What Is Microlearning?

Microlearning is a concise, targeted learning segment, typically ranging from 3-5 minutes or even shorter, designed to achieve a specific educational objective. While it can be employed for formal training purposes, its primary application lies in informal training with an emphasis on enhancing performance.

Typically presented in rich media formats, microlearning adopts a learner-centric approach, delivering just-in-time training that is accessible on multiple devices including tablets, smartphones, desktops, and laptops. These attributes ensure that learners can easily access the material, swiftly complete their training, and effectively apply the acquired knowledge.

Why is Microlearning in the News?

We tend to forget 80% of what we learn within 30 days, according to Hermann Ebbinghaus’s “Forgetting Curve.”

  1. Microlearning can be used effectively to improve learning retention, counteracting the “Forgetting Curve.” This is done by providing Microlearning materials in a learning path to:
  2. Supplement or reinforce primary, formal training.
  3. Extend formal learning through Performance Support Tools (PSTs).
  4. Encourage behavioral change for improved outcomes.
  1. Benefits Of Microlearning-Based Training
  2. Microlearning offers several advantages from both learner and business perspectives.
  3. For Learners:
  4. Learner-centric: Empowers learners with personalized and flexible learning paths, catering to individual styles through varied formats.
  5. Just-in-time: Provides nuggets precisely when needed and on demand, allowing learners to access them as required.
  6. Accessible: Designed for multi-device delivery, enabling learning anytime and on any device.
  7. Rich media: Utilizes engaging media formats for better knowledge retention.
  8. Efficient: Suitable for adult learners with shorter attention spans and appealing to millennials.

 

Benefits Of Microlearning-Based Training For Business:

Affordable and agile. Due to shorter training durations, the costs of microlearning are lower compared to traditional eLearning. These programs can also be created and deployed more quickly.

Shorter development cycle. Given their concise nature and typical formats, microlearning assets have a shorter development cycle.

Easy to update. Microlearning modules can be updated and corrected promptly to maintain their effectiveness.

Wider application. Microlearning can be used for formal learning or as Performance Support Tools (PSTs). These modules can function as stand-alone assets or as part of a series of microlearning courses.

High impact. Microlearning modules are designed to achieve specific outcomes, positively influencing learning and application. They can effectively facilitate behavioral change.

This article highlights the efficiency of microlearning-based training by providing just-in-time instruction in an accessible format, potentially leading to performance improvements and increased productivity.

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