Microlearning is a learning strategy that delivers bite-sized pieces of content to learners, usually in 5 to 10 minutes. Microlearning is not a new concept, but it has gained popularity in recent years as a way to address the challenges of modern teams, such as:
- – Shorter attention spans: The average human attention span has decreased from 12 seconds in 2000 to 8 seconds in 2018, according to a study by Microsoft. This means that learners are easily distracted and have difficulty focusing on long and complex content.
- – Information overload: The amount of information available to us has increased exponentially, thanks to the internet and social media. However, this also means that we have to filter out irrelevant and outdated information and retain only what is useful and relevant. This can be overwhelming and exhausting for learners.
- – Rapid change: The pace of change in the world is accelerating, especially in the fields of technology, business, and society. This means that learners have to constantly update their skills and knowledge to keep up with the changing demands of their jobs and careers.
- – Remote work: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many teams to work remotely, which poses new challenges for learning and collaboration. Remote workers may feel isolated, disconnected, and unmotivated, and may lack the support and feedback they need from their peers and managers.
Microlearning can help modern teams overcome these challenges by providing them with:
- – Engaging and relevant content: Microlearning content is designed to capture the learners’ attention and interest, by using multimedia elements, interactive features, and storytelling techniques. Microlearning content is also tailored to the learners’ needs and preferences, by providing them with personalized and adaptive learning paths.
- – Just-in-time and just-enough information: Microlearning content is delivered at the point of need, when the learners are ready and willing to learn. Microlearning content is also concise and focused, providing only the essential information that the learners need to achieve their learning goals.
- – Continuous and lifelong learning: Microlearning content is updated regularly, reflecting the latest trends and developments in the learners’ fields of interest. Microlearning content is also accessible anytime and anywhere, via mobile devices and online platforms, allowing the learners to learn at their own pace and convenience.
- – Social and collaborative learning: Microlearning content is designed to foster social and collaborative learning, by enabling the learners to share their insights, feedback, and questions with their peers and mentors. Microlearning content is also aligned with the learners’ work context, by providing them with realistic scenarios, case studies, and simulations.
Microlearning is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a flexible and adaptable strategy that can be used for various purposes and audiences. Some of the common applications of microlearning include:
- – Onboarding: Microlearning can help new hires learn about the company’s culture, values, policies, and procedures, as well as their roles and responsibilities.
- – Compliance: Microlearning can help employees comply with the legal and ethical standards of their profession, as well as the company’s rules and regulations.
- – Performance support: Microlearning can help employees solve problems, make decisions, and perform tasks more effectively and efficiently.
- – Skill development: Microlearning can help employees acquire new skills or improve existing ones, such as communication, leadership, teamwork, creativity, etc.
- – Knowledge retention: Microlearning can help employees review and reinforce what they have learned previously, as well as fill in any knowledge gaps.
Microlearning is not a replacement for traditional learning methods, but rather a complement that can enhance the overall learning experience. By using microlearning as part of a blended learning approach, modern teams can achieve better learning outcomes and business results.