Effective Corporate Training: Microlearning Is the Key

Corporations are on a constant quest for the best training practices for employees.

As understanding about learning evolves, so do the methods used to prepare today’s corporate workforce.

Microlearning is thought to be one of the foremost instructional approaches for learners in today’s tech-savvy world.

In order to understand the effectiveness of microlearning for corporate training, corporations must first learn what microlearning actually is.

While there are varied definitions, the most basic is that microlearning is a way of teaching content. It is one concept, broken down into a short, concise learning activity. There are certain elements that pertain to all microlearning experiences.

Duration. Some corporations say that no more than three minutes is appropriate, while others insist five is best. Though there is some debate as to the optimal length for a session, they are always short.
Focus. The concentration is on one topic or idea.
Diversity. A variety of different learning formats are utilized. This can include a presentation, chapter in a book, quiz, game, discussion, activity, presentation, or any other formula by which one learns.

Advantages of Microlearning in the Corporate World

The benefits of utilizing microlearning are many. Here are a few:

The short duration of learning sessions is a draw to those with a shorter attention span.
The cost to produce microlearning activities is much less than the expense to develop an entire course. Corporations must always have cost in mind when they are developing training materials and courses.
The result is prompt. Microlearning strategies teach a specific skill that can then be implemented. For example, some schools are using microlearning to teach students how to set up a Google+ account.
There is less interruption of the workday. These fast-paced learning experiences don’t take up the amount of time that day-long trainings and workshops do.
The learning is autonomous. Each learner can access the material on an as-needed basis. The microlearning process is designed to specifically address a learner’s distinct needs.
Learning can be done wherever, whenever. The flexibility of being able to do a lesson with a few spare minutes here and there is invaluable in this fast-paced world.

Some Drawbacks

While they are admittedly few, there are some disadvantages to microlearning:

While initially the efficacy looks valid, there haven’t been enough long-term research studies done to prove the far-reaching learning goals will be met.
Some learners have trouble mentally switching gears between different formats.
There is no way to be sure that the learners are putting different strands together to have a cohesive mental strategy.
There is a way to combat these disadvantages and most, if not all, can be overcome.

First, context is important. A corporation that seeks to successfully train employees will not simply send them a link to a video and be done with it.

There should be sufficient explanation before the learning activity, as well as review afterwards. It’s a good idea to assess learners before and after the microlearning session to measure progress.

Microlearning can be an advantageous methodology corporations use to drive business goals and ensure a productive, forward-moving workforce. Designing Digitally, Inc. specializes in microlearning experiences that lead to more effective training strategies and improved business results.

To have our firm assist you with your microlearning training needs, book a free consultation with our team today!