How can you use microlearning to create e-learning modules that are easy to digest?

Myth 1 Microlearning is the latest trend in eLearning. Wrong! Microlearning isn’t a new idea. While the eLearning company Grovo received an official patent on the word “Microlearning?” in 2017, Myth 2 Many Instructional Designers new to the field of creating micro-courses think that microlearning is all about short videos and animated content: infographics, flowcharts,

Microleanring ,aka chunking has been desirable in e-learning for years. It's also just good pedagogical practice for any learning especially when scaffolding.

Microlearning can be used to facilitate on-the job training such as a step-by-step guide to help someone through a new job process. Or a quick 60-second video explaining a new software process. These forms of training can add onto existing knowledge or can help further the knowledge already gained in another training. A great way to get started is to think of them as a great companion piece to what you've already created.

Two reasons; 1. We are all in a rush. Most daily chores are done online using the internet. They take time. If we could squeeze in learning opportunities during the short breaks or when we are on hold waiting for customer service, it would be wonderful. We could improve our ability for multitasking. 2. We all want to participate. Especially GenZ don’t want to be spectators. It is boring to watch long e-learning modules. We lose our attention. I had YouTube videos for teaching Excel for a crowded on-line course a few years ago. I realized then, that even I was bored watching them if they were longer than 9 minutes. If the goal is to facilitate learning, prefer what works such as micro learning with good planning & continuity of content.

Use data tagging! Tagging micro-learning modules with the learning objectives will allow systems to make recommendations to learners

Microlearning can be used to create e-learning modules that are easy to digest by focusing the experience learning design on the critical task, one step or idea at a time. Design the microlearning by offering brief serious games, how-to guides, infographics, short videos of 1-2 minutes, step by step visual or interactive tutorials, demos, storytelling and simulations to engage in diverse ways to your audience. Organize the microlearning resources in an online repository that can serve as ideal "just in time" online training resources or be part of a learning journey delivery in seasons and episodes. Reuse the microlearning to reinforce concepts or learning objectives via social media, personalized emails or the mobile learning app.

For sure, define your learning outcome clearly and concisely. But also define your starting point. What does your target audience already know that can be used to engage them.

Short videos are a great way of capture learning. They allow a combination of different media (auditory, visual) into one piece of content - level it up with closed captions. Quizzes are a must if you want to check knowledge on a subject potentially known to your learners. Infographics and scenarios are also great too but they can be more time consuming. Alternatively, you can think of a concise newsletter or social media post that provides brief, relevant, clear and timely information.

Make it relevant, relatable, applicable, and useful. Keep it clear and on-point. Incorporate whitespace (on screen/print) or silence (if its video/audio) to support learners to take in what they see and hear.

Big concepts with many details are hard to digest in a single go. There is just too much to properly take it all in. When you are knowledgeable enough about your subject, you can break down an idea into a single big concept that people can understand and begin to learn and use in a rather rudimentary way. As the learning and skill ramps up, introduce the next detail or nuance and continue repeating to mastery. It's much easier for the learner to adapt an idea to an existing knowledge base.