Microlearning is more than a learning trend – it’s waking up organizations to the need to package training differently. Microlearning has become a go-to strategy in learning and development thanks to its targeted, engaging content. This modern approach to training and development works wonders for diverse groups of learners. Just ask your eLearning provider! Microlearning is a perfect match for the modern workforce.
Benefits of Microlearning
Who knew there could be so many benefits from a pocket-sized learning module? Microlearning reduces the time it takes to learn and master complex skills by delivering bite-sized training content that provides instruction on a single topic or skill. So, how does microlearning resonate with learners today?
Flexible On-demand Learning
Modern learners love flexibility. With jam-packed schedules and long work days, microlearning offers a convenient solution for flexible training needs. Microlearning optimizes training by allowing corporate learners to pick the time and place for training. Readily available through QR codes, videos on smart devices, and fast-paced eLearning modules, microlearning adds flexible solutions for a quick knowledge refresh or on-the-job performance support. The ability to utilize microlearning at the point of need also helps organizations maintain a productive environment filled with employees supported by information-rich resources.
Employee Engagement
Many learning experts suggest that microlearning is the key to unlocking higher engagement from the modern workforce. Delivered in a tight package that addresses one topic at a time, microlearning modules take an average of five minutes. The short duration of microlearning takes the pressure off of the average attention span and allows learners to connect with learning material in a meaningful way.
There are many fun ways to include additional engaging elements to draw people in during microlearning modules to make a strong impact. For example, instructional designers can incorporate short activities or animated videos that breathe life into training modules. There are a variety of features that can be used, like hotspots, questions, and allowing learners to manipulate objects during microlearning videos.
Microlearning Has A Shorter Development Time
Because microlearning content has a relatively short development time, eLearning providers can target specific topics and empower multiple roles. Take risk assessment, for example. With a shorter turnaround time, several microlearning modules can provide the right training for multiple roles that need information on the same topic but how it fits into their role.
If an operations personnel and risk assessment manager need training on the same content, their different roles call for different training content. So, which is better? A 30-minute high-level training distributed to everyone OR multiple five-minute eLearning modules that target specific roles? We trust your judgment! Microlearning can also be used to address different learning styles. From an accessibility standpoint, different versions of microlearning can help unify your workforce by promoting experiential learning as opposed to just getting the information.
Knowledge Retention
We’ve learned so much about cognitive load and how that impacts knowledge retention. Imagine the overwhelm of starting a new role with an excess of information coming at you from every direction. It’s impossible to digest it all. Because microlearning reduces the duration of learning, it ultimately reduces cognitive load.
Research now tells us that increased retention is the byproduct of shortened learning. Microlearning gets straight to the point, keeping learners’ minds stimulated with active learning. Microlearning also makes it much easier to evaluate specific training outcomes at various levels and see if there is a tangible lift. Whether it’s behavioral performance or skill proficiency, delivering training on one specific objective makes evaluation straightforward.
Employee Performance and Organizational Impact
Microlearning engages learners with training focused on specific learning objectives, improving overall productivity within your organization. When you think of microlearning as an on-site resource for your workforce, the ripple effects become more evident.
Microlearning motivates employees to apply their newly acquired knowledge, solidifying their individual impact on broader organizational goals. Empowered with fresh information, employees are better prepared to perform their roles with confidence. Microlearning is also a cost-effective solution for organizations that need a quick turnaround for training that doesn’t demand too many resources.
When To Use Microlearning
One way microlearning works really well is by working as an adhesive. It ties everything together, which is why microlearning should be connected to a broader learning initiative. Think about the context a learner needs in order to get the full scope of a specific training. Microlearning complements existing programs by aligning with larger training goals through short bursts of essential information
Microlearning is best used to achieve a specific learning goal. For example, if leadership in your organization needs training on providing feedback, microlearning can work in tandem with your existing training program to highlight this objective. By incorporating a straightforward microlearning module focused on providing positive feedback, microlearning can bridge broader concepts together. If one aspect of the role is technical, like managing inventory, microlearning helps bridge the gap between leadership’s concept of providing feedback and the more technical aspect of managing inventory. Ultimately, it all comes down to microlearning being designed well.
Video-based Microlearning
Video-based microlearning is a scalable solution that’s easily distributed throughout your organization, making essential training topics readily available at the fingertips of learners. Think of how often the average person accesses video content to try a new recipe, fix the garage door, or even file their taxes. YouTube dominates the “how-to” space. Microlearning caters to learner preferences by delivering information-rich video content to learners just as they would naturally access any other type of information before performing a task.
In order to optimize learning outcomes, today’s learning experts are incorporating knowledge checks within microlearning videos to ensure that learners receive adequate learning reinforcement. Visual learners, rejoice! Video-based microlearning is here to stay.
Augmented Reality Microlearning
Augmented reality microlearning combines the benefits of both AR and microlearning, offering self-paced learning solutions that make knowledge acquisition easier for learners. With the help of digital overlays, augmented reality gives learners the opportunity to streamline interactive training content that boosts their confidence and hone the skills they need for real-world application.
Augmented reality training has been utilized as an effective performance support tool, as it seamlessly integrates into the workspaces with easy access and interactive training elements that enhance proficiency. When employees are faced with new tasks, AR content provides step-by-step guidance, leaving no room for uncertainty. Easily scalable, employees can access augmented reality microlearning on company tablets and experience consistent training experiences across locations.
Immersive Blended Learning
There’s a natural synthesis between microlearning and VR technology that delivers strong learning outcomes. VR is best suited for applying knowledge and doing something active. In order for someone to perform in a headset within the desired time frame, it’s an effective learning strategy to precede immersive learning with a burst of information on a topic.
Incorporating microlearning into a blended learning model is a fantastic method for training employees on tangible skills. Microlearning provides a great way to avoid the need to present information in VR, which has a reputation for disrupting immersive experiences. By presenting essential information in microlearning and then allowing learners to play and practice in VR. This is especially effective for training that involves hazardous environments or requires tools that aren’t available.
Microlearning
Say farewell to cognitive overload! Keeping your training short and sweet has its perks. From workforce engagement to higher knowledge retention, microlearning is a quick and efficient training methodology that delivers bite-sized, rich learning that keeps pace growing organizations.
Make each step of training count with microlearning! Want to hear more strategies for optimizing your training program? Start exploring what’s trending in corporate training practices today! Learning experts are ready to connect with you.
