"E-learning is changing. And, we will see new models, new technologies and designs emerge. So, let’s drop the "e" – or at least give it a new and wider definition" –
There have been so many advances and upgrades happening in the eLearning domain in recent years that it has become difficult to keep up. But microlearning isn’t just another passing trend. It has been in use for quite some time.
Microlearning Spot
The term “microlearning” refers to a method of instruction in which the whole learning experience is broken up into manageable, easily digestible segments, each of which focuses on one learning objective and is delivered as a small stand-alone nugget of learning.
When content is broken down into a series of smaller and more manageable learning units, learning becomes less of a chore and more of an enjoyable experience
The Influence of ‘Trends’
Should you try to modernize training approaches that have been proven effective? We say, “Yes!” Millennials are quickly overtaking baby boomers as the largest adult generation in the United States, and as digital natives, the way they think and work are very different from older generations.
Corporate trainers are attempting to pique workers’ interest for as long and as much as necessary to impart useful knowledge and to make that information stick. And how are they doing it? Through microlearning.
Micro approach
By shifting from a top-down to a bottom-up approach, microlearning provides learners more control over their own learning.
Microlearning helps employees by giving them instantaneous access to knowledge needed to address the problems they face while performing their job tasks. Because digital technology can be used to deliver microlearning, it is becoming more and more important for both learner motivation and learning results.
Employees at center stage
According to the 70-20-10 model, employees learn up to 80% of what employees need to know on the job and through informal channels (online learning, mentoring, coaching, etc.). Using technology to implement this model will improve learning and development because it will maximize the model’s contribution to learning
With technology and change management in mind, it makes sense to set up a corporate learning and development plan that uses these modern methods.
Microlearning has emerged as one of the most popular learning formats. That’s because microlearning is:
- Learner-centric: Microlearning offers a higher rate of learner engagement and better performance. These modules deliver necessary ‘need-to-know’ information that the learner can learn in a very short time. When superfluous information is eliminated, learners are more likely to retain the session’s main ideas. This helps employees learn and retain information in fast-paced work environments when they don’t have much time to spare for long-winded training sessions. Micro learning provides learning in the flow of work, offering on-the-go access to procedures, services, products, and workplace policies.
- Cost-effective: Micro learning is a more cost-effective way of delivering training to employees. The virtual nature of micro learning saves hundreds of dollars that would have otherwise been spent on transportation and lodging for trainers and trainees, in addition to the training equipment and stationary. To the corporate world, microlearning courses are efficient in terms of both time and money.
- Easier to create and faster to deliver: Unlike traditional eLearning courses that might take weeks or months for design and development, micro learning modules can be created in a very short time. Combining microlearning with spaced repetition at regular intervals increases learning and recall, beating the forgetting curve.
- Flexible: Microlearning offers a lot of flexibility for the learner. It can be accessed by the learner when and where he wants. And the many microlearning formats available (micro quizzes, flashcards, videos, GIFs, animations, interactive infographics, podcasts, etc.) make it an engaging and interesting learning experience.
- Mobile friendly: All the world today is glued to their mobile devices, and corporate employees are no different. Experts predict that “Netizens” will eventually control most of the consumer spending. The workplace use of smartphones, tablets, and Wi-Fi has increased dramatically. This makes the combination of micro and mobile learning the ideal way to deliver training to your constantly on the move workforce.
Future of microlearning
- The future micro-learning will be driven by artificial intelligence (AI), making the learning more flexible and personalized.
- Voice-activated searches and interactions with chatbots and virtual assistants are two areas where AI is making rapid strides.
This development is crucial to the future of microlearning. Microlearning will keep getting bigger and better, taking on new forms with better features that make it more useful and effective.
Conclusion
Microlearning is not going to go away any time soon. As more and more Gen Y and Gen Z enter the workforce, understanding how to use micro learning to train the tech savvy digital natives can help pave the way for easier acceptance of other innovations in the future.
Notwithstanding this, why don’t you give it a shot? Talk to our support staff at Maxlearn and explore how microlearning could help your training initiatives for better employee performance and increased ROI.
