The eLearning space is constantly evolving, and with it comes different skills, learning techniques, and trends. In this article, we will address the latest trend in eLearning: microlearning.
What Is Microlearning?
Microlearning is a learning method that is both powerful and effective. This learning method is capable of teaching behaviors, knowledge, and skills, using just-in-time multimedia content and small chunks of information.
The overall concept of microlearning is to provide learners with the information needed at the exact moment it is most effective and can be absorbed most effectively.
Microlearning vs. Macro Learning
While microlearning focuses on quick information, macro learning is the opposite and provides a more complete learning experience. Typically, macro learning is a technique used for processes, ideas, or complex concepts that take longer to comprehend.
Even though microlearning and macro learning are opposites in terms of education, the two can be used in conjunction with online learning. Pairing these two types of learning allows more aspects of the topics to be covered.
Although microlearning is the faster and more simple method of learning, both microlearning and macro learning are helpful eLearning tactics that can improve the online learning experience altogether.
Who Can Benefit From Microlearning?
One of the primary users that can benefit most from microlearning includes employees. Employers can use microlearning to update existing knowledge or train new skills their employees quickly and efficiently.
In an online learning environment, students can also benefit from the concept of microlearning. The short-term learning provided in small chunks of time can be great for study courses or anything to boost a student’s overall comprehension of any given topic.
Microlearning Content Examples
As mentioned, microlearning consists of access to condensed information in a short amount of time. Different forms of microlearning can be provided through online learning programs, but some of the most common examples include the following.
Games
Collaboration strategies and critical thinking skills can be developed through games, depending on their learning objectives. Great for improving connectedness and teamwork, games are an excellent content option for microlearning.
Text
One of the most well-known forms of microlearning is through text. Although it is easy enough, the text is not always the most accessible to students of different languages. Text can be far less engaging and take up more time than some of the alternative microlearning content options and, therefore, should be used sparingly.
Images
An excellent way to convey simple concepts and ideas is through the use of images. Images can help students remember critical information in a small amount of time, despite their lacking the level of interactivity of videos.
Lectures and Presentations
Traditional lectures and presentations are time-consuming and often expensive to produce. As you can imagine, this type of learning is not always ideal for those with a tight budget.
Thankfully, with the help of microlearning lessons, educators can still provide an engaging experience for students to learn quick information in much less time and at much lower costs.
Podcasts
It’s easy to see why podcasts have become one of the most popular forms of microlearning. Since podcasts are pre-recorded, they allow listeners to absorb in any environment of their choosing, whether it be during a long walk outdoors, at lunch, or anywhere, really.
Another advantage to podcast microlearning is that it requires minimal equipment and technical skills for both the educator and the learner. Plenty of online resources is available for educators to quickly create podcasts as a microlearning option.
Quizzes
To focus on the most helpful content of an online learning program, quizzes help to assess information learned and regain focus on the material. Quizzes are an excellent content option in microlearning that can help to identify whether students are understanding the materials or are in need of more hands-on training.
Improving and making your online learning even more interactive, you can add instant feedback to students to immediately be aware of the areas they need improvement.
Videos
Last but definitely not least are videos, which are one of the most popular forms of the content found in microlearning today. Explaining simple processes or demonstrating new skills is easier than ever through video demonstrations or tutorials.
Benefits of Microlearning
According to countless research studies, microlearning has been proven to be an effective method of learning. In general, studies show that learners are more engaged when they can work at their own pace and on their own time.
But don’t just take our word for it. Here are some of the primary benefits of microlearning:
Appeases to instant gratification
Reduces costs on both ends
An effective way to learn new information
A preferred method for updating existing knowledge
Easier to learn and review
Better retention
How ryco.io Implements Microlearning Techniques
To help us remain focused on the needs of our clients, at ryco.io, we stay on top of all of the latest eLearning trends. In terms of microlearning, ryco.io implements various techniques to help create valuable, retainable, and engaging content.
Our services at ryco.io include:
Instructional design
Content development
LMS & course development
Website & app development
So, whether you’re looking to create an educational course for K through 12, college and post-graduate courses, or training programs for a corporate environment, ryco.io is here to help.
Using the latest techniques in microlearning, we use different content based on your needs and the demographic of your learners. The importance of data and learning analytics when it comes to creating educational content is something we take very seriously, as we want to ensure value in all of our online learning programs.
Final Thoughts
In the age of the internet, people have access to information quicker than ever. The result? The general population demands instant gratification. Not surprisingly, this desire for efficiency spills over into the eLearning world in terms of how information is provided to students.
The latest trend in eLearning is microlearning, which focuses on relatively simple subjects that can be taught quickly. Here at ryco.io, we are constantly focused on staying one step ahead of the game, which is why we have integrated microlearning into our online learning programs.
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