Microlearning is an approach to learning that delivers small, focused pieces of content to learners, typically in the form of short modules or lessons. These learning units are designed to be easily digestible and cover a specific topic or learning objective.
Microlearning is characterized by its brevity, simplicity, and accessibility, making it ideal for today's fast-paced and on-the-go learners.
Key characteristics of microlearning include:
Brevity
Microlearning content is typically brief, ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes in duration. This short format allows learners to quickly consume the content without feeling overwhelmed or burdened by lengthy lessons.
Focused
Each microlearning module addresses a specific learning objective or topic. The content is tightly focused, eliminating extraneous information and delivering only what is essential for achieving the learning outcome.
Accessibility
Microlearning content is designed to be easily accessible to learners whenever and wherever they need it. It can be delivered through various digital channels, including mobile apps, websites, learning management systems (LMS), social media platforms, and more.
Engagement
Microlearning often incorporates multimedia elements such as videos, animations, infographics, quizzes, and interactive activities to enhance learner engagement. These interactive elements help reinforce learning and maintain learner interest.
Flexibility
Microlearning allows for flexible learning experiences, enabling learners to engage with the content at their own pace and on their own schedule. It accommodates different learning styles and preferences, catering to the needs of diverse learners.
Just-in-time Learning
Microlearning is well-suited for delivering "just-in-time" learning content, providing learners with the information they need exactly when they need it. This aspect is particularly beneficial for performance support and on-the-job training, where learners can quickly access relevant information to solve problems or perform tasks more
effectively.
Overall, microlearning offers a convenient and effective way to deliver learning content in small, manageable chunks, making it easier for learners to acquire new knowledge and skills efficiently. It aligns well with the demands of modern learners who prefer shorter, more focused learning experiences that fit seamlessly into their busy lives.
How SCORM Can Support Microlearning Programs
SCORM stands for "Sharable Content Object Reference Model." It is a set of technical standards for e-learning software products. SCORM defines how online learning content and Learning Management Systems (LMS) communicate with each other.
SCORM can support microlearning programs in several ways:
Granular Content Packaging: SCORM allows content to be broken down into smaller, reusable modules or "learning objects." This aligns well with the microlearning approach, where content is delivered in small, digestible chunks. Each microlearning module can be packaged as a SCORM-compliant unit, making it easy to create, share, and track.
Interoperability: SCORM ensures interoperability between different learning management systems (LMS) and content authoring tools. This means that microlearning modules developed using SCORM standards can be easily integrated into various LMS platforms without compatibility issues. It provides flexibility for organizations to deploy microlearning content across different systems seamlessly.
Tracking and Reporting: SCORM defines a set of standards for tracking and reporting learner progress and interactions with the content. This includes features like completion status, time spent, quiz scores, etc. These tracking capabilities are crucial for assessing the effectiveness of microlearning programs and understanding how learners engage with the content on a granular level.
Adaptive Learning Paths: SCORM supports the creation of adaptive learning paths based on learner performance and preferences. This capability can be leveraged in microlearning programs to personalize the learning experience for each individual. Learners can progress through microlearning modules at their own pace, and the system can recommend additional modules based on their performance or areas of interest.
Content Reusability and Updates: SCORM-compliant microlearning modules are designed to be reusable across different courses and programs. This allows organizations to develop a library of modular content that can be repurposed as needed, saving time and resources. Additionally, when updates or revisions are made to a microlearning module, the changes can be easily propagated across all instances of that module, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
Mobile Compatibility: SCORM supports mobile learning initiatives by enabling content to be delivered across multiple devices and platforms. With the increasing trend towards mobile microlearning, SCORM ensures that learners can access bite-sized learning content anytime, anywhere, using their smartphones or tablets.
Overall, SCORM provides a robust framework for the development, delivery, and management of microlearning programs, facilitating effective learning experiences that align with the needs and preferences of modern learners.
About LMS Portals
At LMS Portals, we provide our clients and partners with a SaaS-based, multi-tenant learning management system that allows you to launch a dedicated training environment (a portal) for each of your unique audiences.
The system includes built-in, SCORM-compliant rapid course development software that provides a drag and drop engine to enable most anyone to build engaging courses quickly and easily.
We also offer a complete library of ready-made courses, covering most every aspect of corporate training and employee development.
If you choose to, you can create Learning Paths to deliver courses in a logical progression and add structure to your training program. The system also supports Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) and provides tools for social learning.
Together, these features make the LMS Portals platform the ideal SCORM-compliant solution to support a microlearning-based approach to training.
Contact us today to get started or visit our Partner Program pages