Truth: Microlearning helps you remember information better
There is scientific proof that dosing information helps increase the capacity of our short-term memory. Thanks to this, for example, we remember telephone numbers, which we divide into groups of, say, three digits. Microlearning is largely based on content dosing in the sense that each module concentrates on one learning goal or skill. Students thus receive a lot of information and in a form that makes it simpler for the brain to understand and remember. In addition, this approach does not cause brain overload and it is easier for the student to concentrate on the whole lesson.
Truth: Microlearning can train employees faster
If the skills you want to develop can be included in the content of microlearning, then you can achieve your aim faster using this method. It is not just that microlearning courses are inherently short; they also offer very targeted information related directly to the heart of the matter. Speed and efficiency make microlearning the perfect choice for training that is urgent but does not require too much depth. It may be especially suitable in situations where, for example, you need to train seasonal employees in a store. By taking a microlearning course, you can teach staff, for instance, product knowledge, registry management and even basic sales skills.
However, managing complexity remains a challenge when developing such microlearning courses. You should treat a microlearning course just like any other course. It can't just be a database with a lot of random videos. For better results, create a content plan and clear study path, use different types of content, and store everything in one centralised repository.
Truth: Microlearning can be used for on-demand courses
Let's say, for example, a sales representative is on their way to a meeting with a potential client. When revising the sales scenario in their own mind, they realise they have completely omitted the various discount plans. Or imagine a nurse about to administer a new medicine to a diabetic patient but not being entirely sure of the potential side effects. If these employees have access to the microlearning library, they can quickly find the information they need and avoid appearing unprepared or making a dangerous mistake.
Note that both examples involve mobile employees. Why? Because microlearning can best be used as a tool for immediate use anytime, anywhere.
Truth: Microlearning reduces training costs
The production of microlearning content is more cost-effective because it can be produced much faster. For example, creating a five-minute video takes less time than an hour-long lecture on e-learning. Compared to full-time training, the difference in development costs is even more pronounced. It is also much easier to update microlearning courses faster and more cheaply if the issue should become obsolete.
However, lower development costs are not the best reason to introduce microlearning into a company: the topic of training must also be taken into account. If a given topic is inappropriate for microlearning because, for example, it requires more detailed specification for quite different situations, then it is better to use other tools.
The second part of this article, by way of contrast, will focus on four myths about microlearning that you may encounter.
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