Microlearning

What is microlearning?

Microlearning is a method of training and educating that breaks down information into small, digestible pieces. Typically, microlearning content is seen as a subcategory of e-learning where lessons are delivered in short bursts and are focused on a single objective or topic.

Example: We created a microlearning course on the recent regulatory update so all team members could be quickly informed of the changes, reducing knowledge gaps across the organization.

Due to its shorter format, microlearning content is a great match for information that needs to be quickly distributed and absorbed by a learning audience. Microlearning principles can support a variety of learning contexts, including workplace learning, higher education, and more.

What are the key benefits of microlearning? 

Microlearning isn’t a fit for all topics—but for lessons that are concise and contained, it can offer a variety of benefits. Learners can boost their skill development as they participate in relevant microlearning modules at their own pace, sometimes in just a few minutes. This can increase the efficiency of your training strategy and boost knowledge retention for learners. 

It can be an excellent tool to facilitate continuous learning and on-demand knowledge, as microlearning courses are typically fairly quick to complete. As with other types of e-learning, it can offer greater flexibility and lower overhead costs than traditional training methods.

Best practices for creating microlearning content

To create microlearning training courses that benefit learners and contribute to organizational success, it’s important to make your courses accessible from mobile devices. This gives learners greater flexibility in completing courses, allowing them to easily fit time for ongoing learning into their busy schedules. 

Consider adding diagrams or short videos to your courses to illustrate complex topics in a short period of time. Microlearning videos can also be used to increase user engagement and capture learners’ interest, resulting in a more positive overall learning experience.