Can We Agree On Microlearning?

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Did you know that up to 94% of teaching and development professionals say they like microlearning better compared to traditional online courses?

While learning and development professionals may have a hard time agreeing on what microlearning is, at Roundtable, we see microlearning as a methodology that allows us to create high-impact learning modules in a way that imparts the most crucial elements for just-in-time learning. Microlearning is often based on former or existing knowledge and builds upon itself to limit unnecessary relearning.

This article will explore the 4 common characteristics of microlearning. 

 

1. Repetition Isn’t Always The Goal

The goal isn’t always repetition. When done well, microlearning modules become a system that delivers training that recalls former learning, while still teaching something new.

For example, consider “how-to” or product demo videos. If you need to understand how a software product works, you don’t want to sit through the same intro every time. You want to quickly pinpoint the issue and find a short, relevant video or learning module about your specific issue.

Predicated on the assumption that you already understand the product as a whole or the overall lesson, microlearning doesn’t waste time on introductions, transitions between lessons, and recaps.

 

2. There’s No “Best” Time

You know that saying, “it’s done when it’s done”? This is the best time estimate we can give you for microlearning. Yes, it should be short; we keep most microlearning courses under 15 minutes. However, building a bunch of two-minute courses doesn’t automatically mean you’ve created effective microlearning.

Microlearning should be short enough to fit the “micro” bill, but long enough to transmit and engage.

 

3. Build Strategy, Not Chunks

One of the most common things we hear is that microlearning is just “chunks” of knowledge or training. Not only is this an oddly unflattering description of the rather svelte microlearning, it also gives the impression that if you break a piece of long-form learning into equal, small pieces, you automatically create microlearning.

Microlearning should be informed by a greater strategy. The content of each micro lesson should be unique, to the point, and compelling. Microlearning should build upon itself to deliver a new skill over time.

 

4. Video Rules

Microlearning doesn’t always need to be delivered via video, but it is a great vehicle for just-in-time content. While you can create eLearning and ILT micro-courses, a strong video learning piece can deliver measurable, buildable learning on almost any device. If you can integrate quick interactions and knowledge checks, you’re even better off.

 

Start Microlearning Today!

Ready to start microlearning at your organization? Reach out to our team or book a virtual or in-person demo today!