Maybe Your Team Just Needs a Microlearning

Yesterday I was hanging up my yoga bag on the wall hook that my Dad installed the last time he visited my tiny apartment in Fort Lauderdale. I do hot yoga at least 3 to 5 times a week.  I like to think that it makes me more enlightened, but in reality, it just helps me stretch out this overly-sedentary-consistently-constricted body that sits behind a computer all day.

Anyway, as I go to place the heavy bag on the hook, to my dismay, it falls on the floor.  You see, my apartment was built in the 1960’s so the drywall sometimes doesn’t like to cooperate. So why was I dismayed?  Well for one, I am not handy. Like not even a little bit.  In fact, I may be the least handiest person on the planet! Recently, my Dad bought me a toolbox (it’s pink and he was trying to be funny, I am sure) and it literally just gathers dust in my closet.  So what was I to do? Well before we answer that question let’s freeze this moment…because here is a superb example of how microlearning is perfect for this scenario. Hang on, we will get back to that. 

I am sure you’ve heard of microlearning, it is all the rage in the online learning industry.  Microlearning is any learning that is short, efficient, chunked, and lasts only 3 to 5 minutes max.  Have you ever watched a Youtube video to learn how to do something? I have a friend who watches 5-minute life hack videos that teach her how to make life easier such as: DIY How to Remove an Oil Stain, DIY How to Fold a Fitted Sheet, DIY How to Break Up with Someone, etc. Well in case you didn’t know, all of these types of videos, to include some of the ones you may have watched yourself, are considered microlearning. 

You may not be aware but today’s learner is vastly different than the learner of 25 years ago.  Learners of today have information at their fingertips and can gain knowledge anytime they want.  But because of that access, learners of today are much more spoiled. Their needs are immediate, permeating with a desire of instant gratification.  No matter your opinion, we as instructional designers and online learning experts have to change with the times and so does your organization. Here’s a little News Flash….

News Flash:

• Videos that are 2 minutes or less get the most hits
• Learners retain more information when they watch a video in comparison to reading something

So let’s go back to my broken wall hook.  In that disheartening moment, as I watched my yoga bag fall to the floor, I remembered that Dad had left me a drill. I of course, didn’t know how to use it, but I did know where I could find a short microlearning clip to teach me! So I whipped out my phone, pulled up Youtube and BOOM…. I am an expert driller! Well, at least I can hang hooks now. 

So how do you know if your learner (client or employee) needs an entire course or just a microlearning experience? Take a look at the benefits of microlearning below so you can determine if this route of training is what’s best for your team or prospective clients.

The Benefits of Microlearning:

(and if you are pressed for time, scroll down and check out the video)

Best for Time-Sensitive Learning

Do you need your employees to learn a new policy that is going into effect immediately? Do you want your new and old clients to see your new promotion and or service feature? Then Microlearning is a great option for you. It’s a short burst of information that will have your employees ready to jump onto the task at hand. And if you are educating clients, they will understand your new service feature in no time. 

Tight Budgets

Let’s face it, creating a full blown online course can at times be necessary but it is definitely more costly than a short microlearning experience. So if you are on a tight budget, maybe it is best to chunk the learning into small bite-sized modules or videos for your learners to grasp and go!

Retention is Higher

Today’s learner has a very short attention span in comparison to learners of 20 years ago.  A short module or video will help them retain information on a larger scale in comparison to a full course load of content. 

“No Time To Learn” Is No Longer a Problem

You have a busy team, who are helping your organization grow.  Sometimes there is just not enough time in the day to do anything else. Well, microlearning provides that snapshot of information that may be what your staff needs each week in order to be more effective and more successful. 

Promotes Work/Life Balance

By far my favorite reason for microlearning is the case of Work/Life Balance. Aren’t we all looking to work to live instead of living to work?  Imagine adding effective training that takes place in short bursts and not long-winded conferences or face-to-face training. I know what you’re thinking… so much more time for hot yoga! 

As experts in the field of online learning as well as microlearning, please reach out to us so we can provide you with a needs assessment on how to get you started on your next training endeavor. Email us at info@reachyou.media. We are here for all of your training solution needs! 

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Maria Topliff, CEO and Founder

Maria has had more than 10 years of experience teaching online and creating eLearning Curriculum Design. As the 2014 North Carolina Online Teacher of the Year, she has traveled across the country for consultant work as well as public speaking seminars on how to create engaging online learning. Maria has created and revised more than 60 online courses and she has held numerous professional development training seminars both virtually and in person. With a dual Master’s in Multicultural Literature and Educational Leadership, she believes that Optimal Learning can only occur with instruction that includes real-world and application-based activities. As her professional experience grew, Maria has been able to see the critical need for engaging online learning across all industries. Her mission has always been to create exciting interactive eLearning, leading to increased productivity and success for all learners.

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