Microlearning

MICROLEARNING

What is Microlearning?

Types

Examples

Pros & Cons

MORE

MORE

Use and Impact on Digital Learning

by Louise Bridges

Rationale

It's an educational approach that delivers content in small, manageable chunks.

“When companies use microlearning as a component of training, they see completion rates rise from as low as 15% to as high as 90% or more.”(Microlearning. By the Numbers., 2024)

Application to My Practice

References

Buchem, I., & Hamelmann, H. (2010). Microlearning: a strategy for ongoing professional development. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341323117_Microlearning_a_strategy_for_ongoing_professional_development Chukwube, M. (2023, July 20). Microlearning: Bite-Sized Lessons for Maximum Know-How. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/microlearning-bite-sized-lessons-for-maximum-know-how Knowles, M. S. (1980). The modern practice of adult education: From Pedagogy to Andragogy. [Wilton, Conn.] : Association Press ; Chicago : Follett Publishing Company. Leong, K., Sung, A., Au, D., & Blanchard, C. (2020). A review of the trend of microlearning. Journal of Work-applied Management, 13(1), 88–102. https://doi.org/10.1108/jwam-10-2020-0044 Microlearning. By the numbers. (2024, May 7). SC Training (Formerly EdApp) Microlearning. https://training.safetyculture.com/blog/microlearning-numbers/ Nowak, G., Speed, O., & Vuk, J. (2023). Microlearning activities improve student comprehension of difficult concepts and performance in a biochemistry course. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 15(1), 69–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2023.02.010 Storm, A. (2023, August 23). Principles of Andragogy: Theory, Examples, and Implementation. Thinkific. https://www.thinkific.com/blog/principles-andragogy/#:~:text=These%20principles%20are%20Self%2Dconcept,to%20learn%2C%20and%20Active%20learning. Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive Load During Problem Solving: Effects on Learning. Cognitive Science, 12(2), 257–285. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15516709cog1202_4 The Ultimate Guide to Microlearning: Definition, benefits & use cases | TalentCards. (n.d.). TalentCards. https://www.talentcards.com/microlearning-definition-benefits-examples?aff=Adwords&matchtype=b&network=g&keyword=&gclid=CjwKCAjwmqKJBhAWEiwAMvGt6PPS3s4rlLnHOmbloIxDwlZXf0lVKwgo831glDPpkp8hJOphif2ICxoC72MQAvD_BwE

Microlearning is typically under 15 minutes in duration and focuses on one learning objective per session. It aligns with Sweller’s Cognitive Load Theory, where he suggests that segmenting information into manageable chunks prevents overloading our working memory, enabling better retention of information (Sweller, 1988).

Shorter attention spans, mobile technology, the ‘on demand’ economy and increased remote working have all contributed to the rising popularity of microlearning.

Microlearning could become a valuable tool in engaging our learners and helping them to reach their goals as:

• it easily fits around their time commitments.

• it focusses on one explicit objective, making it easier for learners to identify the training suitable for their needs and therefore cutting out superfluous material to use time more effectively.

• if learning was broken down into shorter increments, defined by one learning objective, learners could effectively build their own personalised learning pathway (or learning playlist) that addresses their specific goals. This correlates with a key component of Andragogy, where Knowles argues that adult learners want to be in control of their learning. (Knowles,1980)

Although fragmentation of learning is a possible negative factor, I believe the nature of the content being delivered is not complex enough on a conceptual level for it to be too much of a concern. However, the approach still requires careful planning to ensure the knowledge gaps are fully addressed.

As a Learning Content Developer, I create eLearning courses for a learning platform aimed at those running small and medium sized enterprises with a specific focus on digital upskilling. These are busy, goal-orientated people who are keen to see a return on their time investment. The aims of learners are varied but specific, and usually centre around solving a problem e.g. how can I increase sales? How can I increase brand visibility? How can I use Mailchimp to improve our email marketing campaigns? Additionally, their levels of previous knowledge are varied.At present, our learning content is organised into courses which cover several learning objectives, designed to last between 60-90 minutes. Engagement could be better, and I believe we need to be delivering material in a way that is learner-centric and provides value to our particular audience. For instance, what’s the benefit of watching an hour-long webinar on Google Ads, when a learner just wants to know how to write effective Google Ads copy?

Canva is an online design platform that enables users to create graphics, presentations and other visual content using a drag-and-drop interface.

Canva offers several learning resources, including collections of video microlearnings that teach subscribers how to use the platform and create various projects.

Merriam-Webster is an American company that publishes reference books and offers an online dictionary and thesaurus.They deliver daily email microlearnings to subscribers' inboxes in the form of Word of The Day, which seeks to improve vocabulary.

• Possibility of fragmented learning experience

• Not suitable for all subjects.

• The brevity of microlearning and the ability to digest it in informal surroundings via mobile devices could lead to a casual approach to learning.

Cons

• Improved Retention - "students who successfully completed more microlearning activities performed significantly better on all exams in comparison with students who completed few microlearning activities.'"(Nowak et al.,2023).

• Can easily be fitted into the workday and around other tasks.

• Variety of formats makes it more accessible.

• Increased engagement and completion rates

Pros

VS

Microlearning is effective for delivering workplace training, such as step-by-step guides on procedures, software and product training, and onboarding. For example, an infographic could be utilised to guide staff through dealing with a difficult customer or a screen capture video could show remote employees how to adjust their audio and webcam settings on Teams.

The rise of mobile and internet connected devices, along with the popularity of social media platforms and educational apps such as Duolingo, has created an environment outside of the L and D arena, where microlearning is thriving. Through mediums such as Instagram reels, Tik Tok videos and Linkedin infographics, audiences can engage in self-directed learning at their convenience.

Microlearning can look like:

• Videos - demonstrations, walkthroughs, animations, webinars and scenarios

• Infographics - graphic representations of in-depth processes, statistics and comparisons

• Social media content - carousel posts, reels (‘Five Benefits of .....’, ‘The Basics of ...’ etc)

• Blogs - step by step guides, topic overviews

• Podcasts – question and answer sessions, interviews