Micro learning for effective training - eLearning concepts
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Micro learning breaks down complex subjects into easily digestible content that supports on-demand and self-directed learning, fitting into the 70% of informal, experiential learning according to the 70/20/10 learning model. It is delivered via mobile devices, providing flexibility and cost savings while addressing various learning styles and enhancing information retention. Challenges include effectively chunking content and designing engaging interactive elements, but micro learning's benefits make it an effective tool for modern training needs.
Micro learning for effective training - eLearning concepts
- 1. 1 Micro learning takes information about complex subjects and breaks it down into easy-to-digest bits or chunks. Then those bits of information are presented as learning content that can be viewed on-demand and integrated into the normal business routines by the target audiences. This supports learning opportunities that may take place anywhere and anytime. Think of micro learning as self- directed, just-in-time learning—bit by bit. A powerful advantage of micro learning is that it may be delivered to audiences by mobile phone, tablet or laptop computer because the content is in small chunks. Generally, micro learning is characterized by “low time commitment, small chunks, short effort and narrow topics—but complex as a whole.” (Hug & Friesen; 2009) Micro Learning for Effective Training www.viadelivers.com
- 2. THE 70/20/10 FORMULA According to this research, people learn 70 percent from real life and on-the-job experiences, tasks and problem solving; 20 percent from feedback and from observing and working with role models; 10 percent from formal training. Micro learning fits in that 70 percent category of informal experiential type learning. In traditional training, 80 percent of what employees learn is forgotten within 30 days if the training is not reinforced and incorporated into daily work habits. Evidence points to micro learning as an ideal method for activating knowledge (prompts), summarizing content (reminders/messages), recalling or reactivating knowledge (practice/rehearsal/active learning), providing application opportunities (experiential), and supporting just-in-time search support (on demand). Have you heard of the 70/20/10 concept of how individuals learn, developed by the Center for Creative Leadership? MICRO LEARNING FOR EFFECTIVE TRAINING www.viadelivers.com
- 3. WHY MICRO LEARNING? Push and pull of micro content promotes active learning. For example, prompts may be used to remind learners to review information in a central knowledgebase. Conversely, small pieces of information may be “pushed” to the audience to serve as action items. Plus, micro learning is easily designed to include assessments, such as brief quizzes, required responses or participation recognition, for immediate feedback and measurement. Further, micro learning provides substantial cost savings for on-going training efforts that do not require workforce travel and interruption of normal work activities. MICRO LEARNING FOR EFFECTIVE TRAINING There are many advantages of using micro learning to complement or even replace classroom and web-based training www.viadelivers.com For example, chunked information is easily and quickly viewed and better understood. Plus, it provides more options for how to package or present content enabling managers to match a variety of learning styles: visual, auditory and kinesthetic/tactile.
- 4. MICRO LEARNING EXAMPLE Other examples of micro learning content include: • Short chunks of text • Short video • Brief audio message • Short podcast • Single screen view • PowerPoint type slide • Question and answer • Prompt with a desired action or to spark collaboration • Brief scenario with a desired response • Simple game • Quick Learning Modules MICRO LEARNING FOR EFFECTIVE TRAINING www.viadelivers.com Example1 A new media company sends a customer service tip each day to its call center employees via email. Example2 A company delivers new product details converting information to text, video clips and animation, then delivers the information in a sequenced fashion to the salesforce via smartphones. Example3 A company uses weekly podcasts to communicate executive messages then follows up with short assessments for gathering feedback.
- 5. LITTLE CHUNKS BIG CONCEPTS A key challenge with micro learning is the proper chunking of content, as opposed to shredding content. In other words, content must be carefully selected and designed for micro learning delivery, not just splitting up collections of information to “feed the platform.” Use of some interactive content is highly desirable in micro learning. The challenge is to devise engaging interaction so it’s not limited to assessments like quizzes. Because micro learning content is typically distributed as a series of chunks, it may be necessary to package it with a compelling theme or story to engage learners. Alerts, prompts and reminders often are thematically packaged. This way, learners immediately recognize the category of information being distributed to provide a sense of organization or structure. This means that existing training may not be well suited to micro learning without significant re-development and re-writing. This also requires limiting the amount of content per chunk and per series of chunks to prevent information overload often associated with traditional training. With a bit more creativity, micro learning can employ brief exercises, activities, tasks and prompt-response actions to increase interest and retention of content. MICRO LEARNING FOR EFFECTIVE TRAINING www.viadelivers.com Content
- 6. INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN CHALLENGES Producing content for multiple devices provides advantages and challenges. The greatest challenge is designing content presentation to be usable by the “lowest common denominator” level device, such as a smartphone with a small display, slow data transfer rate and limited interactive capability. Advanced micro learning design and delivery systems/products address this challenge, making the instructional design process manageable. These factors must be balanced with the need to present content in a compelling manner, often a task that demands creative instructional design and programming. That noted, smartphones are the platforms of highest interest for delivery of micro learning due to their market penetration, ease of use and mobility. Design and delivery MICRO LEARNING FOR EFFECTIVE TRAINING www.viadelivers.com DEVICE CONSIDERATIONS Desktop/laptop computer Most easily accommodates rich media and graphics via a large visual landscape. Network or connection speed and access are the most common challenges. Tablet Usually accommodates rich media and graphics via a mid-size visual landscape. Network or connection speed and Internet access are the most common challenges. The amount of content per screen view may be more limited than with full-function computers. With touch screens interactive capabilities are enhanced. Mobile/ smartphone Best accommodates limited graphic rich media, very small bits of information per viewable screen and limited video or animation due to varied phone transfer rates and the small display.
- 7. BLENDED IS BEST WITH MICRO LEARNING There are an ever increasing number of information sources and units used for learning. As part of blended training, micro learning complements webinars, classroom training and full online courses. Self-directed micro learning allows learners to view or use the content when and where they prefer, thereby matching the needs of a mobile work force. Where rapid change is constant, micro learning makes an ideal format to manage training and communication due to the modular like ability to update small chunks and re-sequenced pieces of training. Many learners today are expecting to access and reinforce learning through modern technology – including mobile, games and social sharing. MICRO LEARNING FOR EFFECTIVE TRAINING www.viadelivers.com
- 8. MICRO LEARNING BENEFITS • Offers on-demand delivery of content so it addresses the hurdle of “making time for training” by ensuring that it’s easily available anywhere, anytime • Supplies a powerful training tool for a dispersed workforce using varied communications devices • Reduces information overload by presenting content in a more granular method over a period of time • Tracks and measures results • Yields multiple use and reuse of content, including employment of templates to reduce development costs • Repurposes existing content from presentations or training for use as micro learning content MICRO LEARNING FOR EFFECTIVE TRAINING www.viadelivers.com • Provides performance support for training, reinforcing training with compelling presentation of content • Allows for convenient scheduling and sequenced deployment for timely content broadcast/distribution • Delivers simple customization and updating of content, so it’s flexible and adaptable for dynamic or evolving content • Supports interactive elements with exercises and content presentations to engage audiences beyond just “announcing” or “telling them” information • Encourages decision-making, acquisition of specific skills, on-demand knowledge and continuous learning
- 9. Micro learning is an effective part of a blended learning strategy, as the on-demand or just-in-time learning component provides bits of information across a workforce. The capability to use compelling media such as video, animation, graphics, narration and interactive elements makes micro learning an attractive, cost- effective tool. Moreover, it can lead to higher retention and engagement rates than traditional longer eLearning courses. Micro learning often is considered a type of performance support due to its common applications, such as to communicate reminders, prompts, review content, updates, quizzes, etc. This way, micro learning content may be used for new initiatives, compliance, news, alerts, training, collaborative initiatives, and links to rich content or other performance support materials. IS MICRO LEARNING RIGHT FOR YOU? About VIA VIA is a leader in web and mobile micro learning programs for companies around the globe. Contact Us To learn more about VIA Learning solutions or how VIA can help your organization achieve improved training results, contact us at 1-800-737-8481 or visit us online at www.viadelivers.com. MICRO LEARNING FOR EFFECTIVE TRAINING