Microlearning is a teaching strategy that involves breaking down complex concepts into small, bite-sized pieces of information that can be quickly and easily consumed by learners. Microlearning typically uses a variety of multimedia formats such as videos, infographics, interactive modules, and quizzes to deliver information.
The goal of microlearning is to make learning more accessible and convenient for learners. By breaking down information into small chunks, microlearning enables learners to easily absorb information, engage with the material, and retain it better. This approach is particularly useful for busy professionals who have limited time to devote to learning and prefer to learn at their own pace.
Microlearning can be used in a variety of settings, including corporate training, education, and professional development. It is often used to teach specific skills, such as software applications, customer service techniques, or leadership strategies.
Microlearning can also be used to reinforce previously learned concepts or to introduce new information in a structured and organized way.
The Benefits of Microlearning for Employee Training Programs
Microlearning offers several benefits for employee training, including:
Increased Engagement
Microlearning offers an engaging and interactive learning experience for employees. Short, bite-sized modules with interactive elements such as quizzes, games, and simulations keep employees engaged and motivated.
Improved Retention
Microlearning allows employees to learn new skills and knowledge in small, manageable chunks, making it easier to retain information. Repetition and reinforcement of key concepts also improve retention.
Flexibility
Microlearning offers flexibility and convenience. Employees can access training modules on their own time, on any device. This flexibility allows employees to fit training into their work schedule without sacrificing productivity.
Cost-Effective
Microlearning is a cost-effective way to train employees. It eliminates the need for costly training materials, travel, and instructors. Plus, employees can complete training on their own, reducing the need for dedicated training time.
Customizable
Microlearning modules can be tailored to specific job roles and skill levels. This customization ensures that employees receive the training they need to perform their jobs effectively.
Real-Time Feedback
Microlearning offers real-time feedback to employees. Interactive elements such as quizzes and simulations provide immediate feedback, allowing employees to identify areas for improvement and adjust their learning accordingly.
Types of Content for Microlearning
There are various types of content that can be used for microlearning, including:
Videos: Short videos that demonstrate a skill or explain a concept are an effective way to deliver microlearning content. They can be animated, live-action, or a combination of both.
Infographics: Infographics are graphic visual representations of information, data, or knowledge. They are an effective way to communicate complex ideas or statistics in a simple, visually appealing format.
Interactive modules: Interactive modules, such as simulations or games, engage learners in the learning process and reinforce learning objectives.
Quizzes: Quizzes are an effective way to test learners' knowledge and reinforce key concepts. They can be in the form of multiple-choice, true/false, or short-answer questions.
Audio content: Audio content such as podcasts or audio summaries can be a convenient and effective way to deliver microlearning content.
E-books: E-books that break down complex topics into easily digestible chapters or sections are an effective way to deliver microlearning content.
Checklists: Checklists are a simple and effective way to reinforce learning objectives and provide learners with a quick reference guide.
Case studies: Case studies provide real-world examples of how to apply learning objectives in a practical setting, making them an effective way to reinforce learning objectives.
Tips for Including Video as Part of a Microlearning Strategy
Video content is a powerful tool that can be utilized as part of a microlearning strategy to engage learners and enhance their understanding of a subject. Here are some steps to effectively utilize video content as part of a microlearning strategy:
Identify the Learning Objectives
Before creating any video content, it is essential to identify the learning objectives. These objectives will guide the creation of the video content and ensure that the information presented is relevant and useful.
Keep it Short
The videos should be short and concise, ideally no more than five minutes. This will allow learners to quickly consume the information and retain it better.
Focus On One Topic
Each video should focus on a single topic or concept. This will help learners to understand the information better and avoid confusion.
Use Visuals
Visual aids such as graphics, animations, and images can help to reinforce the information presented in the video. They can also make the content more engaging and memorable.
Incorporate Interactive Elements
Interactive elements such as quizzes or surveys can help to reinforce the information presented in the video and engage learners in the learning process.
Ensure Access
Make the videos easily accessible to learners, whether it's through a learning management system or a mobile app. This will ensure that learners can access the videos at their own pace and convenience.
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 course authoring software that enables 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 solution for your microlearning strategy.
Contact us today to get started or visit our Partner Program pages