Have you ever heard of microlearning? Do you know how beneficial it will be? Let’s explore the answers to these questions in this blog. Microlearning is a very effective type of learning and has so much in store.
Is Microlearning Important?
According to research, when we focus on a subject for a short period, we learn more deeply. This is especially true when we go online because the Internet fosters cursory reading and hurried and distracted thinking. Even though the Internet provides us with easy access to vast amounts of information, it is rumoured that it is causing us to become shallower thinkers, literally changing the structure of our brain.
Cognitive overload can occur when we store too much information in our working memory. When we are given information in short bursts and allowed to process it more efficiently, our retention improves. Short bursts of reading or listening (passive learning) can be beneficial, but they are most effective when combined with interaction with our subject matter. This is referred to as “active engagement,” and it is one of the many advantages of microlearning. Promoting active engagement can help increase understanding and help students develop a personal connection to their learning, allowing them to “own” and be accountable for their learning.
It is more engaging, less time-consuming, and less expensive to produce siblings of traditional eLearning.
What exactly is Microlearning?
While no official definition exists, all microlearning-based training has one thing in common: it is brief. Short-term learning activities or small learning units could be used.
Micro Training provides learners with short bursts of content to study at their leisure. Content can take many forms, ranging from text to full-fledged interactive multimedia, but it should always be concise.
Even though bite-sized training has grown in popularity in the last two years, it has a long history dating back to when computers were invented. But it took off when it came into contact with the modern smartphone. So much so that leading microlearning platforms resemble a cross between Twitter and Instagram, but for education.
Microlearning is a near-perfect training model in this day and age of hectic schedules and short attention spans. It can also be used for a variety of training purposes.
What are Microlearning’s Advantages?
- It is quicker to deliver.
Shorter course delivery times result from fewer things to write. You can create a course with dozens of units in an hour using microlearning. This allows you to respond to changing business goals and new training demands more quickly.
- It is less expensive
A microlearning course is also much less expensive to create. It necessitates fewer resources and instructors.
- It is adaptable
Microlearning courses can cover any subject that regular eLearning courses can but in a more digestible format.
- It is more engaging for learners.
Micro Training is the most engaging method of training delivery available. In comparison to the “serious study” feel of regular training, the microlearning experience is similar to checking your favourite social app on your smartphone.
- It improves knowledge retention.
According to microlearning research, studying something repeatedly and revisiting it when you are on the verge of forgetting it helps you retain it much better. Because microlearning units are small, self-contained, and easy to return to, this type of repeated study fits well.
Just like the learning modules and methods available at SpeEdLabs.in
- It Allows Learners More Freedom
Regular online training with text-heavy courses is not suitable for studying in short bursts. Microlearning, on the other hand, allows your students to engage in casual learning whenever they have free time. Furthermore, because micro training courses are small, they are simple to download and take with you when you are offline.
It is this ease and flexibility that is provided by SpeEdLabs.in
Overcoming Microlearning’s Difficulties
There are some drawbacks to bite-sized learning. However, there may be ways to overcome these obstacles so that your students can benefit from microlearning.
- Microlearning is easily fragmented. Each micro lesson must stand alone as its online training unit; however, connecting your micro lessons as part of a larger learning strategy is most effective.
- For complex topics, the bite-sized approach may not be effective. If you need to teach complex skills or processes, videos, simulations, or immersive experiences may be more effective ways to teach learners all of the nuances they must consider. However, after the initial training is completed, there may still be significant value in supplementing with microlessons.
- Microlearning rarely sparks in-depth debate. While microlessons can be designed to include reflection and peer learning, for topics that require in-depth discussions and simulations, microlearning is better suited for providing additional resources, reviewing key points, and teaching more objective course concepts.
- Microlearning does not, by definition, provide a clear learning path. Given that people don’t always recognise their flaws, the autonomy provided by microlearning can leave learners stranded, unsure of what to do next. This is especially true for beginning students, who may miss important ideas and vocabulary if they skip between foundational lessons. Because microlearning builds on prior knowledge, it is frequently best suited for intermediate and advanced learners who have mastered the fundamentals of a subject.
Also published on Medium.