Microlearning is an approach to learning and education that involves delivering information in small, focused, and easily digestible units. It is characterized by short bursts of learning content designed to meet specific learning objectives or address particular topics or skills.
Unlike traditional long-form courses or training programs, microlearning breaks down information into bite-sized modules that can be completed independently and in a short amount of time, typically ranging from a few minutes to around 10 minutes. These modules can be delivered through various formats, such as videos, podcasts, interactive quizzes, infographics, or short text-based lessons.
The primary goal of microlearning is to provide learners with targeted and concise learning experiences that can be easily accessed and integrated into their busy schedules. It aims to facilitate better retention and application of knowledge or skills by focusing on specific learning outcomes and reducing cognitive overload.
Microlearning is often used in corporate training, employee onboarding, professional development, and skill enhancement initiatives. It can also be employed in educational settings, where it complements traditional teaching methods or serves as standalone learning resources.
The advantages of microlearning include its flexibility, accessibility, learner engagement, and the ability to cater to different learning styles. Learners can engage with the content at their own pace, revisit modules as needed, and apply the acquired knowledge or skills immediately.
Overall, microlearning is an effective strategy for delivering targeted and concise learning experiences that align with the needs and preferences of modern learners.
The Benefits of Microlearning for Corporate Training
Microlearning offers several benefits for corporate training initiatives. Here are some of the key advantages:
Flexibility and Convenience: Microlearning allows employees to access training content whenever and wherever they need it. Its short and focused nature makes it easy to fit into busy schedules, enabling employees to learn at their own pace and on their preferred devices.
Improved Engagement: Microlearning leverages multimedia elements, interactive quizzes, and gamification techniques to create engaging and interactive learning experiences. This enhances employee motivation and participation, leading to better knowledge retention and application.
Targeted Learning: Microlearning modules can be designed to address specific learning objectives or tackle particular skills or knowledge gaps. This targeted approach ensures that employees receive the precise information they need, making the learning process more efficient and effective.
Continuous Learning: Microlearning encourages a culture of continuous learning within the organization. By providing short, regular bursts of information, employees can engage in ongoing skill development and knowledge enhancement without being overwhelmed.
Just-in-Time Learning: Microlearning is particularly useful for providing on-the-spot information or just-in-time training. Employees can quickly access specific modules or resources to address immediate challenges or perform tasks more effectively.
Better Knowledge Retention: The focused and concise nature of microlearning promotes better knowledge retention compared to traditional training methods. By breaking down complex topics into smaller modules, learners can absorb information more easily and reinforce their understanding through spaced repetition.
Cost-Effectiveness: Microlearning can be more cost-effective than traditional training methods. Creating short modules requires less time, effort, and resources compared to developing lengthy courses. Additionally, microlearning can be easily updated or modified to reflect changing information or business needs.
Performance Support: Microlearning modules can serve as performance support tools, providing employees with quick access to job aids, reference materials, or troubleshooting guides. This enables them to apply what they've learned directly to their work tasks, improving productivity and performance.
Analytics and Assessment: Microlearning platforms often provide analytics and assessment features that allow organizations to track learner progress, completion rates, and performance. This data can help identify knowledge gaps, measure the effectiveness of training initiatives, and make informed decisions for future training programs.
Overall, microlearning offers a learner-centric and results-oriented approach to corporate training. It enables organizations to deliver timely, engaging, and targeted learning experiences that align with the needs and preferences of their employees, ultimately leading to improved performance, productivity, and employee satisfaction.
Ten Tips for Microlearning Course Development
When developing a microlearning course, it's important to keep the following tips in mind:
1. Define Clear Learning Objectives
Clearly outline what participants should be able to achieve or understand after completing the microlearning course. Make sure the objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
2. Keep it Short and Focused
Microlearning is all about delivering bite-sized chunks of information. Each module or lesson should be concise and focused on a single topic or skill. Aim for a duration of 5 to 10 minutes per module.
3. Use Multimedia and Interactive Elements
Engage learners by incorporating multimedia elements such as videos, images, infographics, and interactive quizzes or assessments. This helps maintain interest and aids in information retention.
4. Chunk Information
Break down complex concepts or topics into smaller, manageable pieces. Present information in short paragraphs, bullet points, or step-by-step processes. This makes it easier for learners to grasp and remember key points.
5. Provide Real-life Examples and Scenarios
Relate the content to real-life situations to make it more relatable and applicable. Use examples, case studies, or scenarios that learners can connect with and understand how the knowledge or skills can be practically applied.
6. Ensure Mobile Compatibility
Microlearning is often consumed on mobile devices, so optimize your course for mobile compatibility. Ensure that the content is responsive and can be easily accessed and navigated on different screen sizes.
7. Include Assessments and Feedback
Incorporate quick assessments or quizzes at the end of each module to reinforce learning and check comprehension. Provide immediate feedback to learners, highlighting correct answers and explaining incorrect ones.
8. Encourage Spaced Repetition
Reinforce learning over time by incorporating spaced repetition techniques. Instead of presenting all the information at once, deliver it in short bursts and periodically revisit key concepts throughout the course.
9. Offer Optional Additional Resources
Provide additional resources, such as links to articles, videos, or books, for learners who want to explore the topic further. This allows learners to delve deeper into areas of interest and extend their learning beyond the microlearning course.
10. Gather Feedback and Iterate
Continuously seek feedback from learners to improve the microlearning course. Monitor engagement, completion rates, and learner satisfaction. Use the feedback to make adjustments and enhancements to the content and delivery.
Remember, microlearning is meant to be easily digestible and accessible, so aim to create engaging and impactful content that addresses specific learning objectives.
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 the development and delivery of microlearning courses.
Contact us today to get started or visit our Partner Program pages