I believe that each of us has practiced microlearning at some point – often without realizing it. When faced with tasks like assembling new shelves at home, unclogging a drain, or fixing a bicycle inner tube, we turn to short instructional videos for guidance. Or when planning a trip abroad, we download a gamified language learning app and spend a few moments each day learning a small piece of a new language, sometimes just to maintain a "streak" of consecutive learning days.
The digital age has rapidly transformed the way we acquire knowledge, allowing us to absorb information in small, targeted nuggets.
Moreover, smartphones, social media, and quick “Google” searches shape our habits and often weaken our attention span, making it necessary to implement new methods for learning and teaching.
This shift has led to traditional forms of education losing their effectiveness. Massive information packages and online courses are often perceived as too heavy and time-consuming from the start, and our information-overloaded brains can't handle large amounts of information at once.
One of the most effective methods is microlearning, which provides condensed information in short but efficient learning sessions. Micro-content typically lasts only 5-15 minutes and focuses on one concept, skill or learning outcome at a time.
Anytime, anywhere – Not forgetting having fun
In addition to addressing the challenges posed by decreasing attention spans, microlearning fits well with today's fast-paced, mobile lifestyle.
In a digital learning environment, learners can use microlearning to acquire and apply knowledge precisely when they need it. For instance, microlearning during work offers immediate, practical information for solving real-time problems, which can improve the application of what is learned and shorten the forgetting curve. In other words, it helps people do their jobs better.
And if online training includes audio, videos, or gamified elements, a microlearning session can even feel like a pleasant break in the day rather than an obligation to be completed.
Plan Carefully
Learners benefit from microlearning in many ways, as learning in small chunks can be easy, effective, effortless, and even entertaining.
For the designer of microlearning, however, it requires a lot of effort and thought, as they need to pre-think the content for the learner to a certain extent.
You should consider what the essential things are that the learner should master, how to present the information in a smart way, and how to ensure that the learning is effective.
Here, a prioritization circle can be helpful. At the very beginning of the training design, it’s crucial to cut out all unnecessary information. Any “nice to know” or “good to know” information is usually quite useless. Make it clear right away who the learners are and what they at least need to learn.
After that, the actual design work can begin, keeping in mind engagement and quality. During the design process, attention must also be paid to the writing style, as in microlearning, the language should be especially clear, concise, and precise. Aim to keep the content short and to the point.
In the design phase, it’s also important to consider the graphic design and visuals used in producing the content, as well as the potential use of videos, gamification, or short simulations as teaching methods. You can get help and good tips from us at Mediamaisteri if you wish
As independent training or support for classroom training
We can help you assess whether microlearning is the best solution for your organization's current learning needs.
Microlearning can be used in various ways in organizational training. For example, work instructions are sensible to implement through microlearning, as is preparation for classroom training.
Microlearning conducted online can also often serve as an effective support material for classroom training, as reinforcing what was learned after classroom training through microlearning helps learners better retain and apply new knowledge.
Of course, microlearning can also function independently as its own training module for specific skills or areas of expertise.
Feel free to contact us if you’re interested in microlearning – we’re happy to tell you more.
PS. Download the micro- and nano-learning checklist here!
Mira Perämäki
Training Manager
