Creating Innovative And Efficient Scenario-Based Microlearning Content For Millennials
Today's L&D professionals have many challenges to consider when they select an employee training method. Millennials are now the largest working generation in the current workforce and they have different learning preferences than their coworkers from other generations. The number of remote employees is also growing and traditional training methods are not as effective in engaging them. So, how can scenario-based microlearning content help?
Organizations are searching for new cutting-edge approaches to training, and one you may want to consider is scenario-based microlearning. But what exactly is this training strategy and what makes it cutting-edge? Microlearning and scenario-based learning are not new to the world of L&D. However, combining these two techniques has created a new strategy that engages employees from all generations and locations.
What Is Microlearning?
Microlearning is a training format where learning content is divided into short, focused, single-topic segments. This format has become popular due to its ability to increase knowledge retention and its versatility. Many learners prefer this format because it makes it easier for them to fit training into their schedules.
What Is Scenario-Based Learning (SBL)?
Scenario-based learning or SBL is an eLearning training method where life-like scenarios are created using digital media to give context to training content and make the topics more relatable. This training method has also become popular due to its ability to increase learner engagement and retention.
When these two strategies are paired together, they create cutting-edge training programs that address the needs of modern learners [1]. To help you better understand why microlearning simulations are a training combo that gets results, we have shared some of the key ways they are a unique cutting-edge training solution.
4 Attributes That Make Scenario-Based Microlearning Content Unique
1. Enhanced Learning Experiences
Combining the microlearning strategy along with scenario-based eLearning helps L&D professionals create quality learning experiences that boost employee engagement. The short and simple design of microlearning makes each module easy to understand for learners. This helps employees better retain the information they learn.
Utilizing scenarios and real-world examples helps build realistic context around each topic. This helps promote a deeper understanding of the information that is being provided. It also helps participants understand how they can apply the skills they are learning on the job.
2. Increased Flexibility
Today the most successful corporate training programs are both flexible and accessible. Scenario-based training paired with microlearning-based training provides flexibility that suits all kinds of modern learners.
This form of training is usually hosted on a Learning Management System that allows employees to access training content on almost any device at any time. This helps remove barriers to learning for many employees and helps participants learn in a way that is most comfortable for them. For example, some employees prefer to access training while they are on the go and use their mobile devices. Others may prefer to use tablets or desktops.
The ability to access training anytime will also remove barriers to learning by allowing employees to participate in the training when it best fits into their schedule. Microlearning simulations also last only minutes, making it easier to fit the training into the busy schedule of today's employees. That's what scenario-based microlearning content is all about.
3. Multi-Purpose
Microlearning simulations also provide flexibility when it comes to Instructional Design. It takes very little time and money to create and develop a microsimulation because they are short and focused on one topic. This cutting-edge format gives organizations more options and ways they can use each piece of learning content they create.
Many companies choose to use these training modules for the bulk of their training programs. However, microsimulations can also be used to create a learning content library or as just-in-time support materials.
Providing a content library of microsimulations has become a popular learning method for training younger generations such as millennials because it allows learners to take control of the topics they learn, creating a more relevant and personalized experience.
Microlearning simulations also work well as just-in-time support materials because they can be used as a quick reference guide employees can access after they take the initial course. Just-in-time support materials are a great way to increase knowledge application after training.
4. Easy To Update
Today a common challenge L&D departments face is the need to continuously update and repurpose content to keep up with industry changes. Updating more traditional training materials can be a long and expensive process.
Microlearning simulations provide a cutting-edge solution to this challenge. This simple training format makes regular updates easy and affordable. Changes to training content can also be made quickly saving your company time as well as money.
Modules can also be edited so that they can be repurposed. This is especially useful when the core training material needs to stay the same, but minor changes need to be made for different departments, roles, or locations.
Summary
Microlearning simulations are the new learning strategy that is both highly effective and growing in popularity. This strategy combines the microlearning design with scenario-based learning. Together this combination can be used to create employee training programs that engage modern learners and increase productivity.
There are 4 ways microlearning simulations provide a cutting-edge training solution including the following:
- Enhanced learning experiences
This format enhances learning experiences by providing content in a way that is both engaging and memorable. - Increased flexibility
Microlearning simulations are an eLearning format that reduces training barriers by providing content that can be accessed anytime on any device. The short length of each module also makes it easier for employees to fit training into their schedules. - Multipurpose content
Microlearning is versatile and can be used in multiple ways whether it is your main training delivery method or if you use the modules as support materials. - Easy to update
This content is easy to update because each piece is short and simple.
To learn more about how this learning strategy can be used to overcome some of your toughest training challenges, read the eBook Microlearning Strategies For Corporate Learners. Also, join the webinar to discover how microlearning can be a game-changer.
References:
[1] A critical review of mobile learning integration in formal educational contexts