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What is it? -

Microlearning is a teaching strategy that delivers educational content in short, focused bursts, rather than teaching through intense and drawn-out lectures. It is certainly not the best solution to every training situation, but is a surprisingly effective tool if you find yourself in a corporate or commercial environment.

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Digital platforms -

Microlearning often utilizes digital platforms such as mobile apps, e-learning websites, and social media to deliver content. The entire purpose of this strategy is to make it more accessible and convenient for learners to engage with material whenever they want.

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Specific skills -

The microlearning approach is typically broken up into individual modules, each of which target specific skills or concepts. This narrow focus helps people process new information far quicker, which truly enhances the effectiveness of the training.

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Flexibility -

People who engage in this type of learning strategy will find more flexibility with their time, since they can access content at their own pace and convenience. This is particularly beneficial for people with busy schedules or those who prefer more self-directed learning.

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Engagement -

Microlearning also has a way of supporting learner engagement and concentration. Indeed, the likelihood of boredom is drastically reduced with this approach, and studies have shown that people experience far more effective learning when presented with information in this structure.

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Improved retention -

Studies also show that microlearning enhances retention by presenting information in small, digestible chunks. This method leverages what is called the "spacing effect," which is when information is presented over longer periods of time. This has been proven to help learners process and recall information far more efficiently.

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Increased motivation - By completing small, manageable tasks, learners experience major boosts in motivation and confidence. The sense of achievement from finishing microlearning modules encourages continued engagement and progress.

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Just-in-time learning -

Microlearning supports just-in-time learning, allowing employees to access and apply knowledge exactly when they need it. Indeed, on-the-job performance and efficiency has been known to see improvements thanks to this approach.

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Cost-effective -

Microlearning is often more cost-effective than traditional training programs. It requires fewer resources to develop and deliver, making it an attractive option for organizations with limited training budgets.

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Scalability -

Microlearning can easily be scaled across large or small organizations, depending on the individual need. It provides consistent learning experiences for all employees, regardless of their location, and ensures uniform training and skill development.

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Adaptable -

There are usually a variety of learning styles incorporated into microlearning, depending on the needs of the learner or the interface. In fact, one common attribute with most microlearning styles is the use of multimedia content to deliver information in an engaging way.

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Immediate feedback -

One of the crucial tenets of interactive microlearning is that it provides instant feedback to learners. If a person makes a mistake, the lesson’s design is meant to help them quickly identify and correct the mistake, all in the hopes of reinforcing understanding.

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Reduced cognitive load -

By presenting information in smaller, approachable chunks, microlearning reduces cognitive load and actively deters learner fatigue. Information can be more easily processed and absorbed without causing people to feel overwhelmed.

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Modern lifestyles -

The world around us is picking up pace, and it certainly can be difficult to keep up. Microlearning tends to adapt incredibly well with the fast-paced, multitasking nature of modern life, and its flexibility make it a practical solution for today’s learners.

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Lifelong learning -

Microlearning encourages lifelong education and development by providing easy access to educational content for anyone, regardless of age. Skills and knowledge can be continuously and quickly updated throughout your lifetime, so you will never feel that you are falling behind.

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Reduced training time -

Microlearning has been known to reduce overall training time up to 300%. Ultimately, employees spend less time in training sessions and more time actually applying their new skills on the job.

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Empowerment -

If you are considering the option of microlearning, you should know that this approach truly has a way of empowering learners to take control of their own education. You would be able to choose when and how you engage with content so that you can come to terms with new information and skills in your own way.

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Complexity -

Although microlearning clearly has its advantages, there are also a few limitations that are worth considering. One hindrance that this approach has is that it is not an ideal learning approach for complex concepts. This strategy is designed to deliver simple information in a way that minimizes effort, so high-level information would be counterintuitive to this approach.

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Basic skills -

Microlearning is also not very well suited for in-depth training. While the approach can facilitate the learning of basic skills, it is not a viable way for people to learn extensive and intense information.

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Video tutorials -

Microlearning certainly packs a big punch in a small package, and there are a variety of ways that it can be presented. Sometimes, the learning process is confined to short instructional videos that are typically under 10 minutes, which provide clear, concise explanations and demonstrations to the learner.

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Interactive quizzes -

Microlearning environments also tend to make use of brief quizzes that test knowledge and reinforce learning. These quizzes provide immediate feedback, helping learners understand their mistakes and retain information more effectively.

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Mobile apps -

Learning apps on mobile devices are some very good examples of microlearning environments, since they tend to deliver daily lessons that are easily manageable for learners. In fact, some of the best examples are actually language-learning apps, since they are broken up into bite-sized lessons that are accessible anytime, anywhere.

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Podcasts -

Interestingly, short podcast episodes are also a great microlearning strategy with a plethora of potential. These can be listened to during commutes or breaks, providing a convenient way to learn.

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Flashcards -

Some microlearning strategies make use of digital flashcards so that learners can quickly review and memorize key concepts. Their entire purpose is to reinforce knowledge while improving recall and memory.

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Social media posts - Most people might not know this, but educational posts on platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) are also examples of microlearning, since they share tips, insights, and short lessons that can be quickly consumed and applied.

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Case studies -

The internet is filled with case studies that illustrate real-world applications of theoretical concepts, all of which can help people learn new information and how to apply their knowledge in real situations.

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Microblogs -

Microlearning environments can also be found in microblogs, which are usually home to short blog posts that focus on specific topics or skills. Microblogs tend to be populated with bite-sized articles that provide quick insights and actionable tips, making it easy for learners to absorb and apply new information in a matter of minutes.

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Microlearning games -

If this is the type of approach that you enjoy, then we recommend looking out for short, educational games that are designed to teach skills. Interactive games like this make learning fun and engaging, and they encourage learners to apply knowledge through gameplay and challenges.

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Chatbots -

With the recent rise of AI software, chatbots have also become more commonplace at delivering microlearning content through conversational interactions. Learners can ask questions and receive instant, tailored responses, making this an interactive and engaging way to learn on-demand.

Sources: (eLearning Industry) (LinkedIn) (Association for Talent Development) (TechTarget) (eduMe) (Valamis)

See also: 10 reasons to learn a second language

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