Microlearning. A quick way to get new skills

In the hustle of daily tasks, running a business and staying ahead of the game requires continuous learning and development. But seriously, who’s got time for acquiring new skills when your schedule is as jam-packed as a sardine can? Well, the answer may be right under your nose – dive into the world of microlearning, a nifty way to absorb knowledge and skills in short, engaging doses. Read on to find out more.

Microlearning – table of contents:

What is microlearning?

Microlearning is an innovative method of learning and professional development that involves acquiring knowledge in small, easily digestible doses. With microlearning, employees can learn new things efficiently, flexibly, and cost-effectively throughout their entire careers.

It can be defined as learning through short, few-minute training modules. These could include, for example:

short instructional videos and video lectures,
interactive games and quizzes,
infographics and articles,
knowledge exchange on social media.

Microlearning follows a few simple principles:

It gives information in small bits.
It is tailored to specific training goals.
It allows learning anytime, anywhere.
It engages learners through interaction.

The cool thing about it is that it doesn’t require special systems or expensive gear. Simple tools like smartphones, laptops, and social media, which you already use daily, are enough.

However, what exactly are the advantages of microlearning in business, and why should you consider using it in your company?

7 reasons why you’ll love microlearning in your company

Here are seven reasons why many companies prefer using this way of sharing knowledge:

Short and to the point. Say goodbye to those dull, lengthy training sessions. It delivers knowledge in short, 15-minute modules that are easy to fit into a busy schedule. It’s also easy to select modules with topics that are relevant to your company’s needs and skip the rest,
Fast and effective learning. Thanks to its format, the brain absorbs information more easily. Studies have shown that microlearning increases knowledge retention by up to 80%, compared to traditional training methods (source: Brandon Hall Group),
Motivation and engagement. Short formats and interactive stuff, like quizzes or gamified elements, keep things interesting and boost motivation.
Available on demand. It doesn’t require booking training rooms or setting specific hours. Employees can learn at any time and place, using any device.
Effectiveness in various areas. It works well for both product training and soft skills development, such as communication or time management,
Lower training costs. Shorter modules and fewer resources make it a cheaper way to train employees than traditional training.
Improved business performance. Skilled employees make fewer mistakes, work better, and help the company succeed.

How to create a microlearning strategy?

To implement microlearning in a company, you first need to develop a cohesive strategy. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

Tie your training goals with the company’s business objectives. Consider what skills you want to develop in your employees to ensure they align with the company’s goals.
Identify training needs. Figure out what each employee needs to learn, at what level, and why. Decide if you want to use ready-made courses or create custom materials for your company, either on your own or with specialist help.
Break the material into chunks. To make it effective, break down the content into short, bite-sized modules that focus on specific learning goals.
Create or select engaging content. Choose appropriate methods and channels for content distribution – videos, games, social media, etc. Ensure high quality and engaging materials. Also, establish a space for interaction, knowledge sharing, and teamwork, such as a social media group.
Set goals. Determine how much time and how often employees should learn. In it, just 3-5 minutes a day can be enough.
Measure the effects. Track progress consistently and collect data on how well things are working. Use this information to adjust and improve your company’s training strategy.

Source: LinkedIn Learning (https://learning.linkedin.com/)

How to implement microlearning in your company?

You don’t have to revolutionize the entire learning process in the company to implement it. Take small steps. Begin with a pilot—try out short videos on a specific topic or skill. See how it goes and adjust as needed.

Use mobile technologies to integrate learning with daily tasks. For example, you can introduce short training modules during the team’s morning meeting. Make it effective by blending formal and informal training. Mix traditional lectures with hands-on workshops and practical microlearning activities.

It’s also worth supporting the implementation of it in the company by using dedicated platforms:

EdApp (https://www.edapp.com/) – EdApp is a microlearning platform that provides tools for creating and delivering educational content. This platform is accessible on various devices, including smartphones and tablets. EdApp also offers the ability to analyze results, reporting, and many other tools useful for creating your own microlearning content.
Udemy (https://www.udemy.com/) – Udemy takes a different approach. While you can create your own courses, the standout feature is the wide range of pre-made educational content at affordable prices. With over 210,000 courses in areas like development, business, design, and marketing, you can access them through a monthly subscription or pay for each course separately.
LinkedIn Learning (https://learning.linkedin.com/) – the platform formerly known as Lynda, now called LinkedIn Learning, offers over 20,000 courses in business, technology, and creativity. LinkedIn Learning also provides the option to pay for each course individually or through a monthly subscription. However, the costs are slightly higher compared to Udemy.

There are plenty of microlearning platforms available. Choose the one that fits your interests and budget.

Source: EdApp (https://www.edapp.com/)

What effects can microlearning bring?

Introducing microlearning in line with your company’s goals can bring several advantages. Here are some of them:

Lower costs. Lots of microlearning content is free, and even paid courses are much cheaper than traditional training.
Shorter training time. By eliminating unnecessary elements, personalizing content, and allowing participants to choose the learning format that suits them best, training can be significantly shorter.
Increased training effectiveness. With better information retention, the time and effort invested in acquiring knowledge translate into improved skills for employees.
Reduced employee turnover. Employees build skills important for the company and ones they personally choose. This helps them grow with the company and feel more satisfied at work.

Summary

Make microlearning enjoyable. Explore different courses, find topics that benefit your company and spark your employees’ passion for learning. Remember, microlearning doesn’t have to replace traditional training methods; it complements them. Use it to review, prepare for sessions, or as inspiration for further learning.

In summary, microlearning is a modern and effective way to develop skills at work. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to boost your employees’ knowledge, leading to better business results for your company.

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Author: Robert Whitney
JavaScript expert and instructor who coaches IT departments. His main goal is to up-level team productivity by teaching others how to effectively cooperate while coding.
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