Microlearning - The Pros and Cons of Bite-Sized Learning

MICROLEARNING

The Pros & Cons of Bite-Sized Learning

Microlearning - The Pros & Cons of Bite-Sized Learning It is common sense that a small bit of knowledge, correctly imparted, is much easier to retain than massive chunks at a time. The internet and technology we have today allows us to make the most of that. Our attention spans are at their peak in the first eight minutes and after which they drop steadily. What if you could convey the training you need to in those crucial first 5-8 minutes? The good news is you can, with microlearning strategies – provided the information can be split into smaller modules, of course.

What is Microlearning?

Microlearning is a learning process where information is delivered in bite-sized nuggets. Each bit of knowledge is imparted using modules that last no longer than five to ten minutes allowing for a selfdirected, user-focused learning experience. Each module is designed to address a single learning objective. For example, a bank might use such a module to train an employee on one aspect of its software like creating a profile for a new customer.

Features of a Microlearning Module: Due to the specificity of microlearning objectives, microlearning modules all bear the following common features: 1. Concision: They are brief in terms of the time taken to complete a module.

2. Focused: They are focused whereby a module only meets one learning objective.

3. Variety: Their formats can vary depending on the information one needs to absorb.

Microlearning modules can be in the form of presentations, point and click journeys, videos or podcasts and may even have an interactive quiz at the end to reinforce the training.

Benefits of Microlearning Microlearning modules provide multiple benefits, not just for learners themselves, but for businesses as well.

Microlearning Benefits for Businesses: 1. Affordable As the modules are short with only one specific training objective, they are more cost effective when compared to a training module with a larger scope.

2. Easy to Update The brevity of the modules makes modifications easier and quicker as information changes.

3. Brief Development Time As microlearning modules are short, their development cycle allows businesses to be able to roll out effective training modules in short periods of time.

4. Extremely Focused Microlearning modules allow businesses to ensure their employees take away exactly the knowledge they need them to.

5. Time Needed to Impart Training Businesses do not need to pull their employees away from their daily schedules for large amounts of time to impart necessary training.

Microlearning Benefits for Learners: 1. Accessibility: Learners can choose to access their training modules on a wide variety of devices – whether it is a smartphone, desktop computers or a tablet.

2. Short Time Required: The shortness of the modules means learners do not need to reorganize their schedules for training.

3. Learner Focused: Learners can access the information they want quickly, no matter where they are. For example, a learner can update their knowledge about a particular product at an airport on the way to a meeting.

4. Interactive Media: The design of a microlearning module can be full of visuals, audio and interactive screens that allow for better knowledge retention and understanding.

5. Immediate Results: The brevity of the modules allows learners to achieve learning success in a short span of time improving the learner’s confidence.

Disadvantages of Microlearning: Microlearning has plenty of benefits for learners and businesses alike. However, there are a few potential drawbacks that one needs to be cautious of, especially while designing such a module.

Microlearning modules need to be well researched to ensure no necessary information is overlooked for the sake of brevity. It is also not ideal for long term training goals as there is a risk of learners possessing unconnected bits of knowledge without a common binding thread or sequence. A variety of different formats used in different microlearning modules could lead to confusion or poor knowledge retention.

Overcoming Disadvantages There are few measures that can be taken during the designing process in order to counter these drawbacks.

1. Ensure a clear learning objective is defined before starting the design process and all the knowledge that has to be imparted is incorporated into the module by drawing up an outline.

2. Get rid of any confusing or unnecessary bits of knowledge that may cloud your learners’ understanding.

3. Choose the right format for imparting your information by always keeping the audience in mind.

4. If you are designing a series of modules that may be used in conjunction with each other, then ensure there is a common design thread to maintain uniformity and consistency, and avoid confusing the learners.

5. Always approach a professional to build the modules for you!