Microlearning 101: What It Is, Suggested Use Cases and Great Examples

Knowledge nuggets, bite-sized modules, learning vignettes, micro trainings, module refreshers…. Regardless of the name or exact form, microlearning is being used in all sizes of organizations worldwide. 

 

There are numerous reasons for the trend – shorter attention spans, lack of time, a need for flexibility. But above all, our learning styles are changing. Busy lives and social networks, among other things, have changed the way we consume content, including learning. According to website traffic tool SumoMe’s study of 650,000 user sessions online, the optimal sweet spot for video engagement is two minutes and only 20% of people read articles from start to finish. If we apply this to business, it is clear that learners today have a high demand for condensed information with simple and direct messages at the point of need. Content must be accessible enough to consume during a lunch break, in the metro, or when employees actively need quick advice, how-to instruction or a refresher.  

 

 

Despite the popularity, microlearning probably won’t completely replace traditional, longer form learning content, nor is it meant to do so. However, it can empower employees and boost productivity quickly and efficiently. Most learning professionals are familiar with the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve hypothesis which shows that we forget 80% of what we learn within 30 days. By creating sticky, short, distributed learning experiences, training teams are converting the Forgetting Curve into a Retention Curve.

 

(Source: Inkling)

 

It’s all about understanding format and function. For example, if you are training new hires in sales, you may want to set up face-to-face training workshops that pair high performers with new sales reps. On the other hand, if you are releasing a new product and need to quickly and efficiently train your sales network, microlearning is a much better solution. A series of 90-second videos, along with a quiz and a quick facts checklist, served through a smartphone or tablet app with social learning tools, will be much better received and more cost-effective than organizing classroom training or instructor-led e-learning modules.  

 

The logic is simple. Your employees use smartphones and tablets all the time. Almost all the media that they consume during the day is through small chunks on their mobile device. Deliver learning in the way that your employees naturally consume information.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that we’ve set the stage for what microlearning is and why you should consider using it as part of your L&D strategy, here are some great examples. 

 

Sales Training: This learning nugget highlights the strongest sales points of the product for employees. It’s beautifully done and full of quotable sales phrases that can help employees internalize what they have seen. 

 

Learning Game:  A simple, but visually appealing and addictive trivia game with awards and leaderboards that helps employees learn and remember all the tiny, but important details about Xfinity products.