Education
Microlearning: Delivering Bite-Sized Education for Better Retention
In recent years, microlearning has become an accepted teaching and learning methodology due to the effectiveness of bringing knowledge quick and timely to the learner. Learners have also regarded this paradigm as transformational in nature because it aids in information acquisition and retention by breaking complex matters down into simpler, smaller modules. Microlearning permits the learner to focus on one topic at a time because the information is given in a summarized fashion, enabling them to learn better and remember for a longer period. Also, through the modular approach of microlearning, updates and changes are easily integrated, helping them to keep up with changing situations. In today’s fast-moving world, wherein the need is to adapt and absorb newer information at a quicker pace than ever before, microlearning ideally meets this demand. Key Features of Microlearning are below,
Short and Focused Content
The microlearning modules are brief, typically around 3 to 10 minutes long. It is this brevity that enables learners to concentrate on one subject matter, step, or piece of information at a time, without cognitive overload, thus, making the learning process more manageable. By limiting the scope of a lesson to one single objective, learners are able to comprehend the material better and thus, they can retain it for a longer period of time.
Multimedia-Rich Formats
This applies the use of different multimedia formats for easier facilitation of learning. These include videos, infographics, animation, podcasts, quizzes, and even simulations that are interactive. The use of all these kinds of media means that microlearning caters to all kinds of learners: visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. The use of multimedia therefore adds variety to the learning process and maintains the interest of the learner in the materials.
Also, through multimedia usage, boredom is avoided and the learners remain interested in the content as it seems to be information-based but also entertainment-based. While the interactive elements include quizzes and simulations, which reinforce learning by providing context for the application of what has been learned.
On-Demand and Flexible
The most impactful benefit of microlearning is its flexibility. A learner can access the modules as they want, and from any location, whether at work, home, or during their commute. This on-demand access means that learning can be easily integrated into daily routines, making it possible to learn at a time and place that suits the individual. Moreover, students can select the modules that correspond to their existing problems or knowledge gaps, thus, driving a more personalized learning experience.
Mobile-Friendly
The mobile correspondence of microlearning content is a highly influential aspect in a world where mobile device usage is so widespread. Microlearning modules are mostly built with a mobile-first approach, so they can be easily navigated and accessed by smartphones and tablets.
This mobility provides learners with the ability to participate in learning activities on the go, be it during break times, when on the road, or in between tasks. The capability to acquire knowledge in pieces through a mobile device fits the current lifestyle and thus, education becomes more available than ever.
Just-in-Time Learning
Microlearning is superb in implementing this type of learning called “just-in-place” learning which refers to offering the information that students require precisely at the moment they require it. The method is of particular importance in professional environments where workers often need quick access to particular knowledge or skills they may need to finish a task or solve a problem. As an instance, a sales team officer can access a microlearning module that discusses the latest product features just a few minutes before a client meeting. This immediacy strengthens the content’s relevance and applicability, which in turn leads to better performance and outcomes.
Benefits of Microlearning
The most important feature of microlearning is’ its flexibility and adaptability. Learners can choose when and where they want to study the material since they can access it at their own pace and convenience. Be it at work during a lunch break or on a bus ride, microlearning gives the learners the liberty to choose the learning path. And it is precisely this flexibility that allows the learners to get the most out of the content and apply what they have learned in practice, as they can take an approach to the material that best works for them.
Improved Retention
Research proves that separating the information into smaller, simple and more manageable pieces enhances memory retention. The theory is based on the idea of “chunking,” which is a psychological principle that states that information is grouped into smaller units making it easier to process and recall. Microlearning strengthens this perspective since it provides content in small chunks, which in turn decreases cognitive load and helps the information to be transferred into long-term memory. The mindset of learners is positively influenced by the fact that chunked information is easily remembered. Because the learners can focus their full attention on one piece of information, they are not overwhelmed by other pieces of information.
Increased Engagement
The entertaining aspect of microlearning is one more key advantage. The fact that the content is sent in different multimedia formats, microlearning to capture the learners’ interest and not lose their motivation. Each module’s short duration also aids in keeping attention since learners are less likely to get tired or bored, as is the case with longer, more traditional learning sessions. Additionally, the interactive features normally found in microlearning like quizzes and simulations, are so engaging that learners get involved in the learning process and the whole process becomes more dynamic and attractive.
Greater Flexibility
Microlearning has a dominant feature of flexibility in learning by providing options to learners on how and when learning can take place. The learners can decide the speed of their own learning, and thus they can move at a pace that is suitable for their individual learning styles and schedules. This method of learning in self-pace makes the whole process of learning less stressful as in traditional methods
learners are required to keep up with a fixed schedule. On the other hand, students are permitted to review the applets as frequently as necessary, thus they do not move on to the next topic until they comprehend the material. It is this provision that makes the adult learners who have to divide their time between learning and other obligations, such as family and work, very satisfied.
Microlearning works well and is flexible and convenient, especially in a fast-changing environment where lifelong learning has become inevitable. It allows for a better understanding and longer retention, as the contents are presented in granular and focused modules. Thus, it is ideal for students and professionals alike. It is flexible, can be updated without any problem, and also integrated with other learning modes to enable customization and quality learning. In a world of growing remote work and virtual classrooms, microlearning meets the need for an era of just-in-time learning through micro contents about topics, which will enable continuous skills development, ensuring that learners stay up-to-date and current.
This article is authored by-
Vishal Aditya Sahoo, Director, New Age Learning, SAI International Education Group