Companies worldwide often express their primary concern: the diminishing attention span of their users, which poses a challenge to keep them engaged due to the multitude of distractions they face.
The prevalence of multitasking in our contemporary society has made dedicating extended periods to a single activity a rare luxury. Rather than attempting to revert to a slower era with outdated approaches, what if we adjusted our teaching and learning methods to align with the accelerated pace of the present-day world? This is where the concept of bite-sized learning becomes relevant.
Microlearning, commonly called “bite-sized learning,” involves segmenting information into small, easily digestible chunks rather than subjecting students to lengthy, uninterrupted sessions. However, duration is just one aspect of its composition. All bite-sized learning modules are designed to be concise, typically 1 to 15 minutes long.
The essence of a truly bite-sized module lies not only in its quick completion time but also in its streamlined and concentrated structure. It focuses on a single learning objective at a time, providing students with only essential information.
This approach allows learners to establish connections between individual modules and revisit them in any preferred sequence. Thus, learning about a subject in bite-sized chunks keeps the learner more focused and actively involved.
Advantages of Bite-Sized Learning
1. Skill Retention/Reinforced Learning.
Learning requires learners to absorb and implement what they have learned through the course. German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus found that the average learner forgets 50% of what they learned in a class within one day and about 90% of what they learned within a month. He called this finding the Forgetting Curve.
Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve
Microlearning is an effective remedy for the Forgetting Curve, as it enables the swift creation of targeted and memorable training activities and assessments that reinforce knowledge.
2. Learners Satisfaction
According to a recent survey, the combined population of millennials (individuals born between 1980 and 2000) and the younger Generation Z now accounts for 65% of the entire Indian workforce. These learners seek training resources that are efficient, easily accessible, and quick.
Microlearning, predominantly designed for mobile devices, emerges as the perfect solution for employees seeking immediate answers and just-in-time support.
As the idea is segmented into more compact modules, users can conveniently navigate these shorter lessons at their preferred pace rather than engaging with lengthy courses.
3. Improved Learner Engagement
In the survey, 60% of the participants preferred using learning tools more frequently if the content was presented in multiple, shorter lessons. Rather than overwhelming learners with excessive information, it is more effective to divide the content into smaller, easily digestible segments.
Microlearning holds significant appeal due to its compatibility with how our brains process information. High-quality microlearning focuses on need-to-know information and essential skills, ensuring learners do not waste time on non-essential details or activities.
4. Improved Time Management
Time equals money. Microlearning has demonstrated its effectiveness in saving time and money in various ways:
As previously mentioned, learners can save time by completing courses at an accelerated pace.
Organizations can save time by developing and updating microlearning courses faster than traditional eLearning methods.
Additionally, organizations can reduce expenses by eliminating the need for physical classroom space, instructors, and travel costs.
Microlearning Bite-Sized Learning Application in eLearning
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Quick Notes and Tutorials
Bite-sized microlearning breaks down complex topics into short, easily digestible lessons. Users can access these quick lessons whenever they have a few spare minutes, making it more convenient for learners to engage with the content regularly.
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Learning on the Go
Microlearning is well-suited for mobile devices, allowing learners to access content on the go. Learning Management System (LMS) platforms with mobile apps can deliver microlearning content to learners wherever they are, increasing accessibility and flexibility.
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Gamification
Incorporating gamified elements into microlearning content can make it more engaging and motivate learners to complete modules. LMS platforms can award points or badges for completing modules, encouraging a sense of accomplishment.
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Reinforced Learning
Regularly spaced microlearning content reinforces knowledge retention. The LMS can schedule and deliver short quizzes or mini-assessments to reinforce learning over time, helping learners remember and apply what they have learned.
Microlearning Bite-Sized Learning Application in Digital Marketing
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Short Video
Utilizing short videos on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Chingari, etc., is an excellent way to implement microlearning. Social media influencers often share brief videos, lasting a few seconds to a minute, containing quick tips, DIY guides, or skill-building exercises.
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Multiple Video Posts/Carousel Post
Users can create carousel posts on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, incorporating multiple images or videos. These posts are perfect for breaking down complex subjects into a series of easily digestible slides, each focusing on a specific aspect.
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Microlearning Stories
This approach takes advantage of platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram Stories, where content disappears after 24 hours. These temporary stories can deliver daily or weekly doses of knowledge, enticing users to return for more information.
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AI-Assisted Chatbots
These chatbots present a dynamic approach to microlearning as they can deliver personalized content tailored to users’ preferences and learning needs, making the learning experience more interactive and engaging.
Bite-Sized Learning Application in iPC Scholar Adaptive Learning
- Considering the principles of the Forgetting Curve, the iPC Scholar Adaptive Learning System (ALS) will provide users with activities designed to reinforce their learning. These activities, which may include summaries, flash cards, and practice quizzes, aim to revisit concepts previously learned by the users.
- iPC Scholar adaptive courses are device-agnostic. The courses are well-suited for mobile devices, allowing learners to access content on the go. iPC Scholar mobile apps can deliver microlearning content to learners wherever they are, increasing accessibility and flexibility. This increases learner engagement with the platform.
- iPC Scholar ALS creates custom learning pathways consisting of interconnected microlearning modules. Learners can progress through these pathways at their own pace, building their knowledge step by step.
Conclusion
Microlearning goes beyond being a mere trend in eLearning. It is a clever learning approach that appeals to learners and enables the swift and effortless creation of effective and engaging content. Moreover, microlearning is fundamental to fostering a learning culture within your organization.
Authored by: Abhishek
