The way we learn has to keep up with the demands of our busy lives which is where microlearning comes in.
It delivers a modern approach to training and education that delivers knowledge in short, focused bursts.
Whether you’re an HR leader, a corporate trainer, or just someone curious about new learning trends, you’ve likely heard the buzz around microlearning.
But what makes microlearning so effective? And why are so many organisations adopting it to train their teams?
We’ll explore the ins and outs of microlearning; what it is, why it works, and how it can transform the way we learn.
We’ll look at:
- What is microlearning
- Key features of microlearning
- Benefits of microlearning
- Challenges of microlearning
- Best practices of microlearning
Let’s get started.
What is microlearning?
Microlearning is a technique used where you deliver learning content in small, focused chunks. The goal is to create short, snappy content, in a range of media, that can help learners absorb and retain information more effectively.
Often it’s at the point of need with a focused and specific learning outcome. But the learner is in control of what and when they learn so they can complete their training at a time and place that suits their schedule.
When you’re consuming content on your own terms, you’re much more likely to be engaged.
And think about content on mainstream social media platforms too. They prioritise short form content because it can be so engaging.
Key features of microlearning
What does microlearning look like in practice?
Well, it’s pretty simple. Microlearning, or bitesized learning, generally has the same key features:
- Short in duration: Microlearning content can be anything from a few seconds to ten minutes. It’s very different from traditional learning content which could see users watching or engaging with content that is hours long.
- Focused content: Each microlearning module will focus on one single topic or skill. This allows microlearning to be broken down into digestible chunks.
- Engagement: Microlearning’s main goal is to be as engaging as possible so it’s common to see video, quizzes, gamification or other attention-grabbing features.
- Accessibility: Microlearning is designed specifically to be easily accessed on mobile, meaning learners can learn on the go.
Microlearning can look different in different formats. From video tutorials to infographics and flashcards to interactive quizzes, there’s plenty to try.
Benefits of microlearning
As expected, microlearning offers many benefits which makes it a popular choice for L&D professionals.
These benefits tend to stem from its short, focussed format.
Here are the key benefits of microlearning:
Enhanced knowledge retention
When information is presented in small manageable chunks, it’s easier for the brain to process and store.
In fact, one study found that a group which received learning broken into chunks took 28% less time to answer questions and performed 20% better in tests than the group which received a single long block of teaching.
Time efficiency
Microlearning is designed to be short and sweet, making it easy for learners to fit into their busy schedules.
One common L&D challenge is time constraints as learning often falls to the bottom of a priority list.
With microlearning, learners can squeeze a 3-minute safety video into a break between other tasks.
This allows them to keep on top of training as and when they have time, as opposed to trying to commit to large periods of time.
Just-in-time learning
Learners can access microlearning exactly when they need it.
And when they need something in the moment, microlearning means they can learn exactly what they need, as opposed to having to dig out one small piece of information from a very long course.
For example, someone could use a microlearning course to troubleshoot steps on a tool that isn’t working properly.
Increased engagement
Bite-sized content works a treat for learner engagement.
Interactive elements like quizzes, videos and gamified tasks can keep learners more engaged than traditional learning.
According to the Brandon Hall Group, organisations employing microlearning report 50% higher engagement.
Related: Read more employee engagement statistics
For example, you could implement microlearning that rewards learners with points or badges for competing modules which would encourage participation.
Accessibility and flexibility
Microlearning is designed to be delivered via mobile devices, apps, or online platforms which means that microlearning is available anytime, anywhere.
Some learners will prefer on-the-go education, and it comes in handy too.
For example, a sales representative can quickly review a product’s features on their smartphones before meeting a client.
Encourages self-paced learning
Sometimes learning is simply too long.
A learner may lose focus, may have work tasks that crop up, or may simply want to take time to absorb what they’ve learned already.
With microlearning, learners can control the pace of their education, revisiting content as needed without feeling overwhelmed. Focusing on one concept at a time means that you can avoid feeling overwhelmed by excessive information.
When you think about the forgetting curve and learning retention, you realise how important it is to repeat learning content.
Easy to update and maintain
The benefits aren’t just for your learners.
Bite-sized content makes it easier to find content that needs updating, as opposed to revising an entire training course.
Challenges of microlearning
Microlearning has taken the corporate and educational worlds by storm, and for good reason.
It’s concise, flexible, and designed to meet the needs of busy learners.
But like any approach, it’s not without its challenges.
While it’s easy to focus on its benefits, understanding the hurdles of microlearning is essential for designing programs that truly deliver value.
So, here are some challenges of microlearning to consider:
Limited depth and scope
Microlearning is designed for short, focused sessions, which makes it less suitable for complex topics that require in-depth exploration or critical thinking.
So while it might be perfect for light-touch subjects, you may struggle to see impact in advanced programming for example.
Equally, skills requiring hands-on practice or deep immersion, such as customer service or medical treatments, may not be adequately addressed.
Fragmented learning experience
Learners might struggle to see how individual microlearning sessions connect to form a cohesive understanding of a larger subject.
For example, fragmented lessons on company policies might confuse employees about the overall workflow.
So, it’s important to create flow as and where you can.
And of course, the benefit of bite-sized learning is that you can hope learners will stay engaged through more than one piece of content, so that might ease the lack of flow.
Potential for oversimplification
By focusing on small, isolated chunks of content, microlearning risks presenting information without fully exploring its connections to a broader topic or concept.
Learners may struggle to see the “big picture” or understand how individual pieces fit together.
Best practices of microlearning
To make microlearning impactful, it’s important to design content that balances brevity with depth, engagement with usability.
Here are some best practices to guide your efforts:
1. Focus on a single learning objective
Microlearning thrives on clarity.
Each module should address a specific learning goal or skill, whether it’s understanding a concept, answering a question, or solving a problem.
A focused approach ensures that learners can immediately grasp and apply the information.
Research shows that just 60% of information would be retained after just 20 minutes, but targeted content increases retention by reducing cognitive load.
2. Keep content short and concise
The hallmark of microlearning is brevity.
Modules should range from 2 to 10 minutes, depending on complexity, but even shorter is better when possible. Use plain language and avoid unnecessary details.
A study by the Journal of Applied Psychology found that learning in small chunks improves knowledge transfer by 17% compared to traditional methods.
3. Use engaging formats
Multimedia elements like videos, infographics, and animations are excellent for keeping learners engaged. So make sure to incorporate these types of learning into your content.
Related: The role of gamification in learning
Ideally, videos should ideally last no longer than 3–5 minutes and make sure to use visuals and audio cues to highlight key points.
4. Design for mobile accessibility
Mobile accessibility is of paramount importance.
Over 70% of learners now access training content via smartphones, highlighting the need for mobile-first design.
Today’s learners are often on the move, so content needs to be optimised for mobile devices.
Make sure all of your learning content is responsive, legible, and touch-friendly.
5. Incorporate interactivity
Interactive elements are a cornerstone of effective microlearning.
Elements like decision-making exercises, drag-and-drop tasks, or gamified features encourage active participation and deepen understanding.
They transform passive consumption of information into active engagement, which improves understanding and retention.
6. Offer sequenced learning
When tackling complex topics, design a series of interconnected modules that build on each other.
This ensures continuity and allows learners to progressively develop a deeper understanding.
So, create a series of microlearning modules that build on each other.
Use a logical progression, ensuring each module connects to the next to maintain continuity.
Sequenced learning supports scaffolding, a proven educational approach that helps learners build deeper understanding by layering knowledge step-by-step.
7. Use reinforcement techniques
Incorporate spaced repetition, quizzes, or recap modules to reinforce key points and enhance memory retention.
Think of Duolingo. How often you have to repeat words and phrases to ensure you fully know them.
Related: What Duolingo gets right with eLearning
By following these best practices, you can create microlearning experiences that are both engaging and effective, ensuring learners not only enjoy the process but also retain and apply what they’ve learned.
The best LMS for microlearning content
BuildEmpire, built using Totara, is an industry leader in delivering effective and user-focussed learning platforms.
Thanks to Totara’s open-source, flexible framework, we can build off of the comprehensive tools and features provided, and add even more.
We can offer customisations without limits which means you could build a totally bespoke platform.
BuildEmpire can offer a whole host of features such as:
- Gamification
- Interactive content via SCORM
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Plus seamless integrations
All the tools you need to make embedding microlearning content into your LMS even easier and more intuitive.
Want to get started? Book a demo to see exactly what our platform can offer.
