Microlearning has become a buzzword in the world of learning and development, and for good reason. In today's fast-paced, constantly connected world, traditional methods of learning no longer suffice. People have shorter attention spans, and are constantly bombarded with information from a plethora of sources. Microlearning provides a solution to this problem by delivering small, easily digestible chunks of information that can be consumed in a shorter amount of time.
One of the biggest advantages of microlearning is that it allows learners to focus on specific, targeted knowledge or skills, rather than feeling overwhelmed by a plethora of information. It allows learners to acquire knowledge quickly, and retain it for longer periods of time.
There is an increasing amount of evidence that supports the effectiveness of microlearning. According to a study by Ambient Insight, the microlearning market is expected to reach $8 billion by 2025, a compound annual growth rate of 36.4%. Another study by the eLearning Industry found that microlearning results in retention rates that are 12% higher than traditional learning methods.
Another study by the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) found that the average attention span of an adult is about 8 seconds. Microlearning addresses this by providing bite-sized pieces of information that can be easily understood and retained in just a few minutes.
The prevalence of mobile devices has also contributed to the rise of microlearning. With the ability to access information and learn from anywhere, at any time, people are increasingly turning to mobile apps and other digital platforms for their learning needs. Microlearning is particularly well-suited for mobile devices, as it allows for quick, on-the-go learning.
Microlearning is a valuable tool for organizations looking to train their employees in a fast and effective manner. With the potential to improve retention rates, and a growing demand for mobile learning solutions, it's not hard to see why microlearning is becoming a new trend in the world of learning and development.
Overall, microlearning is becoming a more and more popular method for learning, for it's flexibility, adaptability and efficiency, it's being adopted across various industries, and it's being used not just in the formal setting of classrooms and training centers, but also in the personal and professional development context.
Examples of Microlearning
here are a few examples of microlearning:
Short videos or animations: These can be used to explain a concept or process in a concise and visually engaging way. For example, a short video on how to change a tire on a car.
Interactive quizzes or games: These can be used to test learners' knowledge or assess their understanding of a topic in a fun and engaging way. For example, a trivia game that quizzes employees on company policies.
Flashcards: These are a simple and effective way to provide learners with bite-sized chunks of information. They can be used to help learners memorize facts or key terms. For example, a set of flashcards that helps medical students to memorize the names of bones in the body.
Short text-based articles or blog posts: These can be used to provide learners with detailed information on a specific topic in a easily digestible format. For example, A article or post that provides tips on how to make a presentation effective.
Audio-based content: Podcasts or audio recordings, can be used to provide learners with information while they are on-the-go or during a commute. For example, a podcast that provides tips on time management.
Short infographics or diagrams: These can be used to explain a complex process or concept in a simple and easy-to-understand format. For example, an infographic that shows the process of how a car engine works.
Microlearning apps: Some companies and platforms are developing mobile apps that are specifically designed for microlearning, which can provide learners with access to a wide range of microlearning content.
These are just a few examples of how microlearning can be implemented in various settings. There are many more ways to deliver microlearning and different types of content can be used to suit different learning objectives, audience and topics. The key is to deliver the information in a concise and easily digestible format.
