Transforming ILT Content Online: Where Does Microlearning Fit?

You must have come across the buzz-phrase “ILT to eLearning.” While everyone has written on a slew of benefits pertaining to converting ILT (classroom training) to eLearning, we have a different solution that is hard to put down! What if you could use microlearning to digitize your ILT content? We all know microlearning offers just the right amount of information in bite-sized nuggets to achieve a specific learning objective. It’s digital, it’s engaging, it’s light – something your modern learners can access anytime, anywhere. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?

So, if you want to know how microlearning can fit your online learning framework when you move from ILT, you can’t miss reading this blog! Before we move ahead, here’s an example that shows why your decision of converting ILT to eLearning makes much business sense.

Benefits of Going Digital: Success Story of IBM

Microlearning offers a perfect middle-ground between classroom training and eLearning courses. Being short and crisp, it ensures sticky learning experiences that can be accessed on mobile devices. It is faster and easier to develop and deploy, and the cherry on the cake is easy updates to ensure impact.

So, without further ado, let’s find out how you can incorporate microlearning from ILT material.

Making ILT Content Available Online 3 Microlearning Techniques to Consider

For Learning Facts and Concepts

Instead of converting an entire classroom training session into an eLearning course, each topic can be converted into a micro module. For instance, if its sales training, each microlearning module can cover one learning objective such as the features of a product, benefits of the product, how to make a sales pitch, and so on. These individual modules can be clubbed together to make a microlearning series.

Similarly, you can transform your ILT content into microlearning modules for trainings such as soft skills, compliance, as well as professional skills. Moving to microlearning allows you to use spaced repetition where learners are provided content in specific intervals to enhance retention. But what if the instructor just uses a bunch of images to explain a topic? Can you convert such ILT content into microlearning?

Well, as long as it conveys one learning thought or idea, microlearning is absolutely possible. However, it requires good instructional design to make it learner-worthy. For instance, one of our clients approached us to develop microlearning modules from PPT slides, wherein each slide contained multiple images to support a main idea. We used the story-based approach to weave a story around the images for learners to connect to the overarching motive of the module. Audio narration was generously used to create an immersive eLearning experience. Each microlearning module was followed by a quick assessment to check their understanding.

The instructional strategy for microlearning isn’t limited to just storytelling, it can be gamified, simulations and scenario-based as well. The idea is to choose an appropriate strategy depending on the learning content.

Having said so, microlearning is not always the right choice if your ILT content is on complex tasks, skills, and processes. For instance, microlearning modules can be used by medical professionals to memorize terms, but it isn’t ideal if you want them to be proficient in let’s say Pathology. Such subjects require hands-on experience, detailed study, and extensive practice to master. However, you can opt for a blended learning approach where you can use microlearning assets to support larger training content in such scenarios.

For Performance Support and Refresher Training

“You have an app for that,” is a common suggestion when you are looking for a quick problem-solving solution. Would you really want to sift through a heavy manual or listen patiently to a lengthy recording of a classroom session to find solutions at the moment of need? Not really! The current culture defines the need for online performance support tools which allow self-directed, highly accessible learning on-the-go for instant application.

Similarly, to tackle the dreaded forgetting curve, important information covered in earlier training sessions has to be reiterated periodically for reinforcement. So, nothing new must be provided to learners during refresher training; although it is alright to provide information related to the existing information. But the question is, how do you do refresh knowledge without overwhelming learners?

What ILT content can you transform into microlearning performance support tools?

• The Q&A session at the end of classroom training sessions is a goldmine for you to identify problem areas and the relevant content to fill learning gaps. Those Q&A can be turned into micro FAQ modules to either refresh or aid application in the nick of time.
• Your job-aids can be turned into an infographic which offers quick takeaways of the most important points. For refreshers, you can opt for motion-based infographics including Gifographics, motion graphics, and interactive infographics. These assets offer more information in a compact form.
• You can opt for micro videos that are short, media-rich, and powerful tools to refresh knowledge. Videos can be simple explainers, how-to, demos, etc. Moreover, the conventional quick reference guides can be turned into ‘how to’ micro demo videos. This offers learners with visual aid, without leaving any room for doubt.
• Printed process maps or manuals can be turned into interactive PDFs or even eBooks. Learners can actively engage as well as gain in-depth knowledge as they explore about the subject matter. Visuals and relevant eLearning interactivities make it compelling for learners.
• Case studies used in classroom sessions can be turned into scenario-based nuggets. Learners quickly get to decide their choices and find the consequences without any real-life risks.
• If you provide recordings of classroom sessions as refreshers, it’s time to break them into micro audio-podcasts. They are light, immersive, and convenient enough for your learners to refresh and apply instantly.

For Making Assessments Fun and Stress-Free

If you thought microlearning isn’t a fit for assessments while making ILT material online ready, here’s news for you! Even the assessments that check your learners’ knowledge acquisition can be made bite-sized to make them engaging and stress-free. Micro-assessments aren’t run-of-the mill assessments; they require creative thinking, and can be developed in interesting mini formats such as scenarios, simulations, and games. Let’s explore some of the ways you can transform your assessments used in ILT sessions to microlearning modules in online training.

• Convert the questions used in the pen and paper assessment in the classroom into activities such as drag and drop, and sorting. These can be used to test learners online (as part of microlearning/eLearning module) or as a standalone assessment module.
• Convert the role-plays and team exercises used in the classroom to individual scenarios or gamified assessment nuggets. These nuggets can be deployed in a very informal manner – even sending one or two to learners once a week via email. Most evidently, it raises the engagement bar and invites learners to put their knowledge into play. 

So to say, Microlearning isn’t just a tool for reinforcement or performance support, like it’s popularly known for. You can go ahead and use it for the various purposes we discussed above. More so, because you not only provide the benefit of online learning but cater to learners’ need of short and to-the- point information. So, are you all set to fit microlearning in online training framework?

If you want to know more about microlearning, we’ve got you covered. Here’s an eBook on “Where Does Microlearning Fit in Your Learning Strategy?” you can download for free. This eBook will give you insights on what microlearning is and what it is not, benefits, tips, and tools for rapid microlearning development and so much more!