Effective employee training and micro-learning are key factors that set apart an average organization from a highly competitive market leader. Companies can deliver bite-sized, engaging content that enhances retention and efficiency by incorporating microlearning into corporate training. As a result, organizations are adopting various training, development, and learning methods to boost employee productivity and motivation, ensuring continuous growth and adaptability.

Microlearning as a training methodology was gaining rapid acceptance even before the pandemic, and now it is growing exponentially. This approach has proven particularly impactful for workforce training, as it allows employees to learn new skills and information in a way that fits their busy schedules.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the micro-learning training method, offering insights into its definition, its tangible advantages, and how to design and implement it effectively in your employee training strategy. So, let’s get started!

Table of Contents:

Understanding Microlearning In-Depth

Microlearning, or bite-sized learning, revolutionizes the delivery and consumption of educational content. It offers concise, 3-5 minute segments precisely when learners need them, each with a clear and targeted learning objective. This approach enables learners to manage their learning experience, fitting it into their hectic lives at convenient times and locations. Essentially, microlearning imparts knowledge in small, specific nuggets, breaking down content into easily digestible bites that are complete in themselves.

It’s crucial to note that the effectiveness of microlearning is grounded in the scientific principles of the forgetting curve, as identified by Hermann Ebbinghaus. This curve illustrates that large volumes of information lead to a rapid decline in memory retention, with individuals forgetting about 80% of what they’ve learned within a month. This significant decrease highlights why microlearning is viewed as a hopeful strategy for creating compelling learning experiences. By segmenting information into smaller, manageable pieces and facilitating timely review, microlearning effectively addresses the forgetting curve, improving the retention of crucial information and its application in everyday activities.

However, it is important to understand that microlearning is not a substitute for comprehensive training modules. Instead, it serves as a powerful tool to enhance their effectiveness. While it cannot replace traditional forms of learning entirely, it serves as an excellent supplement to blended learning approaches that combine classroom and online methods.

What are the Popular Microlearning Methods?

Microlearning can be delivered in various formats to keep the content fresh and engaging. Many techniques can be used to deliver training to employees, from videos and infographics to interactive challenges. Some of the most popular methods include:

1. Microcopy

Microcopies are short, highly contextual, targeted messages that help users learn. For instance, you might see them as error messages, eCommerce hints, and contact form explainers. They provide just-in-time guidance to navigate a process or task.

2. Microlearning Videos

These are short, focused videos created to meet a specific training need. A Cisco report predicted that videos would attract 82% of global internet traffic, and short-form videos are leading this trend. Micro-learning videos can be standalone clips on particular topics or part of a longer series. Popular formats include:

  • Explainer Videos: These simplify complex ideas into easy-to-understand animated or live-action clips.
  • Kinetic Text-Based Animations: This style uses moving text and music to highlight key stats, facts, and concepts.
  • Whiteboard Animations: Illustrations are drawn on a screen as a narrator explains a topic, making it a powerful storytelling tool.
  • Interactive Videos: These videos include clickable elements like hotspots, quizzes, and branching scenarios that require active participation from the learner.

3. Microlearning Apps or Mobile Apps

Microlearning apps are designed to provide micro-lessons on the go. Apps like Google, YouTube, Headspace, and TED are prime examples of platforms that deliver valuable information in short, accessible bursts. These tools allow employees to learn whenever they have a spare moment.

4. Micro-Challenges

Micro-challenges often appear in the form of games, multiple-choice quizzes, polls, flashcards, and simulations. To make them more engaging, they can include badges, scores, awards, or other incentives. This use of gamification in corporate microlearning boosts motivation and encourages friendly competition among employees.

5. Infographics

Infographics and icons are graphic representations of data and information that focus on key points and numerical values. These can take the form of statistical infographics, timeline infographics, hierarchical charts, or simple lists. They are visually appealing and make complex information easy to scan and understand.

Microlearning platforms that offer diverse content types and replicate the brief, engaging experience of scrolling through social media are the most effective. The goal is to make learning enjoyable and accessible, enabling learners to resume their progress and stay motivated quickly.

The Impact of Microlearning on Employee Performance

When implemented thoughtfully, microlearning has a significant and positive impact on employee performance. Making training more accessible and engaging helps employees learn better, retain more information, and apply new skills directly to their work.

A study found that only 10% of the $200 billion spent annually on corporate training in the United States yields positive results. Microlearning has the potential to change this by making learning more effective and integrated into the daily workflow. Delivering content in smaller, regular modules enhances the quality of learning and increases retention.

Furthermore, microlearning increases engagement and motivation. Since employees can access information quickly and easily, they are better able to solve problems, overcome issues, and improve their skills. This success boosts their confidence and helps them see the real-world value of the training material.

Time is a major constraint for employees, with one US-based study finding it to be the most significant barrier to workplace learning. Microlearning resolves this issue by allowing training to be integrated conveniently into the workday without causing major disruptions.

Top Benefits of Microlearning for Employees

Microlearning could revolutionize your Learning & Development (L&D) strategy with its brief, impactful approach. Here’s how it benefits your workforce:

1. Efficiency in Learning

Given that employees have only 1% of their workweek available for L&D, microlearning enables quick skill acquisition or knowledge refresh, fitting seamlessly into tight schedules. This method transforms idle moments into productive learning opportunities.

2. Simplified Delivery

For employers, micro-learning streamlines the creation and distribution of training content. Leveraging intuitive tools, you can rapidly develop and absorb bite-sized courses, bypassing the need for extensive preparation associated with traditional training methods. This efficiency allows for agile responses to evolving organizational needs.

3. Aligns with Modern Consumption Habits

Reflecting on the mobile-centric world, where 58.67% of website visits in 2023 were from mobile devices, microlearning’s compatibility with mobile learning meets the modern learner’s preferences. This ensures that training is accessible through the devices people use in daily life, enhancing engagement and effectiveness.

4. Enhanced Engagement

Microlearning captivates learners by mimicking the engaging, concise content experienced on social media. Incorporating interactive elements like quizzes and short videos significantly outperforms traditional training formats in maintaining learner interest. This is especially true when gamification elements like leaderboards and badges are used.

5. Improved Retention

Research indicates that microlearning can increase focus and significantly enhance long-term retention by as much as 80%. According to a study, delivering content in smaller modules allows it to be interwoven with other activities, improving learning quality. Its simplicity allows learners to easily revisit the content and refresh their knowledge for application in their roles.

6. Supports Individual Learning Pace

Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach of many traditional LMS courses, microlearning accommodates diverse learning speeds and styles. It offers the flexibility to engage with content as preferred, empowering learners to take control of their development. This adaptability boosts completion rates and positions training as an opportunity rather than a disruption.

7. Real-Time Support and Access

Microlearning provides real-time, just-in-time support because it is easily accessible and takes less time to understand. Whether it’s for a new skill or for revising something already learned, microlearning is perfectly suited for moment-of-need access. This is particularly valuable for sales teams who need quick information to close a deal or for technicians who need on-the-spot guidance.

How to Implement Microlearning in Your Corporate Training Strategy

A well-implemented microlearning program can lead to improved knowledge retention and reduced costs. Here are five steps to integrate microlearning into your training strategy:

1. Develop Your Training Goals

First, invest time to identify and plan the outcomes your company wants to achieve. It is also a good idea to include employees in this process to get an idea of the skills they feel need improvement. When done right, microlearning will help employees grow in their careers and create an engaging learning experience.

2. Create Lessons Based on Employees’ Learning Styles

Organizations often make the mistake of using the same training programs for every employee. However, microlearning is based on the concept of personalized learning. Survey your employees to see how they best learn and what tools are helpful. This will help you create lessons that meet your training goals and help learners better understand and apply the information.

3. Evaluate Your Design Options

Microlearning thrives with rich media. Creative presentations, animations, 3D models, AR/VR features, and audio/video files can bring subjects to life. These formats provide learners the opportunity to learn at their own pace and practice concepts in a virtual environment before testing them in real situations.

4. Make Microlearning Available Anytime, Anywhere

Once the training is available on mobile devices, learners will no longer see it as a distraction. Free from a restricted schedule, they will take charge of their learning for professional development. They will be able to fill their knowledge gaps anywhere and at the moment they most need the information.

5. Evaluate the Goals of Your Microlearning

As with all types of learning, be sure to evaluate the outcomes of your microlearning program. Evaluate employee learning outcomes, seek feedback, and re-evaluate your program to ensure it meets its goals. A learning management system can be a great tool to create, deliver, and track your microlearning content.

Microlearning Design Techniques for a Great Learning Experience

To get the most out of your microlearning strategy, it’s essential to focus on effective design. Here are seven techniques to create a great learning experience:

  1. Keep it Short: Aim for modules that are 3 to 5 minutes in length. This timeframe ensures you can provide all the necessary information to meet a single goal without overwhelming the learner.
  2. Focus on One Idea Per Nugget: To ensure maximum impact, each micro-bite should focus on one key idea. Choose your content wisely, identifying knowledge gaps and addressing them one at a time.
  3. Enable Mobile Access: Since microlearning is often consumed on the go, design your modules for a mobile-first environment. Also, consider enabling offline access, as learners may not always have a stable internet connection.
  4. Use Different Media Formats: Make learning a multi-sensory experience by using a mix of text, audio, video, and interactive elements. Using rich media formats helps keep your audience engaged and motivated.
  5. Offer Customization: There is no one-size-fits-all solution in learning. Design your microlearning to address the unique needs of your employees, allowing them to learn the skills they want in a format they are comfortable with.
  6. Keep it Clean: A clutter-free design, both in content and visuals, leads to better learning outcomes. Segregate your content into what is essential and what is just nice to know, ensuring every element adds value.
  7. Facilitate Innovation: Design your modules to empower learners. While a micro-nugget allows slower-paced learners to revisit concepts, it should also provide paths to more information for faster learners who wish to build upon their knowledge.

The Dos and Don’ts for Effective Corporate Learning

Microlearning offers an efficient way to enhance skills, but its success depends on proper implementation. Here’s a guide to what works and what doesn’t.

The Dos of Microlearning

  • Keep it Short and Focused: The essence of microlearning is brevity. Aim for content that learners can complete in a few minutes, focusing on a single, specific objective.
  • Incorporate Various Media Types: Use a mix of text, images, videos, and interactive elements to cater to different learning preferences.
  • Make it Accessible and Mobile-Friendly: Ensure your content is easily accessible across all devices, especially smartphones, to allow learning anytime, anywhere.
  • Align with Learning Goals: Each micro-learning module should have a clear purpose that directly contributes to the overall learning objectives.
  • Enable On-Demand Learning: Make modules self-contained so learners can access information exactly when they need it, supporting just-in-time learning.
  • Apply Real-World Scenarios: Use practical examples to make the learning experience relevant and immediately applicable.
  • Encourage Continuous Learning: Structure your strategy to promote regular engagement, reinforcing concepts over time to improve retention.

The Don’ts of Microlearning

  • Don’t Overcomplicate Content: Avoid packing too much information into a single session. Microlearning thrives on simplicity.
  • Don’t Ignore the Learning Path: While modules are great standalone resources, they should also fit within a broader learning curriculum.
  • Don’t Neglect Assessment: Incorporating quizzes or short assessments helps reinforce learning and gauge understanding.
  • Don’t Forget Feedback: Provide immediate feedback, especially in interactive elements, to enhance the learning experience.
  • Don’t Underestimate Design: Poorly designed content can detract from the learning experience. Invest in high-quality, visually appealing materials.
  • Don’t Isolate Learners: Encourage social learning opportunities, such as discussion forums or group challenges, to complement the experience.
  • Don’t Skimp on Quality: The brevity of microlearning doesn’t mean quality should suffer. High-quality content is crucial for engagement.

By adhering to these dos and don’ts, you can create a microlearning strategy that meets your learners’ needs and maximizes the impact of your training initiatives.

Final Thoughts

Designing microlearning programs for a generation that consumes content through mobile devices demands a unique approach. It requires a different way of analyzing learning needs, setting objectives, and developing content compared to traditional e-learning or classroom training.

The most significant advantage of microlearning lies in its ability to provide learners with a continuous, always-on learning experience—a journey that never needs to conclude. It empowers employees, boosts performance, and aligns perfectly with the habits of the modern workforce.

At Hurix Digital, we specialize in providing top-notch learning experiences that align with these principles. We offer bespoke e-learning solutions, including customized microlearning programs, tailored to meet our clients’ unique needs. Contact us today to discover how we can transform your learning and development strategy with effective microlearning solutions.