--
Microlearning, sometimes called micro training, nano learning, or bite-size learning, is the term used to describe eLearning materials and delivery that are length-optimized. The term "microlearning" comes from the Greek word "micro," which means small. It alludes to condensed e-learning modules primarily built with learner fatigue in mind. The educational modules could be skill-based, professional, or educational. People have different ideas of microlearning and how long they last.
Generally, these modules are created in brief, concise chunks that typically last less than 20 minutes. According to ATD's Microlearning Research Report, talent development experts believe 13 minutes is the maximum time. According to respondents, the ideal length of a microlearning segment is 10 minutes, while parts between two and five minutes are the most productive.
Even if you find a way to help you leverage microlearning quickly, many experts contend that microlearning should be unrestricted to various duration. It should only be as long as necessary, not longer or shorter. Instead of focusing on ‘nice to know'’ information, microlearning should concentrate on crucial information that is "need to know."
These brief curricula courses are frequently referred to as "micro-units." Microlearning aims to provide learners with quick bursts of knowledge, typically through short modules, videos, quizzes, or interactive content. These self-contained learning nuggets are designed to be highly focused and targeted, addressing specific learning objectives or skills.
Examples of Microlearning
To better understand microlearning, let's explore an example. Imagine you're a sales professional looking to enhance your negotiation skills. Instead of undergoing a lengthy training program, you can access short videos or interactive scenarios that provide tips and strategies for effective negotiation. Each video focuses on a specific aspect, such as building rapport or handling objections, allowing you to learn and apply the knowledge immediately.
Since video is a popular and frequently successful microlearning method, it is often associated with it. However, there are other effective forms of microlearning than video. Other examples include games, microfilms, Ted talks, blogs, job aids, podcasts, infographics, social networks, and other visuals. Self-paced e-learning is another example. Talent development specialists should choose the media kind that best fits their unique situation and learning requirements.
Microlearning modules are usually accessed when a knowledge gap emerges, but they can also be included in an employee's monthly or quarterly goals.
Microlearning and E-Learning
Microlearning and e-learning go hand in hand, complementing each other to create engaging and effective learning experiences. E-learning platforms provide the infrastructure and delivery mechanisms for microlearning modules, enabling learners to seamlessly access and engage with the content. Microlearning can be integrated into broader e-learning programs, serving as standalone modules or as part of a larger curriculum.
What Makes Microlearning Tick?
According to studies, learners learn best when knowledge can be processed in short, manageable bursts rather than over a longer, more focused period. People are more likely to remember what they have learned. Moreover, its essence lies in its efficiency and effectiveness. Instead of bombarding learners with lengthy courses or overwhelming content, microlearning serves up small, digestible portions of knowledge designed to meet specific learning objectives.
Advantages of Microlearning
Microlearning offers numerous benefits, making it an increasingly popular choice for organizations and learners. Some key advantages include:
- Time Efficiency: Microlearning modules are typically brief and can be consumed quickly. Learners can fit them into their busy schedules without feeling overwhelmed.
- Improved Retention: Microlearning enhances information retention and recall by breaking complex topics into smaller, easily digestible units. Learners can reinforce their understanding through repetition and practice.
- Targeted Learning: Microlearning allows learners to focus on specific topics or skills they need to acquire or improve. This targeted approach ensures that learners receive the most relevant and valuable information.
- Flexibility and Accessibility: Microlearning content can be accessed anytime, anywhere, and on various devices. Learners have the freedom to learn at their own pace and convenience. According to a survey conducted by ATD, 41% of respondents thought that the main advantage of microlearning is that students can access information whenever it is convenient, and 40% claimed that it is less likely to overwhelm students.
- Improves Engagement: Even those with large attention spans often find it difficult to stay focused during protracted learning sessions, and this fast-paced world has festered it even more. But when people know that their education or training will only last a short while, it's easier and considerably less difficult for them to endure.
- Allows for Mobile Learning: Microlearning is simple to make available for any device -not just computers because it focuses on brief, bite-sized instruction sessions. Larger training sessions can be challenging for staff to keep up with. Mobile learning and microlearning complement one another to enable learning while on the go.
Disadvantages of Microlearning
While microlearning brings numerous advantages, it's important to consider potential drawbacks. Here are some of its disadvantages:
- Limited Depth: Due to its condensed nature, microlearning may need to provide the depth and breadth of knowledge that longer-form learning formats offer. Complex or intricate topics may require additional resources or supplementary learning materials.
- Fragmented Learning Experience: If well-structured, microlearning can result in a cohesive learning experience, lacking the coherence and flow of a comprehensive course. Careful instructional design is crucial to ensure the content is sequenced appropriately.
- It Requires Effort and Money: One of the most prevalent misconceptions about microlearning is that generating and updating learning materials is simple. Sadly, that is not the case. Microlearning initiatives can be time-consuming, resource-intensive, and labor-intensive for the business to sustain.
- Scaling Customized Content: Personalizing millions of content pertinent to each unique user can be time-consuming or difficult. That could lead to thousands of individual modules, or more, for a company's training resources.
- Gaining Mastery: Although microlearning is a useful tool for retention and reinforcement, it could be more effective for students who need to achieve mastery over a said subject.
Hermann Ebbinghaus Curve: Basis of Microlearning
The Hermann Ebbinghaus forgetting curve is the foundation for the entire microlearning approach. In the 1880s, Hermann Ebbinghaus established the first scientific method for analyzing and categorizing memory and popularizing ideas like the learning and forgetting curves. He used sets of irrelevant, incorrect sounds and words during his research to test individuals' recall.
The Herman Ebbinghaus forgetting curve describes the decline in memory retention over time. It suggests that failure occurs rapidly shortly after learning new information, with significant memory loss. However, as time progresses, the rate of forgetting slows down, and a stable level of retained information is reached. This curve highlights the importance of reinforcement and reviews to combat forgetting and enhance long-term memory retention.
Microlearning Software
A handful of the companies providing software platforms for creating enterprise microlearning training programs include Axonify, Bigtincan, Centrical,
Qstream and ExpandShare.
Considering all this, microlearning offers a unique and engaging approach to learning, delivering knowledge in bite-sized units that enhance retention and provide targeted learning experiences. When integrated with e-learning, microlearning becomes a powerful tool for organizations and learners to acquire and reinforce knowledge and skills efficiently. Explore the world of microlearning and unlock its immense potential in enhancing learning outcomes.
Contact Info:
Name: EI Design
Email: Send Email
Organization: Eidesign
Address: East Howardhaven, 4927 Clifford Lakes, South Carolina, USA 44151
Website: https://www.eidesign.net/
Release ID: 89104781
Google
RSS