As a Learning Strategist, I am always on the lookout for newer ways to craft better and more effective Learning solutions. While several organisations the world over are trying to embrace newer technologies and Learning strategies, it is imperative that they get to know the right way to go about it.
In this chapter, I have addressed the questions you may have as L&D professionals on how to integrate a new trend like Microlearning meaningfully in your training delivery. The structure of this chapter typically covers the three pertinent perspectives – What, Why and How through my articles that explain:
- What? De-mystify the new concepts.
- Why? Outline their relevance and why you should adopt them.
- How? Show examples and case studies to help you understand how they can be used in your organisation.
These insights will help you define your learning strategy (design and delivery) and identify measures to enhance it.
Learners today are increasingly turning to informal ways of learning, using various channels and media at their disposal for instant aid and knowledge. L&D professionals are also realising the need to tap into this bite-sized learning phenomenon to push knowledge application on the job.
In this chapter an immediate gain on completion rates. You will also see the probability of this information’s use on the job go up dramatically. I give you two thought provoking articles on what Microlearning is and how exactly can you use it for both formal and informal training requirements. While it finds a great fit for informal learning, it can be used as effectively to deliver bite-sized formal learning. In fact, you can redesign a traditional eLearning course into a personalised learning path featuring micro courses (multiple Microlearning nuggets) and see
10 Benefits of Microlearning Based Training
This article covers the definition of Microlearning, why it is in the news and how it benefits the learners and business.
How To Use Microlearning Based Training Effectively This article showcases 5 examples that highlight how you can use Microlearning.
While Microlearning is not a new concept, it is suddenly being talked about as the next significant approach to train workforce. Although chunking content into short bytes has existed for a long time, we are seeing an increased focus on Microlearning as a significant part of an organisation’s overall training delivery.
In this article, I will outline why “less is more” and touch upon the top 10 benefits of Microlearning based training.
Microlearning is a short, focused learning nugget (often 3-5 mins long or shorter) that is designed to meet a specific learning outcome. It can be used to offer formal training, but it often finds a wider usage in informal training (with a focus on performance gain).
Typically designed in rich media formats, it is a learner-centric approach that provides just-in-time training that is available on multiple devices (extending to Tablets and Smartphones besides Desktops and Laptops). All these aspects ensure that it can be easily accessed, quickly completed, and applied by the learners.
Many of us may be familiar with the exponential nature of forgetting, we forget 80% of what we learnt in 30 days!
What Are the Benefits of Microlearning Based Training?
Microlearning nuggets appeal to learners as they empower them and give a higher control in defining a personalised and flexible learning path.
- Learner-centric.
The varied formats used to create these nuggets are more likely to match individual learning styles.
- Just-in-time.
This is probably the biggest benefit for the learners. These nuggets are available to them precisely now of their learning need. They are also available on demand (learners can pull them rather than being pushed into going through them).
- Accessible.
Microlearning can be designed for multi-device delivery (from Desktops and Laptops to Tablets and Smartphones) thereby providing higher flexibility to learners to learn when they need and on the device of their choice.
- Rich media.
The design formats of Microlearning include rich media formats that lead to better retention of knowledge.
- Less time consuming.
Microlearning is ideal for adult learners with a shorter attention span and appeals to millennial learners.
Benefits Of Microlearning Based Training for Business
- Affordable and agile.
Due to short training duration, the Microlearning costs are lower than traditional eLearning. They can be created and deployed much quicker than traditional eLearning.
- Shorter development cycle.
Because of the run length and the typical formats used to develop Microlearning, these assets have a much shorter development cycle.
- Easy to update.
Microlearning nuggets can be updated and corrected quickly to enhance their impact.
- Wider application.
Microlearning can be applied for formal learning or as Performance Support Tools (PSTs). You can use these nuggets as stand-alone assets or they could be part a series of Microlearning courses.
- High impact.
Microlearning nuggets are designed to meet a narrow but specific outcome. This has a positive impact on learning and application. They can be used very effectively to bring about behavioural change.
The insights shared in this article have helped you understand that Microlearning:
- Is a short, focused learning nugget that is designed to meet a specific learning outcome.
- Finds relevance in today’s learning strategies as it can flip the“Forgetting Curve” to a “Retention Curve”.
- Can be used for your varied Learning needs, irrespective of whether they are formal or informal.
- Helps your learners get just-in-time training in formats that are easy to learn and apply. Brings about performance gain and increased productivity.
Microlearning is more than a buzz today. It is being increasingly used by many organisations for both formal and informal learning. It appeals to the learners as it consumes less time and is available to them exactly at the time of the learning need (just-in-time).
How To Use Microlearning Based Training Effectively
Furthermore, its rich media formats ensure better retention of the learning. Organisations are embracing Microlearning as it is cheaper to build, quicker to deploy and can be updated easily. You can use Microlearning nuggets flexibly as stand-alone assets or as multiple micro-courses.
In this article, I have shared 5 examples that will highlight how you can use Microlearning based training. These examples feature innovative learning strategies (videos, scenarios, white-board animation, and kinetic text). Most of the Microlearning nuggets featured in these examples support multi-device delivery (that is, they can be accessed from Desktops/Laptops as well as Tablets and Smartphones).
Bio:
Dr. Bill Pomfret of Safety Projects International Inc who has a training platform, said, “It’s important to clarify that deskless workers aren’t after any old training. Summoning teams to a white-walled room to digest endless slides no longer cuts it. Mobile learning is quickly becoming the most accessible way to get training out to those in the field or working remotely. For training to be a successful retention and recruitment tool, it needs to be an experience learner will enjoy and be in sync with today’s digital habits.”