Instant gratification has become ingrained in society since the explosive growth of the Internet and social media. This pervasive expectation has also influenced people's perception of time and their approach to #learning.
In contrast to the traditional model where face-to-face study sessions were scheduled, today's norm is for individuals to anticipate immediate learning opportunities, accessible at any time and from anywhere. At the workplace, people have grown accustomed to having information readily available, enabling them to find answers to their queries within minutes. This shift has fundamentally changed individuals' expectations regarding workplace learning, with an increasing number of employees preferring to take charge of their own learning journey, and that is how #microlearning became attractive.
Among the various innovative learning approaches, microlearning has gained substantial recognition for its ability to revolutionize the way we teach and learn. Microlearning, characterized by its delivery of bite-sized, easily digestible content, is proving to be a game-changer in education and training.
What is microlearning?
Microlearning can be defined as a method of delivering educational content in small, focused modules that can be easily consumed in short periods. These modules can take the form of videos, quizzes, infographics, or concise articles. The essence of microlearning lies in breaking down complex topics into manageable, easily digestible chunks.
What are the advantages of microlearning?
1. Tailored learning: Microlearning adapts to individual learning needs and preferences, allowing learners to select topics of interest, making the learning experience highly personalized.
2. Accessibility: The flexibility of microlearning ensures that learners can access educational content through various devices, including smartphones and tablets, fostering continuous learning.
3. Time efficiency: Microlearning's bite-sized modules are designed to fit into busy schedules, enabling learners to acquire knowledge in short, manageable bursts.
4. Engagement: Microlearning often incorporates interactive elements such as quizzes, games, and simulations, making the learning process engaging and enjoyable.
5. Effective retention: Studies indicate that learners who engage in microlearning modules retain information better compared to traditional, long-form learning. (Leong et.al, 2020)
Microlearning is being applied across various fields and industries as corporate training, education, skill development, healthcare training, and onboarding. However, there are some limitations that we should be aware of (Jomah et.al, 2016):
• Micro-learning is less effective for acquiring or mastering complex skills, intricate processes, or nuanced behaviors.
• Learners require practical application and feedback to reinforce their understanding effectively.
• Attempting to multitask while learning is a misconception; simultaneous learning and performing other work tasks rarely yield favorable results.
• Simply reading or following the steps provided in a micro-lesson does not equate to genuine learning.
How can you apply microlearning to your team?
There are some easy steps:
Identify learning needs: Determine the specific skills and knowledge your team needs to enhance their performance.
Create microlearning content: Develop short, focused modules that address these learning needs. Use various formats like videos, quizzes, and infographics.
Choose a user-friendly platform: Select an accessible platform, ideally mobile-friendly, for easy content access.
Regular updates: Keep content up-to-date to ensure relevance.
Encourage daily engagement: Integrate microlearning into daily routines, allocating a few minutes for learning.
Support and recognition: Promote a culture of continuous learning, and recognize and reward active participation.
Track progress: Implement a tracking system to assess the impact and effectiveness of microlearning.
Iterate and improve: Use feedback and data to make continuous improvements to your microlearning strategy.
If you would like to integrate microlearning into the learning plan of your team, you can reach us at contact@talentcollection.ro. As a learning solution passionate, we invested in our versatile training portfolio, which seamlessly incorporates cutting-edge microlearning methods. We understand that one size does not fit all. Therefore, we have cultivated expertise in learning, enabling us to craft personalized training modules that cater to your organization's specific requirements.
Sources:
LEONG, Kelvin, Anna Sung, David Au, and Claire Blanchard. "A review of the trend of microlearning." Journal of Work-Applied Management 13, no. 1 (2020): 88-102.
JOMAH, Omer, Amamer Khalil Masoud, Xavier Patrick Kishore, and Sagaya Aurelia. "Micro learning: A modernized education system." BRAIN. Broad Research in Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience 7, no. 1 (2016): 103-110.
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