Microlearning

A decade back, e-learning would be associated with simple videos and websites. As time moves ahead, methods of design and training have kept evolving. Modern learners are short on free time and even shorter on attention spans. That’s why microlearning (delivering educational material in bite-sized chunks) is growing in popularity.  Microlearning content can come in any format (text, video, pictures, etc.) and is relatively cheap to make.  A quick answer that solves a pressing problem is exactly what microlearning is all about. Bite-sized learning materials that can be quickly accessed whenever they are needed is an important part of the LXP approach.

You might be wondering what is meant by 'LXP'. Well, the full form is 'Learning Experience Platform'. You may have heard of the term 'LMS'. It means 'Learning Management System'. The difference between the two systems is relatively easy to sum up. The fundamental difference between LXP vs. LMS comes down to administration and control, Whitbeck said. An LMS focuses more on the administration of learning than the experience, while an LXP focuses on the ability to facilitate personalized learning.

Coming back to the latest ongoing trend of Micro Learning, it has become popular for multiple reasons. This learning solution presents small chunks of information in brief modules (maximum of 10 minutes in duration) to learners and allows them to revisit at any time. These easy to consume bits of information are designed with the intent to help learners meet a specific goal on their learning path. In addition to being an effective tool for learning, there are a variety of benefits to using microlearning, to include:

• Cost and Time Efficient
• Personalized to Learners
• Unbiased and Purposeful Knowledge
• Can be used on any device in any location
• More comprehensible for learners

Microlearning is the perfect method of teaching for organizations who have a limited amount of disposable time for training, these brief modules can deliver high quality information without becoming a distraction. The adoption of microlearning has become a popular phenomenon in eLearning, and instructors anticipate the trend will continue to accelerate within the industry. In recent years, Micro-learning has supplemented and in many cases, even replaced the traditional method of learning which was time-consuming and primarily focused on theory. Microlearning, on the other hand, focuses more on the application and is largely self-driven, thus, producing effective and measurable results. 

One of the most well received methods of creating microlearning modules is to create instructional videos or podcasts.

Instructional videos can be a great way to give information as they are engaging and brief. Micro-learning can be used to create short videos about a particular product or developing a needed skill-set, which can then be shared across a variety of platforms like the company’s website and Youtube. This is convenient as the learners can access it whenever required.

Similarly, educational podcasts make it easier for the learners to gain information from the comfort of their own house or while traveling, without taking up too much of their time during work hours. It makes the process more learner-centric as they have control over their learning and can easily set their own pace for receiving the necessary information.

Not only are microlearning videos ideal to provide effective just-in-time (JIT) learning support to your people, instead, they can also be personalized according to the needs of a learner. Most importantly, from a business perspective, microlearning modules can be created quickly and at low cost. This is because it takes less time and money to develop these modules compared to “conventional” eLearning courses. Furthermore, the high degree of efficacy of bite-sized modules ensures your staff members are provided with the learning of the best quality.

To keep it short, quick in design and delivery where as high on revenue!