How can you benefit from microlearning?

Say hello to microlearning – the small but mighty learning approach! ???? It's all about bite-sized chunks of info that hit the spot without causing a cognitive overload. Imagine mini videos, neat infographics, one-pagers – a whole buffet of learning treats! Unlike longer learning experiences, microlearning nuggets are easier to edit and maintain. And guess what? Microlearning is budget-friendly, too. So wave goodbye to overwhelming info dumps and say hi to focused, easily digestible learning that's as efficient as it is effective. ??????

A powerful way to learn microlearning is in the use visual learning. I coach teachers to use this in classroom. For example, in an auto repair class teachers may want students to take an engine apart in a certain way. Having students draw the steps out visually first helps to reinforce the learning before an entire engine is dismantled. It also helps the instructor to assess whether or not the student is ready to move on.

One thing I think is helpful is that micro-style learning by design gives you permission to eliminate the nice-to-know content so that the proper attention can be given to the must-know content. We often use the "Big Idea" approach in Understanding by Design, by Mctighe and Wiggins. This helps weed out the less important content. "If everything is important, then nothing is" Patrick Lencioni

Microlearning is the antidote to information overload. Condensing knowledge into digestible chunks, microlearning delivers targeted skills updates for busy professionals. For example, employees can complete a series of 5-minute modules during their coffee break, improving productivity and knowledge retention!

Microlearning reimagines higher education by breaking down complex concepts into smaller, digestible modules. Educators can customize curricula to suit individual learning styles and the fluctuating demands of today's job market. Microlearning's flexibility lets students concentrate on specific skills at their convenience, making education more personally relevant and adaptable. It integrates effortlessly with innovative ed-tech, including AI-adaptive systems and engagement-boosting gamification. Microlearning nurtures a culture of continuous learning, alleviating the time and financial burdens often tied to traditional educational models.

Micro learning, supports long term retention of information. Additionally, you can use micro learning to build, scaled concepts, one upon the other. If you look at adult learning theory, it’s a key component.

Microlearning is a powerhouse in today's info-loaded age! ???? With infoxication on the rise, our attention span is at a premium. That's where microlearning swoops in – it's the ultimate knowledge pill, neatly packaged into bite-sized bursts. These learning nuggets zoom in on precise gaps, delivering tailored insights when the learner needs them. And the magic doesn't stop there – microlearning's superpower lies in timing. It swoops in as your trusty sidekick, exactly when you need a performance boost. ??????

If done right, it chunks information into bite-sized pieces. You can get to the needed information without wading through background information and long explanations and move right to the application of the needed information.

Microlearning is much easier to personalize and adapt to the learner's needs. By presenting and assessing smaller chunks, you can better target gaps in skills and knowledge. However, it's important to consider the context of your microlearning. Some skills and knowledge require more breadth (context, synthesizing concepts, or more time to apply and demonstrate mastery than in a common Microlearning activity) and may require stringing various learning experiences together to establish an effective understanding.

The process of breaking down a massive amount of information into smaller fragments is truly fascinating. These days, when time is a scarce commodity, microlearning is a much-needed resource.

In today's digital era, mastering the skill of "Learning to Learn" is imperative as companies wish to hire individuals with transferable skills and those who can get the job done. The "Distracted Generation" phenomenon, exacerbated by "Doom Scrolling," hinders learning and personal growth. Research by RescueTime indicates that investing just 20 minutes into microlearning weekly equates to 100+ hours annually. Microlearning, providing succinct learning moments, proves invaluable for tech and non-tech professionals alike. Educators/Teachers can swiftly grasp new teaching methods, Policymakers can remain updated on trends, and freelancers / gig workers can learn about navigating the digital platforms and for acquiring crucial job skills.

Microlearning is effective because it presents information in small, easily digestible chunks, which can minimize cognitive overload while maintaining interest and helps learners focus on specific, manageable topics.

For personal development, you can utilize microlearning by breaking down your goals into small, achievable steps. Find short online courses, videos, or articles that cover specific aspects of your desired growth, and learn one piece at a time. This approach allows you to fit learning into your routine, stay motivated, and gradually build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills over time.

Microlearning can be used to update knowledge on an always-changing skill or software. It's like sipping a freshly brewed cup of knowledge: one delightful gulp at a time :)

Unknowingly, we use microlearning often when we are working. For example, if you wanted to find out the syntax for a formula to be used in a spreadsheet you may go to the Help section in the application, or if you wanted to understand a concept related with your work you reach out to a colleague. Applying the knowledge immediately helps retention.

I find micro-learning to be most effective in personal and career advancement when you link your learning content to a micro-credential working towards an #occupation. This makes the learning valuable to business and the workplace. Also enables the closure of a skills gap after an RPL initiative, interview or job review, as the ePortfolio - showing micro-credentials NOT achieved - can then be closed through Micro-Learning journeys .

???? Embrace microlearning gems as your secret weapon! Post-sync session, these nuggets step in to nudge the learner's memory and kick the Ebbinghaus curve to the curb. Wave farewell to forgetting critical pieces of knowledge with these timely doses. But it's not all business – tailor formats to tickle your learning fancy. From quick quizzes to engaging videos, these microlearning pills can become a joyful and fun adventure. Get set to own your learning journey, one snappy nugget at a time! ??????

Sometimes we need to retrain our developers on specific skills. For example, if you've seen that the same error is constantly being repeated, it's good to pause your client work and invest 1 hour in your team to do a mini training—microlearning!

Unleashing your microlearning magic is easier than it seems! ??? No fancy tools needed, just your creativity. Rock job aids, infographics, and snazzy flyers using PowerPoint or Canva's treasure trove of templates. Remember to use Mayer's Multimedia Principles to guide your development process. And guess what? Videos can be a breeze too! Whip up engaging wonders with Vyond or Simpleshow in mere minutes. These tools use templates and AI to boost your creative process. Microlearning's your canvas, and imagination's your brush. ????

The digital platforms now available have expanded the possibilities for creating and sharing all learning, to include microlearing. A simple checklist of steps, video tutorials or a graphic with text instructions can enable users. Screen capture tools have enabled everyone to be a content creator.

As a digital transformation specialist with expertise in microlearning, I've helped numerous clients develop engaging and effective microlearning content. I've found that even companies with limited resources can get started by leveraging existing tools like PowerPoint or free screen recording software. These tools can be used to create explainer videos, screen demonstrations, or infographics – all valuable formats for microlearning content. In my experience, this low-cost approach can be a springboard for successful microlearning implementation, leading to improved employee engagement and knowledge retention.

To create your own microlearning content, identify a specific topic or skill you want to teach. Break it into small, self-contained units. Use multimedia like short videos, infographics, or quizzes to deliver the content. Keep it concise, focused, and engaging. Lastly, organize the units in a logical sequence to create a structured learning experience for your audience.

I agree with Alvaro Garcia Barba - creating microlearning content is easier than you think. One approach is to take a standard-size lesson you have created and break it into valuable content chunks. Employ some of the content creation tools Alvaro mentioned and you've got a new asset that will deliver a powerful microlearning punch!

You can discover free microlearning resources through various avenues. Look for online platforms that offer short courses, tutorials, and videos on topics of interest. Educational websites, YouTube channels, and social media platforms often provide valuable microlearning content. Utilize search engines and even ChatGPT to find specific topics, and explore mobile apps that focus on quick lessons. Additionally, follow relevant hashtags and online communities for recommendations and links to free microlearning resources.

Adults in synchronous learning need to contribute and share their experiences. Short live virtual or in person sessions built with this in mind are very impactful. Changing the mode and methods of learning every frequently also keeps the engagement high during short sessions.

???? Unlock the superpower of easy editing with microlearning! ?? Unlike lengthy eLearning courses that feel like trying to turn a battleship, microlearning is nimble and editable. ???? Need to refresh or adapt content to a new context/target audience? No problem! Just tweak those bite-sized nuggets with the subject-matter experts, and you're good to go. Plus, their modular nature lets you rearrange them like building blocks, creating countless learning pathways. Say goodbye to costly and time-consuming updates, and say hello to the flexibility of microlearning! ????