Onboarding and Orientation With Micro Training
Matt D.M. Watson, Ph.D., PMP
Executive Leader | VP Organizational Development | I Build Leadership Development Ecosystems | Author
Onboarding and Orientation With Micro Training
Orientation programs are an essential aspect of introducing new employees to an organization's culture, values, and processes. These programs are critical to setting the tone for an employee's experience in the organization, and they can determine how quickly the employee becomes productive and engaged. The incorporation of microlearning into these programs can significantly enhance their effectiveness by providing learners with bite-sized, easily digestible pieces of information that can be accessed at their convenience.
The Benefits of Microlearning in Onboarding and Orientation Programs
The traditional approach to onboarding and orientation programs involves lengthy classroom sessions, reading materials, and videos that can be overwhelming and difficult to absorb. Microlearning, on the other hand, provides learners with short, focused pieces of content that can be quickly consumed and easily retained. Some of the key benefits of using microlearning in onboarding and orientation programs include:
Improved engagement and retention:
Microlearning content is designed to be short and to the point, making it easier for learners to stay engaged and retain information.
Increased flexibility:
Microlearning content can be accessed on-demand, giving learners the flexibility to access it when and where they need it.
Personalization:
Microlearning content can be tailored to specific learners' needs, allowing them to focus on the areas where they need the most help.
Enhanced accessibility:
Microlearning content delivered through a variety of platforms, including mobile devices, making it easier for learners to access the information they need when they need it.
Cost-effectiveness:
Microlearning produces quickly and at a relatively low cost, making it a cost-effective way to deliver onboarding and orientation programs.
To design effective microlearning content for onboarding and orientation programs, it is essential to keep in mind the following tips:
Focus on the essentials:
Microlearning is all about delivering bite-sized pieces of information, so it is essential to focus on the most critical information that learners need to know. Avoid overwhelming learners with unnecessary details.
Make it interactive:
Incorporate interactive elements, such as quizzes, games, and simulations, to increase engagement and enhance knowledge retention.
Use visuals:
Visuals such as images, videos, and infographics can make complex information easier to understand and remember.
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Make it accessible:
Deliver microlearning content through multiple channels, such as a learning management system, mobile app, or social media platform, to make it accessible to learners wherever they are.
Personalize the content:
Use learner data to personalize the content and provide learners with information that is relevant to their specific roles and needs.
Some examples of microlearning include:
Videos:
Short videos that introduce new employees to the company's culture, values, and processes.
Quizzes:
Interactive quizzes that test learners' knowledge and help reinforce key concepts.
Infographics:
Visual aids that provide an overview of the organization's structure, products and services, and key stakeholders.
Games:
Gamification makes learning more engaging and fun. For example, a game that challenges learners to identify the company's mission statement or core values.
Simulations:
Simulations provide learners with hands-on experience in using the organization's systems and processes.
Conclusion
Microlearning has become an increasingly popular method for delivering training content in a variety of contexts, including onboarding and orientation programs.