Use Microlearning to Leverage the Benefits of Blended Learning

With the constraints of time, space, and availability that are a part of a dynamic work environment, many organizations are turning to a blended learning strategy to train their employees. A blended learning program, which is a mix of different delivery methods, provides a comprehensive training experience. Blended, hybrid, or mixed-mode learning, whatever you call it, is a mix of traditional classroom training and computer-based or online training to provide a better and flexible way of learning.

This learning strategy offers many advantages from providing flexibility on how you provide content, to increasing the efficiency of delivering training, and being cost-effective. It also personalizes learning while providing an extended reach to your training. When microlearning is added, it can bring great value to your blended learning strategy as it enhances effectiveness and allows both organizations and employees to leverage from it.

Eases the load on classroom sessions

Everyone knows that blended learning takes a load off your classroom training schedule simply because you need not grapple with issues such as availability of trainers, training venues, travel, accommodation and more importantly the availability of your employees.

A blended learning program reduces your dependency on classroom training sessions to conduct training. Based on the content, you can deliver some of it in classroom sessions and convert the rest to digital courses. Topics such as how to make the right sales pitch or how to use complicated software can be best taught in classroom sessions. Online learning comes in handy when you want to teach employees subjects such as compliance, safety or product training. Online modules on these topics will help learners access them when needed. Better still if they are delivered as microlearning modules. Microlearning adds to the flexibility of a blended learning program by allowing learners to access them anytime and anywhere.

For instance, in your sales training to help sales reps know about the products, bite-sized modules on the specifications of each product can be created. Short videos on the product functions help sales reps brush up their knowledge when required. Given that microlearning modules are accessible on mobile devices, your sales reps can access them anytime and anywhere. It is easy to create and access microlearning modules for information on new product launches. There is no need to wait for the next classroom session to deliver this information or be updated about it.

In compliance or software training, infographics or instructions delivered as short videos adds to the flexibility factor. For instance, if a learner wants to quickly learn on how to use a specific feature of a software, he can access the microlearning module on the topic. 

Promotes better utilization of time

Microlearning modules can greatly reduce the time spent in classroom sessions. The challenging portions that will take a longer time to convey or will raise doubts can be taught in the classroom while other materials such as facts, process steps, or safety regulations can be converted to microlearning modules. Since these modules are focused on one specific point, it is easier to convey information to learners.

A learner who wants to know about a particular topic can access the relevant microlearning module rather than watch a full hour of e-learning. For instance, if the new hire wants to know about the dress code, he can access an infographic on that instead of going through the whole induction course. In another instance, if a learner has a question in a particular lesson, he can quickly pull out the relevant microlearning module to learn more about it without having to go through the whole course.

Microlearning modules can work well for pre-classroom training activities that will help in the better utilization of time in classroom sessions. Microlearning modules can be used to explain the basics of the topic or for introducing complex topics. Learners can go through these modules before attending a classroom session, this will greatly reduce their time to grasp the subject or understand the topic.

Reduces chances of missing training

 When lengthy courses are made into microlearning courses, learners can access them where they want to and when they want to, on any mobile device. This flexibility ensures that your learners can access these modules at their convenience. Similarly, classroom recordings can be converted into podcasts so that those who missed them can access them or reach out to them for reinforcement. There are little chances that they will miss the training because they can learn at their own pace.

It also makes sense to convert lengthy courses into microlearning modules. For instance, a 30-minute course can be converted into three microlearning modules of ten minutes each that learners will go through when they have time and complete the training.

Makes reinforcement easy

In a blended learning program, microlearning is useful for reiterating what has been learned. The topics covered in classroom or e-learning sessions can be delivered as online nuggets – videos, podcasts, or animations. Learners can access them after a classroom or online training session. Microlearning modules can also be used to deliver assessments to learners either before the training or after it. Quiz snippets or mini games can assess how much your learners know.

Microlearning modules can provide the necessary support to your blended learning strategy and their flexibility and convenience ensure that learners do no miss out the training. Using microlearning in your blended learning ecosystem would be a wise decision, considering the benefits it will bring to both your learners and your organization.