Microlearning as the name suggests is bite sized learning which offers a flexible learning approach to be used in a variety of ways to enhance individual and organizational performance. In today’s fast-paced world, most of us don’t have the patience or time to sit through a lengthy training course, so the concept of microlearning is ideal for modern learners.
Microlearning provides solutions to lengthy and dull training sessions. Its key aspect is delivering learning content in small bite sized chunks each of which focuses on a specific learning objective. It is most popularly used to teach specific skills or knowledge and is frequently delivered in the form of short videos, infographics or quizzes. Microlearning is also more likely to hold learners’ attention and stick with them because it is typically delivered in short and engaging formats.
How to Develop Effective Microlearning courses?
Here is the list 6 best instructional design tips to develop effective microlearning
- Focus on a Single Learning Objective
- Opt For a Simple User Interface
- Utilize Existing Content
- Incorporate Storytelling
- Allow Personalized Learning
- Follow a Mobile-First Design Strategy
Now that the basics of microlearning are clear, let’s look at what it isn’t. The distinction will keep you from being confused.
Microlearning is not
- Any content being chopped into smaller chunks
- Just one format, as it has several other formats
- A single dose solution
- Appropriate to every situation
- A new concept as its been around as a training strategy for a very long time
- Limited to a fixed time period as duration depends on learning objective and content
What Benefits do Microlearning Offer?
Microlearning has significant benefits for both learners and organizations. Let’s have a look at them.
For Learners
- Is personalized, adaptable and learner-centered
- Promotes knowledge implementation and retention
- Provides engaging, immersive, and diverse learning
- Is convenient to use and easily accessible
- Allows for immediate feedback
For Organizations
- Allows for a greater impact on performance targets.
- Accelerates performance
- Reduces development and delivery time and costs
- Facilitates simple updating and repurposing
- Minimizes stakeholder and SME time
After learning about the advantages of microlearning, it is difficult to resist putting it into practice. So, here’s a quick overview of how to make it more interactive and engaging.
- Add Quizzes: Quizzes are a great way to introduce new concepts and assess learners’ prior knowledge. For example, multiple choice questions based on a scenario can be asked.
- Add Visuals: Visuals have a much greater impact on memory than text alone. Infographics, for example, can be used to depict the steps of a process. This imprints the concept on the learner’s mind and facilitates better learning.
- Use Real Time Situations: Learners are more likely to understand a concept when it is explained through real-world scenarios. This element is commonly used in safety training.
5 Best Instructional Design Tips for Developing Effective Microlearning Courses
Knowing how to design your microlearning experience can mean the difference between an average and a great course. There are a few things to remember when designing microlearning courses to ensure maximum ROI.
1. Focus on a Single Learning Objective
Any kind of learning should be driven by some objectives. The same applies to eLearning as well, as it is developed based on learning objectives. Microlearning takes up one module one objective approach. Each microlearning course is based on a single learning objective. When a single objective is addressed it helps
- Provide tailored and focused information.
- Eliminate unnecessary content and allows users to focus on only what is necessary.
- Retains learned information and flatten the forgetting curve.
Learn How to Harness the Power of Learning Analytics for Microlearning
2. Opt For a Simple User Interface
Simpler things are easier to learn and remember, so is microlearning supposed to be. A microlearning course should be free of content and visual overload. Content should be crisp with on point graphics and visuals. This will
- Avoid any distractions for the learner
- Help learners understand and retain knowledge better
- Optimize the learning process
3. Utilize Existing Content
Microlearning content can be derived from very lengthy but useful existing classroom training materials such as ppts, PDFs, and training videos. This helps to reduce:
- The time and expense required to design microlearning
- The effort required to design microlearning assets.
4. Incorporate Storytelling
Microlearning is defined by engagement and one incredible way to engage learners in learning is to incorporate storytelling into microlearning. Storytelling is an excellent source of engagement because it allows learners to expand their imagination. Furthermore, storytelling helps learners connect with the course content.
5. Allow Personalized Learning
When learners are offered personalized learning based on their interests and preferences, the learning outcome improves. As a variety of microlearning formats are available, learners select their preferred form of learning. So, it’s better to include a variety of formats in your microlearning course kitty to help learners choose from them and enjoy learning.
6. Follow a Mobile-First Design Strategy
In today’s on the go world, everything is available with a single click on the phone So, training should also be the same. When training is available on mobile devices, learners can learn at their own pace and have quick access to performance support solutions. As a result, mobile learning is an important consideration when creating microlearning courses.
Additional Microlearning Design Suggestions
The microlearning Design model consists of three major Components
Segmenting
Divide your content into manageable chunks that learners can easily absorb. For difficult topics, segment the content into smaller chunks.
Sequencing
Arrange your content in a logical and easy-to-follow sequence. This will make it easier for learners to follow along and ensure a better understanding.
Scaffolding
When scaffolding your microlearning content, make sure that each piece builds on the previous one to facilitate connectivity.
To sum up!
These small bite-sized learning modules have advanced in the world of eLearning and play a significant role in enhancing individual and organizational performance. Microlearning is an effective learning tool for increasing learner engagement and outcomes. With the right design, the learning experience can be improved and ROI can be maximized. No doubt, microlearning has emerged as one of the most popular training methods in recent times.
Excited to get started with microlearning? Do you want to gain more insights on how microlearning can improve employee performance? Here is our eBook ‘Where Does Microlearning Fit in Your Learning Strategy?’ that will walk you through the process of creating high-performing micro assets to leverage learning analytics. Get your free copy now!
