Is Your Content Suitable for Microlearning?

As the learning preferences of employees change, organizations have to look for more innovative and out-of-box solutions to keep them invested in the digital learning program. In these fast-times, microlearning has emerged as a leading technique to strike a balance between effective learning and user engagement. But, the success of microlearning depends on the kind of content you choose to convey through them.

So What Kind of Content is Suitable for Microlearning?

Learning material that actively involves users and can be broken into small pieces is ideal for microlearning. However, complex content that needs strong foundation and lengthy explanation may need a blended solution, with a full-length e-learning course taking the lead. Microlearning modules here may be used to present quizzes or short explainer videos.

But what is the format through which this actionable content can be best conveyed in a microlearning module? Below are some of the content format types best suited for the microlearning strategy:

Cue Cards

Microlearning modules have to be developed keeping in mind that the user will access them through a mobile device. Microlearning views the small screen size as an advantage rather than a limitation by treating them as learning cards. Think about it, the average mobile screen is about the size of a small cue card.

Developers can use this approach to convey short topic in a fun way. Each cue card will only have a single bit of information, making sure users are not strained on their limited screen size. You can also use this type of content in a question-answer format, to help learners quickly brush up on old content.

Gamified and Gamification Content

Numerous researches and studies have found that game-based learning offers many advantages and benefits compared to traditional training approaches. A perfect usage of game elements and game mechanics can motivate and connect learners with the learning content. Microlearning modules are perfect for this.

Games are motivating, engaging, and fun and can be played for just a few minutes each day. Now if the training for a new product turns into something like a game, imagine how exciting it could be for your sales, service, and support reps. Even gamification i.e., adding gaming elements such as scores, points, rewards, and evaluations make the learner think and experiment. These game-based approaches call for active participation from the learners resulting in better transfer of knowledge.

Videos

Video is the most effective medium for communicating information in the short duration of a microlearning module. Combining visual examples with audio creates a higher likelihood of knowledge transfer. Videos can turn even the most casual learners into staunch absorbers of knowledge.

Fast, entertaining, and impactful, videos can give your subject matter a better chance compared to written material, especially when providing an entertaining, positive, and shareable microlearning experience. Active learner participation can be achieved using interactive videos. It enables pausing the video at specific key points and have learners interact in the form of decision points to proceed further.

Quizzes and Polls

Quizzes give learners the chance to reinforce information they might have learned in an e-learning course. By answering questions, learners not only get to know the level of their understanding, but they also commit information to their long-term memory. They can also identify areas for improvement and seek additional resources.

Microlearning modules can serve as ideal platforms for your quizzing needs. Short quizzes having interactive, and even gaming elements, can help learners gauge their learning progress, on the go. You can even use micro-modules to conduct quick polls or surveys to get real time feedback from learners about a wide variety of things.

Infographics

A picture is indeed worth a thousand words. Well-made infographics are a great form of content to summarize large topics or even to convey complex subjects. The use of a visual medium frees the minds of the developers and brings a bout of creativity in the learning process.

Combining attractive imagery with text, course developers can breakdown a knotty subject effectively. Microlearning modules can serve as appropriate platforms to use infographic content. Using innovative navigation techniques, a single infographic can be broken down to form a single micro-module.

Microlearning can be a great way to keep your training fresh, accessible, and relevant. When built with the right content, it becomes a sturdy pillar in your digital learning strategy. So, make the right choices and make microlearning an irreplaceable part of your e-learning program.