Microlearning refers to a learning approach that delivers small, focused units of information or learning content to learners. It is characterized by short, bite-sized modules designed to meet specific learning objectives. Microlearning is typically delivered through digital platforms, such as mobile apps, online courses, or learning management systems.
The key characteristics of microlearning are:
Brief and focused: Microlearning modules are concise and targeted, focusing on a specific topic or learning objective. They aim to deliver information in a compact and easily digestible format.
Bite-sized format: Microlearning content is divided into small chunks that can be consumed quickly. This allows learners to engage with the material in short bursts, making it easier to fit into busy schedules.
Multimedia-rich: Microlearning often incorporates various multimedia elements, such as videos, infographics, interactive quizzes, or animations, to enhance engagement and facilitate learning.
Just-in-time delivery: Microlearning is designed to provide immediate access to information when learners need it the most. It is particularly effective for on-the-job training or performance support, allowing employees to quickly access relevant knowledge and apply it in real-time.
Mobile-friendly: Microlearning content is optimized for mobile devices, recognizing the prevalence of smartphones and tablets as learning tools. Learners can access microlearning modules anytime, anywhere, making it convenient and accessible.
Self-paced and learner-centric: Microlearning allows learners to progress at their own pace, providing flexibility and accommodating individual learning preferences. Learners can choose the modules they need or revisit specific topics as necessary.
Microlearning has gained popularity due to its ability to cater to the needs of modern learners who are often overwhelmed with information and have limited time for training. By breaking down complex concepts into smaller, easily digestible units, microlearning improves knowledge retention, engagement, and application of learned skills.
Working with an LMS for Microlearning
Working with a Learning Management System (LMS) can greatly facilitate the implementation and delivery of microlearning. Here are some considerations and best practices when using an LMS for microlearning:
LMS Selection: Choose an LMS that supports microlearning features and functionalities. Look for an LMS that allows you to create and deliver short, bite-sized modules, supports multimedia content, and offers mobile accessibility.
Content Organization: Structure your microlearning content in a logical and organized manner within the LMS. Create separate modules or learning paths for each topic or learning objective, making it easy for learners to find and access specific microlearning units.
Mobile Compatibility: Ensure that the LMS is mobile-friendly and responsive. Microlearning is often consumed on mobile devices, so it's crucial that learners can access the content seamlessly and comfortably on their smartphones or tablets.
Multimedia Integration: Leverage the capabilities of the LMS to incorporate multimedia elements into your microlearning content. Use videos, infographics, interactive assessments, or simulations to enhance engagement and interactivity.
Microlearning Delivery: Use the LMS to deliver microlearning content in bite-sized units. Instead of traditional long courses, break down the content into smaller modules or micro-courses that learners can complete in a short amount of time.
Progress Tracking: Utilize the tracking and reporting features of the LMS to monitor learner progress and performance. This allows you to assess the effectiveness of the microlearning modules, identify knowledge gaps, and make necessary improvements.
Social and Collaborative Features: Leverage the social and collaborative features of the LMS to encourage interaction and knowledge sharing among learners. Discussion forums, chat functionalities, or collaborative projects can enhance the learning experience and facilitate peer-to-peer learning.
Personalization and Adaptive Learning: If your LMS supports personalization and adaptive learning features, use them to tailor the microlearning experience to individual learner needs. Provide recommendations based on learner preferences or previous performance to create a more personalized and relevant learning journey.
Analytics and Insights: Take advantage of the analytics and reporting capabilities of the LMS to gain insights into learner engagement, completion rates, and performance. Use this data to evaluate the effectiveness of your microlearning program and make data-driven improvements.
Continuous Improvement: Regularly evaluate and update your microlearning content based on learner feedback and performance data. Leverage the LMS to make adjustments, add new modules, or refine existing content to ensure that it remains relevant and effective.
Ten Microlearning Strategies for Workforce Training
Here are some effective microlearning strategies for workforce training:
1. Chunking Content
Break down the training material into smaller, manageable chunks. Each chunk should focus on a specific topic or learning objective. This approach helps learners process information more easily and enhances retention.
2. Mobile-Friendly Delivery
Ensure that the microlearning modules are compatible with mobile devices. Most employees have smartphones or tablets, allowing them to access training content on the go. Mobile-friendly delivery increases accessibility and convenience for learners.
3. Video-Based Learning
Utilize short videos as a primary medium for delivering microlearning content. Videos are engaging and can effectively convey information quickly. Keep the videos concise, ideally within a few minutes, to maintain learner attention.
4. Interactive Assessments
Incorporate interactive assessments, quizzes, or knowledge checks at the end of each microlearning module. This encourages active participation, reinforces learning, and provides immediate feedback to learners.
5. Gamification Elements
Introduce gamification elements to enhance learner motivation and engagement. For example, you can include leaderboards, badges, or points to reward learners for completing microlearning modules or achieving specific milestones.
6. Just-in-Time Learning
Emphasize providing immediate, relevant information that employees can apply directly to their work. Microlearning is particularly effective for on-the-job problem-solving or performance support, as it offers quick access to targeted knowledge when needed.
7. Personalization and Adaptive Learning
Tailor microlearning content to the individual needs and preferences of learners. Incorporate adaptive learning techniques, such as using learner data to recommend relevant modules or adjusting the difficulty level based on their progress.
8. Social Learning Opportunities
Include discussion forums, chat features, or social learning platforms to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among employees. Encouraging interaction and communication can enhance the effectiveness of microlearning.
9. Regular Reinforcement
Provide periodic reinforcement of key concepts through microlearning modules or spaced repetition techniques. This helps to reinforce knowledge retention over time and prevents forgetting.
10. Analytics and Tracking
Utilize learning analytics and tracking tools to gather data on learner progress and performance. This information can help identify knowledge gaps, evaluate the effectiveness of microlearning strategies, and make improvements accordingly.
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 LMS to support your microlearning-based workforce training program.
Contact us today to get started or visit our Partner Program pages