Investing in the employees’ learning and development is becoming an increasingly important part of an organization’s strategy and growth. Organizations must link learning practices with their corporate strategy to take full advantage of their investments in learning programs.
These learning practices must concentrate on advancing and reinforcing employees’ knowledge to drive improvement for both them and the company.
However, many learning programs devote far too much time to time-intensive, generic courses that are unsuccessful at contributing to knowledge retention. Because of this method, employees easily forget everything they’ve learned.
Employees are struggling to find time to learn, while L&D professionals are also under pressure to consistently provide engaging learning experiences that improve proficiency and performance.
This is where microlearning comes into play. Microlearning provides a more customized and rhythmic learning experience that aids long-term retention.
Organizations can use microlearning to not only change employees’ learning habits but also to promote continuous learning in the workplace.
Here are 11 formats of microlearning formats you can choose from to drive continuous learning:
Formats of Microlearning
1. Video Based Microlearning
Video-based microlearning formats are usually employed in a training mix to illustrate/reinforce process execution, safety tips, equipment handling, and other topics.
The steps taken to carry out each project can be developed as separate bite-sized videos.
As a result, microlearning formats like videos can significantly improve knowledge acquisition and retention. Click to know more about microlearning.
2. Infographics
Infographics are useful for summarizing main points from a lengthy training session because they provide easy access to data.
When an employee is interested in learning more, engaging infographics can also be coupled with additional resources, allowing the training to be expanded.
This form of microlearning could be utilized to quickly orient new hires with corporate procedures and policies as part of the onboarding process.
3. Animation Video
Animation isn’t only for entertainment; it’s a highly useful method to translate and communicate complicated knowledge.
If animation has a strong visualization, it can assist in breaking down abstract concepts into absorbable pieces.
Furthermore, video animation provides a wide range of styles (company background, character, realistic situation, and so on) that are suitable for different corporate cultures.
4. Static Assets
Static resources aren’t as trendy as many of the other forms of microlearning, but they’re one of the most popular. Consider PDFs and eBooks that can be accessed across devices and provide quick synopses that go in greater depth than an infographic which helps learners know more with less content.
eBooks may not meet the ideologies of microlearning tools because they take longer to finish, but they can be used as a guide when employees require it.
PDFs and eBooks, like infographics, can be interactive to provide more range of information to your employees.
5. Scenarios with Multiple Branches
Consider a simulator similar to a pick-your-own-adventure book. This immersive microlearning tool responds and reacts to an employee’s decisions as they are made, changing the situation.
Consider this a customer-service training tool, with the immersive tool playing the role of a customer, raising doubts or making a complaint.
This type of microlearning provides numerous opportunities for problem-solving in various scenarios.
6. Podcasts
Podcasts are audio documents that are stored digitally. As one microlearning format, they can be employed to provide learners with tidbits such as an expert talk, a web conferencing Q&A session, and much more. They can be organized on your LMS for immediate access or downloaded onto learners’ mobile devices.
They are ideal for providing extra knowledge and as effective reference toolkits or when learners require additional information about a subject.
To keep your podcasts intriguing, deliver them in bite-sized chunks that include job updates, pointers, and anecdotes.
Podcasts in the format of small bytes will also provide you with the benefit of regularly updating your learning content.
7. Computer Simulations
Simulation is the most effective visual tool for explaining software processes.
Simulations are commonly used in eLearning courses to teach how to complete tasks or how to browse an application. This microlearning format is also ideal for mobile learning.
Such bite-sized simulations will be ideal for learners who need to complete a specific task within the software.
8. Quizzes
Quiz-based microlearning tests enable you to provide pre-training evaluations to figure out learners’ existing knowledge together with post-training evaluations to ascertain who would need reinforcement training.
Micro modules in the pattern of mini-quizzes are a great way to assess learners’ capability to apply what they have learned after completing the training.
This microlearning format can make use of fill-in-the-blanks, match activities, sequencing, maze, and other exciting options.
9. Activity-Based Nuggets
A microlearning course that is primarily driven by activities and analytic feedback or debriefing assist learners in understanding concepts using the discovery mode.
They complete the activity first, then receive feedback, and ultimately, the content enables them to reinforce the core concepts.
10. Mobile Applications
Mobile apps are a rapidly growing microlearning format, especially in corporate learning. They liberate learners from the constraints of online resources and allows them to learn even when there isn’t any Internet connection.
All learners have to do is install the app, and the course content will remain on their smartphone until they uninstall it.
The most notable benefit of mobile learning applications is their quick access to knowledge.
11. Geofencing
By employing geofencing, you can send out push notifications to employees who need training in a specific geographic location.
Imagine the following scenario: employees come into work and need the latest information regarding changes to regulations, rules, or building codes. Geofencing sends an automatic notification to their mobile phone, confirming that they always have the latest information without any delay.
12. Gamification
As a form of microlearning, quick games, ones that can be completed in 10 minutes, can have a long-term impact.
Gamification makes learning more engaging and enjoyable. By incorporating interesting game-like elements such as points, rankings, levels, and badges, learning becomes more enjoyable and memorable, providing learners with an exciting experience.
Conclusion
With so many distinct forms of microlearning available to choose from, it has never been easier to create an individualized training and development program for your employees.
Companies that use microlearning know they are producing efficient, effective, and low-cost learning solutions for their employees.
