What is Microlearning? [2-Minute Explainer]

Summary

Microlearning is a method of learning through short, digital, stand-alone units designed to provide concise, easily digestible information. It offers flexible, on-demand lessons that can be consumed at any time, often in formats like videos, fact sheets, or infographics. Popular due to its convenience and alignment with modern learning habits, microlearning delivers quick, specific answers to questions without overwhelming users. While the concept itself isn't new, its digital application makes it more relevant today, especially for busy individuals seeking efficient ways to learn amidst their hectic schedules.

Takeaways

• 😀 Microlearning is a learning method that delivers short, stand-alone lessons via digital media.
• 😀 It focuses on providing small chunks of information that can be consumed when and where needed, without interrupting the workflow.
• 😀 Microlearning is defined by its functionality rather than its format—its main goal is to answer a specific question.
• 😀 The brain can only retain a limited amount of information at once, making shorter lessons more effective for retention.
• 😀 The format of microlearning can vary, including videos, infographics, fact sheets, slideshows, or chatbots, but it must be digital and mobile-friendly.
• 😀 Microlearning is popular because it fits well with the way people consume information today, typically using mobile devices.
• 😀 Microlearning's approach is not new but is now applied in the digital age to take advantage of mobile technology and home-based work environments.
• 😀 The rise of microlearning is driven by time constraints and the need for efficient, on-the-go learning without sacrificing effectiveness.
• 😀 To be effective, microlearning should be available on demand, searchable, flexible, and useful without requiring additional materials.
• 😀 Microlearning is a solution for busy individuals who can fit in short, 5-minute learning sessions between other tasks.

Q & A

What is microlearning?

Microlearning is a method of learning that involves consuming small, stand-alone units of information via digital media. These bite-sized lessons are designed to teach something concrete without overwhelming the learner or interrupting their workflow.

How does microlearning differ from traditional learning methods?

Unlike traditional methods that involve hour-long courses and seminars, microlearning delivers small chunks of information that can be easily consumed, typically through digital media, without taking up too much time.

Why do shorter lessons work better for learning?

Psychologist George Miller’s research suggests that the human brain can only retain five to nine facts at a time before either committing them to long-term memory or losing them. Shorter lessons are more effective because they align with the brain’s capacity to process and store information.

What formats can microlearning take?

Microlearning can take various formats, including videos, fact sheets, infographics, slideshows, and chatbots. The key is that the content is digital, mobile-friendly, and concise.

What is the primary purpose of microlearning?

The primary purpose of microlearning is to provide quick answers to specific questions, allowing learners to acquire relevant knowledge without engaging in lengthy courses or training sessions.

Why is microlearning becoming popular in education and business?

Microlearning is gaining popularity because it aligns well with the modern way of consuming information. People are accustomed to getting immediate answers through their phones and prefer learning in short bursts, making microlearning a natural fit.

Is microlearning a new concept?

While the concept of bite-sized learning is not new, it is being applied in the digital world, leveraging smartphones, tablets, and remote learning tools. The rise of digital technology has made it easier to implement and popularize.

Why is microlearning especially relevant today?

Microlearning is particularly relevant today due to time constraints. Many people feel they don't have the time for lengthy training sessions but still recognize the importance of staying updated with new skills and knowledge. Microlearning allows learners to fit in short sessions when they have a few spare minutes.

How should microlearning be designed to work effectively?

Microlearning should be available on demand, searchable, flexible, and self-contained. There should be no need for additional materials or a scheduled time to access the content, and learners should be able to access the lessons whenever and wherever they need them.

Can you give an example of microlearning?

An example of microlearning is this video. It is a stand-alone piece of content, accessible on-demand, and answers a specific question without the need for a longer course or additional supporting material.