Virtual classroom learning and microlearning have become commonplace in corporate training. Both options adapt beautifully to the modern classroom, which strives for adaptability, flexibility, and accessibility. At face-value, though, the connection between this EdTech option and this design model seems ambiguous at best.

When designing and facilitating training, we can gain inspiration from an important source: the human brain. Research shows that we naturally make better connections when listening to stories and that short bursts of learning helps us better retain information.

So how to we leverage these benefits for improved ROI on our training, and more engaging experiences for our modern learners? Laura Goodrich, Global Workforce Innovator at GWT Next, recommends cinematic microlearning. This approach combines storytelling and bursts of learning to improve content communication and transform training experiences.

There are different points of view on how assessment in microlearning actually plays out. There are some variables to consider when sorting out what learners actually gain from these nuggets of information.

The good news is that microlearning is assessable. In fact, there's even research to prove it.

If you've been reading the latest posts, you're now pretty well primed in microlearning, from what it is to where it fits in the learning lifecycle.

Because microlearning is a "hot" trend, there is some wiggle room around its design, implementation, and use. Yes, some aspects are constant (i.e., it reinforces specific skills), and some are, well... interpretive, like how many minutes constitute "short" bits of time.

Scaffolding (sequenced, leveled instruction that leads learners to mastery) falls into that last category. Ask a few digital learning specialists about where it rests in microlearning, and guess what? Yep, many will have different points of view, a few of which I will share here.

What’s Really Important?

In a previous post, we provided some insight into the trending topic of microlearning. Because it's so popular and supports the way business is being done, there's lots of movement in the industry to put it into action. But, we need to make sure that it is done the "right way" for our learners.

Let's look at some of the important elements of quality microlearning that can guide the development and design process.

Think about how you best learn. If you're anything like me—always on a tight schedule, short attention span, prefer pictures to words—small chunks of information in one sitting are about all you can manage.

Microlearning is clearly what we need! It's not a new method (don't forget the primeval flashcard), but technology has changed its presentation, delivery, and use. And made it more USEFUL because of its accessibility.

And, most important, it instantly captivates learners—learners just like us.

Training Magazine Network session recap

The next big thing in learning, might be the smallest! Microlearning has the power to change the way we design and facilitate our training programs. But before we can move forward with leveraging this revolutionary approach, we have to first understand it at a fundamental level.

Jennifer Hofmann, graciously sponsored by Airclass, shared her proven model, Connecting the Dots: Incorporating Microlearning Techniques into Virtual Classroom Experiences, with Training Magazine Network learners.

Let’s define microlearning, its benefits, and associated limitations to help you add this learning technique into your repertoire. Want to see how microlearning can support a live online training session? Click here to watch the entire recording.

Are you moving towards blended learning with your modern instructional designs? Microlearning provides a viable approach for many training content pieces and learner support resources.

On the surface, microlearning may not sound like a universally accessible option. “My topic’s too complicated to teach in five minutes!” you lament. And you’d be right – using microlearning effectively doesn’t equate to compressing a three-day, hands-on training program into one five-minute explainer video.

Carla Torgerson provided a helpful use case that will guide you towards best practice during her informative BYTE session, Embracing Microlearning in Your Ecosystem.

What’s the deal with microlearning? Neuroscientists boast about the importance and value of this bite-sized approach. More and more instructional designers purposefully break larger programs into smaller, more concise events and resources.

Today, we’ll cover the basics of microlearning and an instructional design approach for creating these content pieces – both highlights from Carla Torgerson’s excellent recent InSync BYTE session, Embracing Microlearning in Your Learning Ecosystem.

Watch the entire BYTE replay here for Carla’s expert advice for creating microlearning programs and common use cases to clarify when and how to use these resources.

We're excited to have Carla Torgerson join the InSync BYTE series ranks as a guest presenter. As a preface to her upcoming April 4, 2017, Carla provides insight into microlearning's role in larger blended learning ecosystems. Attend her BYTE "Embracing Microlearning in Your Learning Ecosystem" to learn more. 

Microlearning is the use of short pieces of learning content, generally no more than five minutes long. We all have experiences in our personal lives of learning with micro-content. It usually happens in one of two ways.

The first is all those times you look up something on your computer or phone to learn a little bit about something you’re interested in -- for example, maybe I want to know a little more about Donald Trump’s nominee for the Supreme Court, or what really happened to Mariah Carey’s New Year’s Eve performance.

The second is all those times you use your phone to help with something in the moment – like when you get lost and pull out your Google map, or you’re on vacation and use Yelp to help you find a nearby restaurant that meets your requirements for price and user reviews. To us learning designers, we’d call that first example training and the second one performance support. 

When we design microlearning for the workplace, I believe we need to focus on three key moments. The first is the learner’s moment of need (which is explained in depth by Dr. Conrad Gottfredson and Bob Mosher’s work on the Five Moments of Need. The second is the learner’s moment of curiosity, and finally the third is the organization’s moment of need.

Let’s take a look at an example… Let’s say I am your financial planner. It’s my job to help you plan for your retirement, and as a part of that process I will buy and sell mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments for you. I will also develop a plan for how aggressive to be with those investments and keep you apprised of how your portfolio is doing and if you’re on track to meet your goals.*