, performance assistance, flexibility, and other essential features to fit anywhere throughout the learning cycle.
