Microlearning is a New Trend in the Field of Training and Development

As technology evolves, so are the ways of learning. From bulky books to kindles, desktops to laptops, and newspapers to news apps on mobile devices, we have come a long way. These days, people consume information from a variety of sources. Microlearning is one such source. Microlearning is a growing trend in the field of training and development. It delivers professional education in bite-sized content pieces via different channels and devices. Microlearning is about breaking down complex information into easily digestible and practical knowledge that everyone can understand and then adapting it.

Umesh Goyal
VP

Microlearning is exceedingly useful for both employees as well as trainers. Moreover, it is easy to produce, costsless to create and deliver, and it has a flexible response to changing environments. Microlearning is scalable, which means it can be integrated with newer technologies and within customized solutions.

People are curious about new technologies, but many are scared of the long and confusing information available about it. This is where microlearning helps them out. It divides that information into small bites that are easy to read and understand, even to the point of explaining it to others.

Microlearning became popular because it fulfilled the need for short and crisp information that users wanted. The shortest information can be 90 seconds and can last up to 10 minutes. How great would it be if you can learn important aspects of new technology in just 10 minutes? Some might argue that notifications and the sheer variety of devices divert us while we are microlearning, but this is negligible. Microlearning provides platform independence, content engagement facility, and more.

Microlearning is becoming more widespread and improving the experience for both developers and learners. Here are some noteworthy microlearning trends that we saw in 2018.

Infographics and Interactive Graphical Images are Visual Representations of Information

This is the best way to display information in concise segments. They can be prepared individually or can be added in the eBooks, blogs, and animated videos. They often are used when data comparison is to be done or if the trainer has to divide some complex information into simple and small segments.

PDF’s are the Most Secure Method of Sharing Information

For quite a while, interactive PDFs have been the evolution of the traditional portable document. They consist of interactive elements to engage the audience, maintain interests, and fortify the skill and knowledge delivery. They are generally used to conceptually break down a large-scale training module into meaningful parts that can be delivered on a standalone basis. It is also responsible for employee engagement because of pop-ups, tabs, animations, and click to reveal features. To prohibit the information in it from being copied, misused and unauthorized access, PDFs can have an added layer of security as well.

eBooks Consist of More Information than PDFs and Infographic

Gone are the times when people use to get a physical manual with the new device they bought. Now, you get an interactive eBook in the form of a help manual or user guide sent to your email to understand the functionality of the device you just bought. eBooks are a very convenient way of providing information, as they are already broken down into chapter format in digestible content. It not only consists of text content throughout, but there are also images, interactive infographics, and even short animation videos to make it more effective. To ensure the familiarity and understanding of the information, eBooks also have chapter quizzes and knowledge checks at the end for the users. All these small things create interest in users, engaging them for a longer period.

Short Video Snippets and Animations are a Great Way to Get Your Readers Attention

It has been proved that people retain 20% more of what they learn through videos and visuals. Small video snippets are a terrific way of leaving an impact on a readers’ mind. Animations help you understand data, features, operations, and crucial information pictorially. Animations are nothing but pictures in motion. Including animated videos, whiteboard animation, and kinetic text-based animations are on the rise in the eLearning industry. They can also be a source of entertainment and humor.

M-learning, i.e., Mobile Learning through Mobile Apps is the Most Convenient Way of learning these days

According to research, it has been proved that, on average, a person spends over 4 hours a day on mobile devices. That is a huge amount of time, and if people can learn using their mobile devices, more of the four hours could be utilized well. People rarely stay in one place these days. They are always on the move and like to spend their time reading quick, useful information on their phone as they go. This is where mobile learning solution fits well.

Introducing the Gaming Factor in the eLearning Content can Increase the Readers’ Interest

Games like puzzles, quizzes and other interactive elements included in the eLearning content will help learners to remember, learn, and identify correct information. Learners can compete, achieve, and earn accolades through this mode of learning. We have seen many applications that provide badges when a certain amount of content is read, and a user progresses to another level.

Microlearning training opportunities for the employees of an organization is a cost-effective and easily produced method of delivering training that was once boring in a way that they will find engaging and convenient. To learn if your specific business functions and processes can be delivered through microlearning, talk to an eLearning expert today.