Why Is Microlearning the Future of Corporate Training?

Due to the immense competition and fast-paced environment at work, the modern workforce either lacks the time or interest in taking long, tedious instructor-led classroom training sessions with material, large documents, and packed PowerPoint presentations. To tackle this challenge, the corporate training world is buzzing about an effective (and interesting) approach to upskilling and reskilling employees at the workplace. It’s microlearning. This unique andragogical method perfectly aligns with the fast-paced lifestyle of Millennials and Gen Z learners, offering them the flexibility to learn at their own convenience.

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Table of Contents

• What is Microlearning?
• What is Not Microlearning?
• Why Microlearning is The Future of Corporate Training?
• How To Design Effective Microlearning Modules for Corporate Training?

What is Microlearning?

Microlearning is a training approach that is used in a variety of ways to improve individual and organizational performance. It breaks down information into small, bite-sized chunks, with each module concentrating on a specific learning objective. Microlearning videos normally range between 7 to 15 minutes.

Microlearning modules deliver short bursts of information to learners that help improve comprehension, knowledge retention, and learner engagement. Different types of microlearning formats allow organizations to design their training programs for optimized corporate learning outcomes.

What is Not Microlearning?

As important as it is to know what microlearning IS, it’s crucial to understand what microlearning is NOT! Here’s a visual asset to help you out.

Why Microlearning is The Future of Corporate Training?

Now that you have a better handle on what microlearning entails, here are the 7 reasons describing why it’s the future of workplace training:

1. Microlearning is More Efficient

Microlearning modules are designed for a specific audience and cover only essential information within a highly saturated time frame. In contrast to a lengthy eLearning course, microlearning modules remove all extraneous details no matter how interesting they may be to learners. They include only that information which is useful to the learner to achieve their learning objectives.

This is done to maximize long-term knowledge retention in fast-paced work environments where employees don’t have the time to go through extensive training content or attend fixed classroom training sessions or long eLearning courses to learn new skills. Microlearning offers the flexibility of learning on-the-go to learners where they can access crucial information whenever it’s required. It can be related to workplace policies, services, products, or even compliance.

Where Does Microlearning Fit in Your Learning Strategy?

Uncover the Secrets to Crafting High-performing Micro Assets!

• What Microlearning is and What it is NOT?
• Types of Microlearning Assets
• Tips and Tools for Rapid Microlearning Development
• And More!

Download eBook

2. Microlearning Development is More Cost-Effective

Due to their virtual nature, microlearning courses are relatively more cost-effective compared to Instructor-led Training. They eliminate the need to hire an instructor, buy training equipment and stationery, or spend thousands of dollars on logistics and accommodation. Even when compared to eLearning design and development, they are more pocket-friendly as they are of short duration and can be developed quickly with the help of microlearning authoring tools. Moreover, updating microlearning content is easy as you can modify the specific microlearning module instead of having to rework the entire content.

3. Microlearning Courses Are Easier and Faster to Develop and Deliver

Even if you hire a reputable eLearning solutions provider, eLearning content creation typically takes weeks or even months. On the other hand, engaging, effective microlearning courses can be created in significantly less time due to their modular structure.

You can speed up the training process of imparting your training content and create multiple short courses to be shared at regular intervals instead of putting your learners through traditional, long, complex semi-annual, or annual training courses.

4. Microlearning Supports Just-In-Time (JIT) Learning

Just-in-time learning is pretty much self-explanatory. It’s learning that happens when it is most needed. In other words, it gives employees access to information that they need, paying particular attention to when and how they need it.

Microlearning supports just-in-time learning as bite-sized modules can be accessed from any device and from any location easily. It’s like always carrying an instruction manual with you to help accomplish your work-related tasks successfully.

Here’s an infographic enlisting the 10 best examples of microlearning assets for just-in-time learning.

5. Microlearning is Mobile-Friendly

As the world moves rapidly towards digitalization, the need for mobile-compatible training courses is becoming a vital aspect of modern workspaces. Even before the emergence of remote work, smartphones, and gadgets were becoming increasingly important for workplace activities. Microlearning can be better adapted to mobile learning as it offers crisp and concise information specifically tailored to the learner’s schedule and location.

6. Microlearning Can Cover Skill Gaps Faster

The business world has been handed a skills gap following the COVID-19 pandemic. Filling skill gaps can feel like a slow climb with traditional training methods. Microlearning offers a refreshing alternative for faster learning. By breaking down complex skills into focused, bite-sized chunks, microlearning makes information easier to understand and remember. This targeted approach is further enhanced by the "just-in-time" and on-the-job learning aspect. Microlearning modules can be delivered at the exact moment a learner needs them, allowing them to put their newfound knowledge into practice right away.

Where Does Microlearning Fit in Your Learning Strategy?

Uncover the Secrets to Crafting High-performing Micro Assets!

• What Microlearning is and What it is NOT?
• Types of Microlearning Assets
• Tips and Tools for Rapid Microlearning Development
• And More!

Download eBook

How To Design Effective Microlearning Modules for Corporate Training?

In the previous section, it’s clear as a sunny day that microlearning is the future of impactful, result-driven corporate training. So if you wish to incorporate it into your L&D training initiatives, then this video is a must-watch for you. It talks about the various steps involved in designing effective microlearning solutions.

Parting Thoughts!

I hope that the information shared in this blog has helped you understand why microlearning is the future of corporate training. The corporate world is evolving rapidly, and organizations need to keep up with technological advancements as well as evolving learning needs, styles, and preferences. Considering all these factors, microlearning is an effective approach. If you wish to know where does it fit in your learning strategy so that you can make the most of it, our eBook is a must-read. Download now!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published on April 26, 2022 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.