Microlearning gives employees the flexibility to learn by receiving information in small chunks as opposed to being overwhelmed with too much information.
Microlearning can be delivered to both desktop computers and tablets, but for nearly all individuals, it is accessed on mobile devices. With this in mind, here are some known methods to implement successful programmes on mobile devices:
Split content into modules
With microlearning, the main purpose is to break down the content into modules that are small and simple to access. Splitting content into appropriate snippets and structuring these into a plan based on the key objectives for the training exercise will allow you to create an appropriate programme, which you can then review and amend accordingly.
Use a variety of different content
Microlearning lends itself especially well to media variations. Using a combination of text, images, videos, and games alongside animations help to increase user engagement and ensures your programme delivers.
Carry out evaluations
Evaluations are an easy way to analyse a learner’s understanding and can also be useful in terms of adapting and improving programmes. Microlearning lends itself to continuous evaluations particularly well, as individual modules can be improved and amended, as opposed to having to make changes to the whole programme in one go. This allows changes to be carried out based on urgency, and for less urgent changes to be planned accordingly.
Use repetition where you can
If a learning goal is crucial, or if you don't think that individuals understand the message, repetition is a great way to grow the understanding further in a certain area. Microlearning is a fantastic way to implement similar modules via a different context, such as utilising video or gamification to reiterate key themes or messages.
Keep it brief
One of the main benefits of microlearning is that it allows employees to train in small chunks, anytime and anywhere, a point which is illustrated by a 2009 study, which ‘uncovered that adults can only sustain attention for about 20 minutes. The same study uncovered that the short-term response to the stimulus that attracts attention is only eight seconds’.
The key to engaging employees with microlearning is to ensure the very first elements are of relevance and interest. Only a couple of minutes is needed for each training session to keep your audience focused and to ensure a successful microlearning programme is implemented.
Understand your goals and audience
This is simple and should be implemented in any learning programme. By understanding your goals and your audience, it will help guide you to deliver a microlearning programme that is tailored specifically to your employees and your audience’s needs.