How can organizations leverage microlearning to deliver effective learning experiences?

Viren Kapadia April 26, 2021
How can organizations leverage microlearning to deliver effective learning experiences?

With digital transformations massively impacting all business and industry sectors, the education and learning sector is also not left untouched. Microlearning is the new buzzword in the realm of instructional design. It has gained huge traction recently as organizations recognize the potential of small but effective chunks of learning. Microlearning offers bite-sized, small learning units with just the right quantity of information to hit on target.

It has been scientifically proven that bite-sized pieces make the transfer of learning 17% more efficient. This is because small chunks of knowledge or content are easy and quick to access so that all learners can take advantage of it at their own pace. With small content, learners don’t feel the pressure to clutter their brains with information. Such courses are more focused on one or two learning goals. This makes comprehension and retention easier. Most modern learners appreciate the efficacy of Microlearning in addressing their needs.

Microlearning for quick comprehension

The very essence of Microlearning lies in its short and sweet structure. It is delivered in short learning nuggets be delivered in a variety of formats, known as assets, such as videos, infographics, quizzes, and podcasts. Program coordinators can use Microlearning elements standalone or as blended learning.

This is a very effective way of providing learning instruction in times of need, focusing only on the relevant content. Microlearning has proved to be a successful alternative to long-form eLearning courses and helps to boost employee performance. It allows learners to learn and retain the subject matter at hand readily. Since the course content is short, students get an opportunity to multi-task between assignments and meetings. Overall, it has become a preferred method of instruction due to the ease of comprehension that it offers to both the learners and the program instructors.

Micro-Learning Assets for enhanced engagement

eLearning instructors can deliver the course content in diverse formats digitally. The types of format or asset, as they are commonly referred to as, are based on the instructional strategy and the content type. Microlearning assets introduce the gamification concept of ELearning. They can be configured in a variety of interesting formats depending on training needs and course content, like, animations, videos, ebooks, games, GIFs, quizzes, etc. Other innovative means of Microlearning fast becoming popular are concept maps, infographics, digital flashcards, case scenarios, and mobile apps.

All of these assets can be effectively utilized to address various learning objectives. For example, training program coordinators can use GIFs, animations, and infographics to create awareness. Similarly, videos, animations, lesson-based podcasts, and webinars can be used to gain the attention of the learners. To check and assess learner retention, games, quizzes can be micro assessments can be used.

Microlearning to negate the forgetfulness factor

Forgetfulness or improper retention is a common issue faced by learners in various kinds of eLearning programs. Statistics have shown that people forget 80% of what they have learned in just 30 days and that only 15% of people can successfully apply what they learned. Thus, it becomes imperative for learning and development teams in organizations to ensure that their training methodologies can properly engage distracted employees.

Learning is a continuous process that does not stop after the completion of a module or a unit. Most of the learners fall on the forgetfulness curve due to a lack of revision of information. Learners cannot be forced to get back to the virtual classrooms for revising their knowledge periodically. Microlearning techniques and reinforcement activities can be effectively used to follow up and revise content in such scenarios. This ensures employees are pushed back to the learning curve in the upward direction.

Learning instructors can use Microlearning to beat the forgetting curve by providing small modules over multiple devices. This makes it possible for learners to approach the learning process with spaced or just-in-time learning.

Microlearning for time-pressed learners

Enterprises are now rapidly adopting microlearning measures to impart training to their employees and provide them with the information they need in a fraction of time. In today’s fast-paced digital world, Microlearning offers great convenience of time and access to content. It comes as a relief for time-pressed employees and learners who don’t have hours on end available for training. Microlearning provides them with just the precise and just-in-time information for performance support.

Microlearning focuses on a single learning objective. This means that corporate students or learners can take it up in just a few minutes. Employees can make use of their office downtime or travel time for going through microlearning modules. This saves time and improves engagement and the inclination of the learner to take up the course. Learners can now complete their short course modules in short periods. Employees can utilize the saved time in further productive activities or training.

Microlearning for short developmental cycles

A short development cycle is the chief characteristic of a microlearning module. All the formats of Microlearning, whether an instructional video, engagement infographic, or a performance support tool, have an overall shorter development cycle. This content is usually 3 to 5 minutes in length to promote better retention and quick learning.

Visual learners can quickly watch these videos or infographics and explore a diverse range of topics. Auditory learners, who learn by audio impulses, can also benefit from the content presented in the form of audio. The L&D teams can utilize the short microlearning modules for a more comprehensive application range. These formats can be used for new joinee training from scratch or can also be used for refresher training for experienced employees.

GyrusAim is a comprehensive AI-based corporate learning management system. Our cloud-based, fully automated LMS platform is designed based on AI techniques and best practices to deliver an excellent learning experience and optimum efficiency. Gyrus has over 30 years of industry expertise and knowledge to help organizations with their learning and developmental outcomes. Gyrus believes in evolving with the ever-changing digital ecosystem to come up with the best LMS. You can implement microlearning concepts with LMS integration to provide your workforce with a chance to learn and grow and stay upskilled.