How To Create Microlearning Online Training Your Employees Will Never Forget
Microlearning online training offers your employees small bursts of information that teaches a task, builds a skill, or explores a specific idea. Instead of trying to cover a broad range of topics, it focuses on targeted knowledge, which makes it an ideal "moment of need" support tool. Microlearning is not typically a substitute for a comprehensive online training program, but it does serve as a highly effective add-on. The key is creating condensed online training content that sticks and leads to long-term retention. Here are 7 tips to help you develop microlearning online training activities, multimedia, and modules that employees will never forget.
- Use a responsive eLearning authoring tool.
Responsive design eLearning authoring tools and Learning Management Systems give you the ability to create one master layout that can be viewed on all devices and browsers. The LMS will automatically change the layout of the page based on the screen size and resolution. Thus, every member of your corporate audience will receive the same benefits from your online training course. Responsive design tools are ideal for microlearning because they deliver mobile-ready online training content, which means that your corporate learners can access their online training materials on-the-job or whenever they have some free time in their schedule. - Create targeted online training videos.
Without a doubt, eLearning videos are one of the most effective examples of microlearning. Corporate learners can quickly watch a video that explores a topic or walks them through a task. It also caters to a wide range of learning needs. Auditory learners benefit from the narration and music while visual learners can absorb information through images and graphics. You can even include subtitles and captions for those who are hearing impaired or speak another language. Make certain that you give your corporate learners complete control over the video playback. For example, they may need to pause in order to fully absorb one step of the online training process before moving forward. - Focus on the task at hand, but always provide additional resources.
One of the most notable benefits of microlearning is that it helps to prevent cognitive overload. However, things can go horribly awry if you try to cover too much ground during a single online training session. This is why it's best to stick to one topic or task and then provide links for those who would like more information. For example, a corporate learner who wants to explore sub-topics on their own time can click on the links to access eLearning articles, videos, and full-length online training courses. Including additional resources also saves time, as your corporate learners won't have to scour the web looking for the information they need. - Repetition is NOT always the answer.
Repetition is usually very effective in online training, but this is also the case for microlearning. Keep in mind that your corporate learners are accessing the microlearning online training content because they need a quick and convenient dose of information. They don't want to sit through a 15-minute scenario that cycles through the task three times in order to boost knowledge retention. If they do feel the need to repeat the task they can simply restart the online activity and review the steps again. That’s the beauty of microlearning. It's bite-size, so your corporate learners can take multiple bites if they don't grasp the concept the first time around. - Develop visually appealing infographics.
Infographics are great for highlighting stats, facts, and trends that your corporate learners need to know. They can even use it as a reference when they need to brush up on the information. Just make sure that your online training infographic isn’t too ambitious. Choose one topic and then include 10-to-15 key points. Otherwise, your corporate learners simply won't have the time to absorb the information and they will forget most of the content thanks to cognitive overload. There are a variety of eLearning authoring tools that can help you create engaging and visually stunning infographics, even if you don't have any experience with graphic design. - Say it all with a story.
Corporate learners tend to remember more information when it's hidden away in an emotionally-compelling story or real world example. Stories and examples have the power to highlight the benefits and applications of the subject matter, which motivates corporate learners and encourages them to connect on a deeper level. Positive eLearning experiences are also more memorable, as our brains automatically link the information to favorable emotions. When creating your microlearning story try to keep it as brief and succinct as possible so that they can read it time and again in order to boost retention. Make it even more powerful and compelling by pairing stories with relevant images, music, or narrations. - Increase knowledge retention with an interactive online training demo.
Speaking of retention, an interactive demo allows your corporate learners to apply what they've learned, which helps them commit information to their long-term memory. Instead of just reading about the subject matter or watching an eLearning video, which are both passive, interactive demos serve as an active form of online training. Simulations, drag-and-drop interactions, eLearning games, and clickable walkthroughs give your corporate learners the chance to put their knowledge and skills into practice. It also provides immediate feedback, enabling them to correct performance behaviors on the spot. They can even repeat the activity when the need arises in order to perfect their problem-solving approach.
Microlearning is ideal for distracted or busy corporate learners, as it gives them the opportunity to build their knowledge base when it's most convenient for them. However, EVERY member of your staff will benefit from microlearning online training resources, as it allows them to access need-to-know information in between online training sessions.
Are you interested in learning about the pros and cons of microlearning? Read the article Microlearning In Online Training: 5 Advantages And 3 Disadvantages to discover that microlearning can offer a wide range of benefits for organizations who want to narrow performance and skills gaps rapidly, without having to take a large chunk out of their Learning and Development budget.
