Why Microlearning is the best elearning Instructional design strategy?

Microlearning: The Emerging Instructional Design Strategy in Elearning

“As an Instructional Designer, I Feel Learner Engagement Is a Big Deal And One Cannot Afford to Ignore It…”

The Rise and Impact of Microlearning

Microlearning is an emerging instructional design strategy and has been a buzzword both in eLearning Industry and Learning & Development landscape. In this blog, we will dive deep into microlearning to find its characteristics.

Today’s millennial workforce is overwhelmed, distracted, stressed out and disengaged more than ever. And this younger generation wants to have a complete control over what they learn, how they learn and when they learn, provided the learning is completely relevant. Given their low attention spans and heavy distractions, long and boring content (aka information dump) makes no more sense in the present context.

So it’s time for eLearning design with a more holistic learner-centered approach, and that’s what we call “Microlearning” (micro-learning or micro learning). It is an ideal eLearning solution for corporate learning environment that supports blended learning / mobile learning strategy / formal training.

What is Microlearning?

Microlearning is a learning strategy that involves bite-sized learning nuggets (small and focused segments) designed to meet a specific learning outcome. To put it simply, the learning content is chunked to reduce learner’s cognitive overload making it easy for learners to absorb and recall. And this results in better learning retention. On top of that, Microlearning is easily accessible via mobile devices providing just-in-time performance support.

Microlearning could be anything that provides a brief learning experience. For instance, it could be a mini eLearning module with a smaller chunk of learning content or a video tutorial or even a quiz or an infographic.

Case Study: Microlearning

A Case Study on Microlearning as Performance Support to Reinforce Existing Training

How Does an Effective Microlearning Course Look Like?

An effective microlearning course:

Provides deeper learning on a specific concept or a performance objective
Is bite-sized, effectively chunked and easily digestible
Designed for exact moment-of-need – Right information at right time
Ideal for extended performance support providing a better mobile learning experience
Focused on a single performance objective, concept or idea

Mobile learning & Micro-learning

Your Digital Learning Solutions with Mobile and Micro-learning

Designing Microlearning Modules: Best Practices

Clarity:

Keep it concise: Microlearning is all about brevity. Focus on a single learning objective per module to avoid overwhelming learners.
Use simple language: Ensure that the content is easy to understand, avoiding unnecessary jargon or complex terminology.
Visual hierarchy: Organize content with a clear visual hierarchy, utilizing headings, bullet points, and visuals to guide learners through the information.

Relevance:

Know your audience: Tailor content to the specific needs and preferences of your target audience to enhance its relevance.
Real-world application: Integrate practical examples and scenarios that resonate with learners, emphasizing how the acquired knowledge is applicable in their daily tasks.

Interactivity:

Incorporate activities: Engage learners through interactive elements like quizzes, simulations, or scenario-based exercises that encourage active participation.
Feedback mechanisms: Provide immediate feedback to reinforce learning and address any misconceptions, promoting a continuous learning loop.

Utilizing Multimedia Elements in Microlearning:

Videos:

Short and focused: Create brief videos that align with the microlearning philosophy, presenting information in a concise and engaging manner.
Visual storytelling: Use visuals to enhance the narrative, making complex concepts more digestible and memorable.

Infographics:

Visual representation: Summarize key information through visually appealing infographics, aiding learners in quickly grasping essential concepts.
Data visualization: Use charts, graphs, and icons to represent data, making statistical information more accessible and easier to comprehend.

Interactive Quizzes:

Reinforce learning: Embed interactive quizzes to assess understanding and reinforce key concepts, ensuring active engagement.
Immediate feedback: Provide instant feedback on quiz responses, guiding learners toward correct answers and reinforcing the learning objectives.

Gamification:

Enhance motivation: Incorporate gamified elements, such as badges or point systems, to boost learner motivation and create a sense of achievement.
Scenario-based challenges: Develop realistic scenarios or challenges that allow learners to apply knowledge in a simulated environment.

Microlearning in Various Learning Contexts

MicroLearning in Corporate Training: Here’s a closer examination of its application in corporate settings.

Targeting Specific Skill Gaps:

Personalized learning paths: MicroLearning modules can be tailored to address individual employee needs, allowing for targeted learning experiences that focus on specific skill gaps.
Time-efficient training: By breaking down complex topics into bite-sized modules, employees can acquire new skills without the need for extended periods away from their regular work responsibilities.

On-the-Go Learning:

Mobile accessibility: MicroLearning aligns seamlessly with the mobile lifestyle of modern professionals. Employees can access training modules anytime, anywhere, fitting learning into their busy schedules.
Just-in-time learning: MicroLearning enables quick access to relevant information when needed, empowering employees to apply knowledge immediately in their work tasks.

Employee Engagement:

Interactive content: Incorporating interactive elements, such as quizzes, simulations, and real-world scenarios, enhances engagement and ensures that employees actively participate in the learning process.
Continuous feedback: Regular, bite-sized assessments provide continuous feedback, allowing employees to track their progress and address any gaps in understanding.
MicroLearning in Academic Environments: Let’s explore how it integrates into academic environments.

Short Attention Spans:

Condensed content: MicroLearning aligns with the limited attention spans of students, breaking down complex subjects into manageable, focused modules that are easier to grasp.
Varied formats: Incorporating multimedia elements, such as videos, infographics, and interactive quizzes, caters to diverse learning preferences and helps sustain student interest.

Continuous Learning Culture:

Seamless integration: MicroLearning seamlessly fits into the daily routines of students, allowing them to engage with learning materials regularly without overwhelming their schedules.
Reinforcement of concepts: Regular, short bursts of information reinforce academic concepts, promoting long-term retention and creating a culture of continuous learning.

Adaptability to Learning Styles:

Personalized learning journeys: MicroLearning modules can be adapted to cater to different learning styles, ensuring that students with varying preferences can benefit from the content.
Flexibility in pace: Students can progress through modules at their own pace, accommodating different learning speeds and preferences.

Conclusion:

Well, microlearning is going to be one of the hottest eLearning trends. Most of the organizations have already started implementing microlearning as part of their corporate learning culture.

Are your training strategies not meeting the current learning requirements?
Are you unable to keep your modern learners engaged?

Then it’s time you switch to microlearning for a more targeted learning and performance support. After all, training programs need not be boring and tedious. We, at Swift, help you devise better microlearning strategies that fit your learning culture whilst driving your learning and development programs with the better completion rates. This means a better eLearning return on investment (ROI) with better business results.

Our Services

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eLearning Translation and Localization: We specialize in translating and culturally adapting course materials to offer high-quality e-learning experiences that connect with learners worldwide.
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Frequent Ask Questions (FAQs)

What is microlearning, and how does it differ from traditional eLearning?
Microlearning is an instructional design strategy that delivers content in short, focused bursts, typically lasting a few minutes. It differs from traditional eLearning by breaking down information into smaller, easily digestible modules, catering to the modern learner’s preferences for quick, targeted learning experiences.

Can microlearning be integrated into existing training programs?
Yes, microlearning is highly adaptable and can be seamlessly integrated into existing training programs. It serves as a supplementary tool, enhancing the overall learning experience by providing quick, relevant information that complements traditional training methods.

How does microlearning contribute to employee engagement in corporate training?
Microlearning enhances employee engagement by offering content that is brief, engaging, and directly applicable to job tasks. Interactive elements, such as quizzes and simulations, further promote active participation, keeping employees motivated and involved in the learning process.

Can microlearning be accessed on mobile devices?
Yes, microlearning is designed to be mobile-friendly. Learners can access microlearning modules on their smartphones or tablets, promoting on-the-go learning. This mobile accessibility aligns with the preferences of modern learners who value flexibility and convenience.

How does microlearning contribute to a culture of continuous learning?
Microlearning fosters a culture of continuous learning by providing learners with regular, manageable doses of information. This approach encourages frequent interactions with learning content, reinforcing key concepts and promoting a habit of ongoing self-improvement.

What impact does microlearning have on knowledge retention?
Microlearning promotes better knowledge retention by delivering information in small, easily digestible chunks. Learners can focus on specific concepts, reducing cognitive overload and increasing the likelihood of retaining and applying the acquired knowledge.

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Microlearning: The Emerging Instructional Design Strategy in Elearning

The Rise and Impact of Microlearning

How to Implement Microlearning?

Designing Microlearning Modules: Best Practices

Utilizing Multimedia Elements in Microlearning:

Microlearning in Various Learning Contexts

Our Services

Frequent Ask Questions (FAQs)

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Request for Samples

OUR SERVICES

Our Office Address

Microlearning: The Emerging Instructional Design Strategy in Elearning

The Rise and Impact of Microlearning

How to Implement Microlearning?

Designing Microlearning Modules: Best Practices

Utilizing Multimedia Elements in Microlearning:

Microlearning in Various Learning Contexts

Our Services

Frequent Ask Questions (FAQs)

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Leave a Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Request for Samples

OUR SERVICES

Our Office Address