How to Improve Training ROI with the Perfect Microlearning Design

Which is easier to consume; an entire watermelon in one go or one that has been sliced conveniently into small, bite-sized pieces? For eLearning, the world has started implementing a similar principle, called microlearning.

In 2019, Statista’s studies stated that 23% of managers (a majority) suggested that online learning is the best way to train employees and maximize ROI. Over the past few years, eLearning itself has been divided into several categories, each with a new and unique way of giving learners better content consumption and engagement.

In this article, we will take a closer look at microlearning, a concept that has become one of the most popular training methods in recent years.

What is Microlearning?

Microlearning is a learning approach that delivers small, bite-sized pieces of content that can be consumed quickly and easily. It is typically used to teach specific skills or knowledge and is often delivered in the form of short videos, infographics, articles, presentations, or quizzes.

One of the key benefits of microlearning is that it is highly flexible and can be easily incorporated into a variety of learning experiences.

For example, microlearning can be used as part of a larger eLearning course, or it can be used as standalone content that learners can access on-demand. Considering the watermelon example, this means that you can either cut it in slices or cubes for different occasions and guests.

The concept of microlearning is perfectly suited for today’s modern learners. We live in a fast-paced, always-on world, and most of us don’t have the time or attention span to sit through a long, drawn-out training course.

With microlearning, learners can consume small pieces of content when and where it is convenient for them. And since microlearning is typically delivered in short, engaging formats, it is more likely to hold learners’ attention and actually stick with them.

There are four primary characteristics that you should keep in mind when authoring the microlearning experience for a better return on investment.

Are you confused about what microlearning is and what it isn’t? Access this free webinar recording to gain insights.

1. Small & Concise: As the name suggests, microlearning is all about delivering small, bite-sized pieces of content. This content can be in the form of videos, infographics, articles, or quizzes, but it should always be concise and to the point.
2. Focuses On A Single Skill/Concept: Microlearning is designed to teach specific skills or knowledge, so it should always be focused on a single skill or concept. This focus helps to ensure that learners are able to retain and apply the information they have learned.
3. Delivered In Short, Engaging Formats: Since microlearning is designed for today’s modern learners, it should be delivered in short, engaging formats that are easy to consume. This could include short videos, infographics, or even games.
4. Flexible & Adaptable: Microlearning is highly flexible and can be easily incorporated into a variety of learning experiences. For example, it can be used as part of an eLearning course or as standalone content that learners can access on-demand.

Microlearning Design For Better ROI – A Quick Overview

Compared to traditional, long-form learning experiences, microlearning is a more efficient, effective, and engaging technique to allow better learning experiences for everyone. Not to mention, it is also more convenient and flexible, making it perfect for today’s modern learners.

However, while breaking down information into consumable chunks is very important, it is even more important to design it in a manner that reflects exactly what your learners are looking for. Everyone has a different learning style and therefore has different design requirements, too.

It is important that you familiarize yourself with these designs for a better return on investment in the medium and long run. Just as you focus on the content, you also need to focus on the design when authoring eLearning courses.

Importance of Design When Authoring Microlearning

Also known as instructional design, studies have shown that even the most complicated topics can be taught easily with the help of two very important elements, the mode of delivery and the design. For microlearning, the former may include gamification, presentations, videos, simulations, quizzes, and more; the latter may be a bit more complicated.

Understanding how to design your microlearning experience can mark the difference between an average and exceptional course. Instructional design is a very important aspect of eLearning as a whole. When it comes to designing microlearning courses, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure maximum ROI. These include, but aren’t limited to:

1. Keep It Short And Sweet (KISS)

As we have already mentioned, one of the key characteristics of microlearning is that it will be small and concise. So, when you are designing your microlearning content, make sure to keep it short and sweet.

2. Make It Engaging

Another important characteristic of microlearning is that it is delivered in short, engaging formats. So, when you are designing your content, make sure to use engaging formats that will hold learners’ attention.

3. Focus on a single concept

As we mentioned earlier, microlearning is designed to teach specific skills or knowledge, so it should always be focused on a single concept. This focus will help ensure that learners are able to retain and apply the information they have learned.

4. Make it flexible

Microlearning is highly flexible – and your design needs to reflect that, too. Make sure you design your content in a way that makes it easy to incorporate into a variety of learning experiences.

The right design can make all the difference in whether or not microlearning is successful. So, if you want to make sure your microlearning content is effective, be sure to keep these design tips in mind.

Tips to Design Interactive Microlearning Courses

There are several interactive approaches to microlearning that you can adopt for better ROI. There is no doubt that interactive content is more engaging and can help to improve learning outcomes. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when designing interactive microlearning courses.

Use quizzes and polls

Quizzes and polls are a great way to make your content more interactive. They can also help to assess learners’ understanding of the material.

Gamify

Gamification helps learners improve their experience on their own terms via competition, adding a new twist to the process. By incorporating game-like elements into your content, you can encourage learners to interact with the material and improve their learning outcomes. Some ways to gamify your microlearning course include:

• Points, badges, and leaderboards
• Game-like elements such as levels, challenges, and rewards
• Learner interaction
• Fun-theme

Use video

Video is a great way to make your content more engaging and interactive. Videos can also help to break up the text and make your content more visually appealing. Some types of videos include:

• Instructional
• Case Studies
• Tutorials
• Interviews
• Demonstrations

Use simulations

Simulations can help learners to apply the concepts they have learned and better understand how they work in the real world, hence allowing them to experience what they learn. Some examples of simulations include:

• Game-based
• Virtual reality
• Augmented reality
• 3D
• 2D simulations

Use images and infographics

Images and infographics are a great way to make your content more engaging. They can also help to break up the text and make your content more visually appealing.

Use short and concise paragraphs

The content should be brief and direct when explaining a specific module. It shouldn’t be text-heavy.

Use simple language

When writing the text for your slides, use simple language that can be easily understood by all learners. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that might not be familiar to all learners (and so that you don’t have to explain it further).

Use fonts that are easy to read

Make sure to use fonts (size and type) that are easy to read. Avoid using fancy or decorative fonts (such as the Kunstler Script or Monotype Corsiva) that might be difficult to read.

Use colors that are easy on the eyes

When choosing colors for your slides, make sure to use colors that aren’t too bright or fluorescent.

Other Microlearning Design Tips

When creating a microlearning program, it is important to keep the design model in mind. The microlearning design model includes three key components:

Segmentation

Segment your content into manageable chunks that can be easily digested by learners. This will help ensure that learners can easily digest the material and don’t become overwhelmed. The more difficult a topic, the smaller the chunk should be.

Sequencing

Sequence your content in a way that makes sense and is easy to follow. Do so in a logical way. This will help learners follow along and ensure better understanding.

Scaffolding

Scaffold your content so that learners can build on their knowledge over time. When scaffolding your microlearning content, it is important to make sure that each piece builds on the last.

Parting Thoughts!

Microlearning is a powerful learning tool that can be used to improve learner engagement and outcomes. With the right design, not only can it help you improve the learning experience, but it can also popularize your course extensively and hence, help maximize ROI. Want to improve your organization and learn more about microlearning? Download this free webinar recording to discover more about how microlearning fits into your overall learning strategy.