Microlearning is a training technique that delivers relevant learning content in bite-sized units which can be accessed by the learner at their own convenience. Unlike traditional training methods, which can be passive, time consuming and dense with content, microlearning supports knowledge retention by offering learners shorter sessions that cover exactly what they need to know at exactly the right time.

Microlearning is growing in popularity among businesses and learners as an alternative learning solution. In fact, 8 out of 10 learning & development professionals favour microlearning because their learners prefer it, and it has been shown to create up to 50% more engagement among users.

What are the characteristics of microlearning?

Brevity

Microlearning sessions should be short: quick sessions covering the most valuable information on a specific topic.

Focus 

Microlearning helps learners stay on task by keeping learning content focused on exactly what the learner needs to know during that session, rather than confusing learners with reams of unnecessary information.

Spaced Repetition

Microlearning often goes hand in hand with Spaced Repetition, a scientifically proven learning method that boosts knowledge retention by offering learners repeated exposure to small learning units at regular intervals.

Variety 

Microlearning should have something to appeal to all kinds of learners. By mixing things up through presenting training content in various formats, microlearning keeps learners engaged for longer.

Examples of microlearning

What are some of the most popular examples of microlearning?

1. Quizzes and games

Adding gamification elements to microlearning incentivises learners with fun and engaging challenges that test their knowledge and provide instant feedback. 

2. Videos

Educational videos are one of the most popular and engaging formats of microlearning. These short, interactive videos often focus on a specific element of a longer and more complex topic, offering a clear learning outcome.

3. Infographics

Infographics have become increasingly popular in the social media age, offering eye-catching graphics and visuals that contain the key information and need-to-know statistics for a topic or concept.

4. Social media and short scrolling 

Short and easy to follow and absorb, social media posts and short-scrolling pages act as a one-stop-shop for learners to get all the information that they need in one go. This linear format makes it easier for learners to locate and absorb the key facts, and often gives the option to subscribe to future content of interest.

Microlearning best practices

There are many benefits on offer to your business with a microlearning approach. Here are some best practice tips to help you make the most of microlearning!

Keep it short and sweet 

With microlearning, less is always more. Build your learning goals around the core information that every employee must know, and redesign inessential material as additional resources.

Make the most of your training time by only covering what’s necessary for that particular unit, rather than trying to cram everything into one lengthy training session. That way, your employees are more likely to remember it.

Keep it organised 

Microlearning is perfect for tagging, especially if you’ve opted for an online approach. After breaking your content down into digestible chunks, make sure that it is correctly indexed, tagged, and easy to search for. Keeping your content well organised saves time and helps your employees access the learning that they need more easily.

Make sure it’s accessible 

One of the key benefits of microlearning is its potential for accessibility. The option of mobile learning allows your employees to engage with their training whenever it is convenient for them, be that in the office, on the move or at home. However, remember to not assume that everybody has the same level of access to the internet.

By making sure that your microlearning content has both online and offline capabilities, you can ensure that your employees can access training anywhere, at any time.

Make sure it’s personalised 

Effective microlearning solutions are adaptable to a learner’s individual needs. Make sure that your microlearning courses allow employees to access the learning materials and skills that benefit them most directly. Techniques such as branching allow you to differentiate employee learning with your existing resources, offering the learner the most relevant resources to the topics they are choosing to study, ultimately maximising their learning time.

Measure performance 

Microlearning is well suited for performance analysis and can often provide learners and businesses with instant feedback. Incorporate the information gathered from your microlearning content into your existing employee review procedures to measure knowledge and progress, and keep track of employee performance and development long term.

Microlearning offers many benefits to businesses and learners alike. By using some of these techniques and best practices, you can keep your employees engaged with their learning and get the most out of your training programme.

Why Wranx?

Wranx is a microlearning platform that utilises Spaced Repetition to improve knowledge, retention and engagement.

We take your existing training and turn it into e-learning modules and assessments that are specific to the training needs of your business. Our modules are created by a team of content writers, giving you a customisable training programme that utilises Spaced Repetition, gamification features, and Certainty Based Marking (CBM) to deliver personalised and engaging learning opportunities. and accurately measure employee knowledge and progress.

Our online employee training app allows training to be completed on any device, at any time.