Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsurgery, and Microsoft PowerPoint are just a few of the many things with this prefix micro. They all work wonders. Microlearning is a great way to revamp employee training. It is a great way to take small steps toward larger goals. This article will give you more information about microlearning and its benefits for your company.
What is Microlearning?
Microlearning is a method that involves using small, targeted units of educational content to achieve a particular outcome. These may include infographics and illustrations, video tutorials, interactive modules, mini-assessments, etc. In our fast-paced, multi-step world, it is more efficient to drip-feed task-based information without fluff or filler.
What are some examples of microlearning?
Microlearning is not a new concept. This counts as microlearning if you have ever attempted to learn five terms from a new dictionary daily. Micro-learning is also used in corporate settings, such as email newsletters that give employees a tip/idea daily.
Microlearning is often associated, but not exclusively, with learning on mobile devices. They are complementary: mobile devices do not lend themselves to fundamentals or technical knowledge training but are ideal for short bursts that provide helpful information. Mobile learning is also compatible with online short courses, video tutorials of 5 minutes, digital memos, and more.
The Value of Microlearning
Take a look at the results of using microlearning for training. If you break down information into bite-sized but complete pieces of content that stand alone, then it becomes:
- More Consumable
- It is easier to understand
- Quicker to recall
- Better for long-term memory
- Better fit into your daily schedule
Microlearning can be beneficial to an organization for many reasons. It can:
- You can save your employees time without compromising on the quality of their training
- Even on a limited budget, you can still allow for more flexibility in training
- Knowledge and skills gaps can be closed better
- You can update your learning content and speed up the course production.
- Add a micro-course to a program at any time to fill a gap.
Find out about these and many other benefits supported by facts and figures.
What can you do today?
Think about your learners first. In this case, you can launch microlearning with two conditions:
- If your learners can demonstrate basic knowledge but still have gaps in their learning.
- You can use technology to train your learners when they are ready and comfortable.
Let’s now move on to content creation. Your company probably has an internal pool of knowledge and expertise that you don’t use and is buried in dusty files. You can start by converting this knowledge into digital form. How do you do this? Use iSpring Max authoring software.
Using the iSpring Suite Max authoring software, you can create content for learning any complexity and length, including interactive courses with quizzes and videos. It is a PowerPoint Add-In that has templates for interactive elements. You don’t need IT or training skills to create meaningful and excellent content.
You can create microlearning without outsourcing or additional costs using iSpring Suite Max to convert existing materials. You can easily convert memos, checklists, instructions, and other materials into online formats by uploading them.
Do you need some training ideas? You can use these for microlearning.
- Just-in-time training (specific and focused instructions about how to close a deal in certain circumstances, make a return, etc.).
- Any topic needing to be refreshed periodically (communication with clients or negotiation principles).
- Employees can consult policies and procedures (safety measures, data handling, etc.).
- Field workers and learners who are always on the move (sales reps or business coaches) can benefit from courses designed for them.
You can use microlearning to train your employees on compliance and onboarding. These areas require little classroom training or the teaching of fundamentals. Microlearning is a great way to provide content.
New employees will likely require a hint on how to complete a particular task. Existing employees may need to be reminded of regulatory changes. They can find all the information they need in a mini-course online. This will make life easier for them. They can also open it from any device, including their smartphone.
Get More from Your Microlearning Content
These tips will help you get the most out of your microlearning program. They will enhance your microlearning experience.
- Do not remain glued to your desktop device. Training is a distraction if you only allow your employees to consume training content in the office. Microlearning content must be mobile-responsive so learners can enjoy it entirely on their devices. Mobile devices give learners a lot of flexibility. Choose a responsive authoring tool like iSpring Suite Max to create mobile-friendly material.
- Learn in different ways. Some people prefer to learn with images, while others like audio commentary. Microlearning has the advantage of being able to communicate ideas concisely via multimedia. Use audio, video images, and infographics to make your microlearning appealing to everyone.
- Expand the scope. You don’t need to limit the curiosity of your learners. Microlearning is task-oriented, but it doesn’t mean you have to restrict their interest. Anticipate the questions they will ask and provide them with more information on the subject. You can provide links and further readings at the end of each micro-course. You can then make the training more comprehensive and increase the learners’ knowledge.
- Tell stories. Use fictional characters and human language to explain your key ideas. This approach uses storytelling to teach us valuable lessons in a short amount of time. Storytelling is an excellent way to engage your students and improve their memory.
- Use a context from real life. It will be easier to understand the topic if you use relevant examples. You will also take less time to convey key concepts in your micro-course. Demonstrate to learners how your training will directly apply to their work and life.