Whether you’ve heard of microlearning or not, there’s no denying it’s on the rise as a training technique. Microlearning is designed for today’s fast-paced environments, providing a way for employees and learners to gain practical, digestible knowledge in a shorter amount of time. In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about microlearning, from its key concepts and benefits to how it’s implemented and why it’s quickly becoming the future of training.
Table of Contents
What is Microlearning?
Microlearning is a learner-centered approach that breaks traditional training down into short, targeted learning experiences. Often delivered through mobile-friendly platforms, microlearning content is concise and to the point, focusing on specific objectives. These “micro-bursts” of learning allow users to gain knowledge quickly without being overwhelmed by extensive material. Unlike lengthy PowerPoint presentations or lectures, microlearning taps into cognitive science principles to provide meaningful content that sticks.
Key Concepts of Microlearning
- Bite-Sized Learning
Bite-sized learning delivers information in manageable chunks that avoid cognitive overload. With an average learning segment lasting just 2-4 minutes, bite-sized learning maximizes learner engagement and retention. This approach doesn’t mean simplifying content but instead dissecting material into essential pieces. Each learning “chunk” stands as part of a larger, interconnected module, promoting a seamless, comprehensive learning experience. - Microlearning Videos
Videos are a powerful tool in microlearning, ideal for catering to auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners alike. These short videos, usually 1-4 minutes long, are excellent for showcasing specific skills or processes. Microlearning videos often include interactive tasks or quizzes to reinforce what’s been learned. Their accessibility on various devices makes them an especially versatile learning method for mobile platforms. - Micro Lessons
A micro lesson zooms in on a single learning objective, usually taking about 5-10 minutes to complete. Unlike longer training sessions, micro lessons focus solely on relevant information and avoid sidetracks. These lessons can either stand alone or be part of a broader training sequence, allowing learners to build knowledge progressively. - Micro Courses
While a micro lesson focuses on a single point, a micro course combines multiple lessons to achieve a larger objective. Micro courses consist of several interconnected lessons that can be completed within an hour. This approach provides a variety of materials and assessments to cater to diverse learning needs.
The Technology Behind Microlearning: Apps and Platforms
Microlearning Apps
Microlearning apps allow for flexible, on-the-go learning. Users can access content from anywhere, which is ideal for today’s remote work environment. Many microlearning platforms send notifications to remind learners to continue their training. Some apps even allow offline access, so users can download lessons and complete them at their convenience.
Microlearning Platforms
A microlearning platform serves as the backend of the app, allowing trainers to design, implement, and track learning experiences. Platforms like SC Training, formerly known as EdApp, are built specifically for microlearning, offering templates, gamification, and analytics features. These features help trainers measure engagement and identify knowledge gaps while learners benefit from an interactive and user-friendly experience.
The Cognitive Benefits of Microlearning
Microlearning uses principles of cognitive science to avoid information overload and improve retention. The human brain can only hold a limited amount of new information at once before it becomes challenging to retain it. Microlearning combats this through chunking information, which eases the load on working memory and enables learners to store new knowledge effectively.
The Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve highlights how quickly we forget information if we don’t reinforce it. Microlearning helps counteract this by providing opportunities for repeated exposure to material. Through spaced repetition and interactive content, microlearning enhances long-term memory and knowledge retention.
The Advantages of Microlearning
- High Engagement
Microlearning’s short, targeted approach appeals to modern learners. Research shows that shorter, focused learning segments are more engaging and lead to higher completion rates than traditional methods. - Increased Retention
Since microlearning materials are concise and repetitive, learners retain information more effectively. Studies show that learning in smaller, focused segments is 17% more effective for retention than longer training sessions. - Flexible and Convenient
Microlearning’s flexibility is ideal for today’s mobile learners, as it can be accessed across devices and completed at any time. This mobile compatibility aligns with the growing trend of remote work and the BYOD (bring your own device) approach. - Data-Driven Improvements
Microlearning platforms offer detailed analytics and insights that help trainers understand what works and identify areas for improvement. Metrics like completion rates, quiz scores, and engagement levels provide invaluable data for refining learning experiences.
Microlearning in Action: Who Benefits?
Microlearning’s versatility means that nearly any industry can benefit from it. Here are some sectors where microlearning is already making a significant impact:
- Retail: Brands like Pandora use microlearning for just-in-time training, ensuring employees have the knowledge they need as soon as they step into work. This model has proven effective in improving practical skills and product knowledge.
- Healthcare: Microlearning has become invaluable in healthcare, where virtual simulations and on-the-job training reinforce clinical skills and safety practices.
- Finance and Telecommunications: These industries benefit from microlearning by ensuring that employees have access to the latest regulations, compliance standards, and procedural updates, keeping teams compliant and efficient.
Designing Effective Microlearning
To create an effective microlearning course, it’s essential to start with a clear learning objective and sequence lessons logically. For example, platforms like SC Training offer a variety of templates and content libraries to support the process.
- Microlearning Videos: Keep these concise and focused on a single topic, and use captions or subtitles for accessibility. Free video creation tools, such as Moovly, make this step easier.
- Micro Lessons: Select an engaging template, and focus on adding interactivity to keep learners engaged. Adding short quizzes or discussions can also encourage retention and improve understanding.
- Micro Courses: Assemble micro lessons into a cohesive course, linking each lesson to reinforce the larger learning objective. Add assessments or review activities to track progress.
Delivering Microlearning Content
Push notifications are one of the simplest ways to distribute microlearning content directly to learners. Some platforms integrate microlearning lessons with LMS dashboards, making it easy for employees or students to stay on track. Another common method is just-in-time training, which releases content when it is most relevant, enhancing the real-world application.
Microlearning and Advanced Learning Features
Microlearning easily integrates with other LMS features like spaced repetition and peer learning, both of which enhance retention. Platforms with social learning features, such as forums or peer-to-peer discussions, create opportunities for knowledge-sharing and feedback.
Spaced repetition further strengthens memory by delivering content at strategic intervals, helping learners reinforce previously taught material. For example, SC Training’s “Brain Boost” feature automatically revisits concepts, making it easier for learners to retain information long-term.
Adapting Traditional Content to Microlearning
Converting existing training materials into microlearning lessons is straightforward on platforms like SC Training. Simply upload old content, organize it into smaller, focused segments, and enhance with interactive elements. You can incorporate quizzes, games, or videos to breathe new life into outdated training materials, making it more engaging and effective.
Is Microlearning the Future?
Microlearning aligns with today’s increasingly flexible, mobile-friendly work environments. It supports modern learning habits and optimizes training for a digital-first world, making it an ideal solution for industries undergoing rapid transformation. By adopting microlearning, organizations can reduce training costs, boost engagement, and promote continuous learning among employees. Whether through just-in-time training or flexible app-based lessons, microlearning is shaping the future of training, creating opportunities for knowledge to be accessible, interactive, and impactful.
Microlearning offers companies a practical, accessible, and effective training approach that’s well-suited to the needs of modern learners. By breaking down training into focused, easily digestible lessons, it improves retention and allows employees to learn on their own time. With its wide range of applications and adaptable formats, microlearning is an excellent option for any organization looking to create a continuous learning culture that yields real, lasting results.
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