Just Enough, Just in Time, Just for Me Training
Microlearning | By: The Bob Pike Group
We’re crunched for time, attention spans are dwindling, technology is constantly changing. The magical question: How can we do more in less time? The answer: microlearning. This strategy focuses on breaking down material into smaller modules—rather than covering one broad topic—with learning done on-the-go, when the learner is most receptive.
Why Microlearning Works
• The cognitive load is reduced, making it easier to process information. Our brains aren’t wired to maintain focus for hours and hours on end. Our brains operate best when fed small amounts of information over time. Microlearning can typically be consumed in five minutes or less.
• The more we repeat information, the more likely it is to wind up in our long-term memory. Studies show that short, repetitive learning increases long-term retention over spaced intervals.
• When training is relevant and personalized, it reinforces transfer of learning to the job. According to the Journal of Applied Psychology, learning in bite-sized pieces makes the transfer of learning 17% more efficient.
• The more we repeat information, the more likely it is to wind up in our long-term memory. Studies show that short, repetitive learning increases long-term retention over spaced intervals.
• When training is relevant and personalized, it reinforces transfer of learning to the job. According to the Journal of Applied Psychology, learning in bite-sized pieces makes the transfer of learning 17% more efficient.
Other Benefits
It’s Cost-Effective
You don’t need to hire instructors, own or rent classrooms, or pay for equipment.
It’s Easy to Update
You can change digital information as needed, without reprinting materials.
You don’t need to hire instructors, own or rent classrooms, or pay for equipment.
It’s Easy to Update
You can change digital information as needed, without reprinting materials.
Ways to Incorporate Microlearning
Microlearning can be fun and engaging. Design lessons to be accessible via laptops, tablets, and phones in the form of:
• Blogs
• Games
• Quizzes
• Podcasts
• Slideshows
• Surveys
• Infographics
• Videos
( Explainer videos on YouTube can get the job done nicely)
Learners get to decide when and where to learn, creating a customized and unique learning experience—and making it possible to review content as needed.
Bite-sized tips for planning engaging/interactive microlearning: have a single-topic and single-audience focus. Strive for brevity, an eye-catching title, and a conversational tone. Make sure your message hits on WIIFM—”What’s in it for me?” And replace text with graphics for a more skimmable format.
• Blogs
• Games
• Quizzes
• Podcasts
• Slideshows
• Surveys
• Infographics
• Videos
( Explainer videos on YouTube can get the job done nicely)
Learners get to decide when and where to learn, creating a customized and unique learning experience—and making it possible to review content as needed.
Appealing to Millennials
This type of customized, on-demand, informal learning appeals to Millennials—the largest generation in the U.S. labor force, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. As of 2017, over 56 million Millennials were working or looking for work. (Millennials surpassed Gen Xers in 2016.) Microlearning is the perfect fit.Bite-sized tips for planning engaging/interactive microlearning: have a single-topic and single-audience focus. Strive for brevity, an eye-catching title, and a conversational tone. Make sure your message hits on WIIFM—”What’s in it for me?” And replace text with graphics for a more skimmable format.
Want to bring Creative Training Techniques® to your management team? We offer reduced rates for Onsite Workshops with groups of 6 or more.
Call 800-383-9210 for more information, or visit BobPikeGroup.com/onsite-classes.
Call 800-383-9210 for more information, or visit BobPikeGroup.com/onsite-classes.