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Microlearning is a process of learning in small chunks to address different needs of learners. It is a way of teaching and delivering learning content in small and specific bursts. With changing pace of technology, people round the world are depending on microlearning to provide learning with ease. Microlearning has been adopted to address diverse challenges that include evolving learning needs, rapidly accelerating technology and training that can’t keep pace. Failure to do so drives a loss in business revenues seeping into all the departments of every organization across the globe.
Significance of Micro Content for New-age Learners
A modern learner is often on-the-go and in need of relevant knowledge on a continuous basis. Organizations are looking for knowledge-based solutions that facilitate microlearning, allowing learners to access information and answers to their questions – when and where they need it most. To keep the content short and precise, instructional design efforts must focus on achieving the results without fail.
Microlearning involves two stages: The creation of content or instructional design and the execution of that content using advanced technology. The content is cut-short in small modules with a duration of not more than five minutes. Apart from delivering content in small chunks, microlearning is also about focusing on specific topics to aid learners complete their tasks. Microlearning objects have a simple structure and are easy to navigate.
Assess the Efficiency of Microlearning Today
In today’s time where people have quick access to information via smartphones and tablets, companies strive to deliver customized learning experiences. Most organizations measure the learning inputs of their workforce in different aspects such as knowledge retention and workplace performance. They also analyze the output as: what employees have learned. Companies measure learning in multiple ways as shown in figure below:
Business Benefits of Microlearning
Conventional training methods are not sufficient for continuous skills updates as they confine learners to closed systems. Microlearning enhances learning by offering learning solutions that are fast-paced and combine different learning styles. When aligned with formal training methods and implemented on online platforms, microlearning has the potential to support professional development. Here are some of the benefits of microlearning that help organizations reap business benefits:
- Easy to update: Short chunks of information are easy to update, thereby reducing the overall turnaround time. It does not take much time to fix or update them, thus adding an advantage for the organizations.
- Perfect for mobile learning: Short and crisp information in the form of audios and videos is easy to access on mobiles. Learners can access training content on their mobile device and enhance their knowledge level on the go.
- Bridge competency gaps: Microlearning focuses on one task or concept at a time. It allows learners to fill their performance gaps more quickly and efficiently. Learners are not required to sit all-day to attend a lengthy online course, but can simply access the specific module to improve knowledge.
- Just-in-Time support: Learners pull microlearning moments as per their convenience. This empowers just-in-time support, so that learners can apply e-learning strategies in real-time.
Types of Microlearning
You have been watching videos, playing games and listening to podcasts for an engaging training experience. There are different types of microlearning that can be easily incorporated with e-learning to tailor the needs of individuals:
- Videos: Mostly, mobile users choose a video option to access courses because they are easy to understand and retain.
- Blogs: Blogs open the discussions digitally on a global scale. Trainers create blogs to keep learners updated about latest assignments, new courses, etc.
- Podcasts: Podcasts are versatile audio tools that help to boost retention level of learners. These can be easily shared on MP3 files through varied cloud-based services.
- Interactivities: Interactives provide ample opportunities of communication that require high level decision-making and critical thinking skills. These are smartly integrated with web-based paths to increase workplace efficiency.
So, microlearning has great potential to cater to the needs of mobile learners because chunked or micro content can be accessed anytime and anywhere. It has gained popularity in the last few years, primarily because of two factors – technology platform that enables tracking of micro content and on the other side, content creation made easy and understandable with videos. We bring to you our experiences and knowledge in a nutshell through our e-book – Microlearning. The above was a little glimpse of what’s in store, click here to download for free eBook!
