Microlearning: Quick Learning with Impact

Today’s workforce faces increasing demands on the job, greater need for new information, and a better grasp of the tools and technology needed to excel in their jobs. With so much information out there and so much that needs to be grasped, it can be a daunting task to take it all in. Learning in the classic sense, where everyone is assembled for a meeting or class to absorb as much content as possible in a single setting, has its downfalls. Not only is it logistically difficult to schedule everyone together, but it can be challenging to provide the content in a way that assures as much retention as possible.

So how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time, of course. Consider microlearning as an effective approach to get those bites of knowledge needed. And like the proverbial elephant, learners absorb and remember more when given small bites of information, rather than a great deal all at once. Here’s a great recap on Microlearning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIneSsndae8

Microlearning can take on many forms. It can be podcasts, TED Talks, interactive PDFs, or even an “App for that”. But the vehicle by which microlearning is delivered doesn’t have to be super sophisticated or complicated. It can even be something as simple as assigning a set of action plans to complete after reviewing pertinent information, or devoting 5-10 minutes at a team meeting to share more details on a given subject. Be sure to show where it fits in a specific series of topics, perhaps by reviewing all the topics in the series.

Informal learning, such as microlearning, can be a highly effective tool to assure learning continues. We all need stay on top of the information we need in order to grow and advance in our jobs, and microlearning can help keep that information flow manageable.

Have you experienced microlearning opportunities? Give us some ideas. What did they look like? How can you see a fit for microlearning in your own teams and departments?