eLearning, Instructional Design / June 16, 2023

Micro-learning: The power of bite-sized training solutions

In today’s fast-paced world, where time is a precious commodity, micro-learning is in, and traditional training methods often struggle to keep up with learners’ needs.

Micro- and nano-learning are two revolutionary approaches to training and education that each offer bite-sized, targeted learning experiences. 

In this episode of AcceleratedID, I’ll explore the benefits of micro- and nano-learning, discuss how to use them effectively and showcase some successful micro- and nano-learning courses that have made a significant impact. So, let’s dive into the world of micro-learning and discover how it can revolutionize your training programs!

What is Micro-learning?

Before we dive into the benefits and use cases, let’s settle on a simple definition of micro- and nano-learning.

When you think micro, you think small. And when you think nano, you think even smaller. Well, that’s really what micro- and nano- learning are all about.

A micro-learning experience is a bite-sized learning experience that instructional designers can use to support a traditional learning solution. Micro-learning lessons are typically 5-10 minutes. Nano-learning lessons are less than 5 minutes.

Now, don’t mistakenly think that micro-learning replaces long-form training. We’ll get into some of the most effective uses of micro-learning later in this article!

Micro-learning in the Wild

In order to get you centered, I’d like to talk about a few different places you encounter micro-learning every day.

• Youtube tutorials
• Snapchat or TikTok clips
• Training emails from tech companies
• Linked articles from Facebook or Twitter

Which of the above have you experienced today? What did you learn? I’ll share my example. This morning I watched a 30-second TikTok of someone making an easy but delicious-looking roast beef melt. I saved the video and immediately added the ingredients to my grocery list!

Benefits of Micro-Learning in Training

As an instructional designer, it’s important that you understand the benefits of micro-learning. Not only will it be necessary for you to understand when micro-learning is an appropriate choice, but you might also have to explain them to your boss or client.

Here are just a few of the biggest benefits:

Enhanced Knowledge Retention

Micro-learning leverages the spacing effect, allowing learners to absorb information in small, manageable chunks. Repeated exposure to key concepts over time improves knowledge retention. Micro-learning helps combat the forgetting curve (more about that here) and facilitates long-term memory formation.

Flexible and Time-Efficient

Micro-learning courses are designed to fit seamlessly into learners’ busy schedules. With short modules that can be accessed anytime and anywhere, training becomes more accessible and convenient. This flexibility can eliminate the need for lengthy training sessions and encourages continuous learning, resulting in higher engagement and knowledge acquisition.

Targeted and Relevant

Micro-learning enables instructional designers to create highly focused and targeted content. Learners can quickly access specific modules that address their immediate needs or address knowledge gaps. So, micro-learning ensures that learners gain practical skills that can be immediately applied in their work.

Engaging and Interactive

By utilizing multimedia elements such as videos, infographics, quizzes, and gamification, micro-learning captivates learners’ attention and creates an immersive learning experience. The interactive nature of micro-learning enhances engagement and facilitates active participation and knowledge application.

Using Micro-Learning Effectively

Just like any training solution, in order to be effective micro-learning needs to be done right. 

My biggest tip for using micro-learning or nano-learning well is to use it carefully. I mentioned this earlier, but micro-learning isn’t always the first solution to a training problem. 

There are times when you might be able to use micro-learning in place of traditional training. Take my example above of the video I watched that taught me how to make a yummy sandwich. In that scenario, there would have been no need for me to take a full cooking class, the video was just enough! 

But this won’t be the case for many corporate or higher-ed learning opportunities. More likely, you’ll use micro-learning to reinforce the objectives after a more traditional training.

Here are a few other tips for creating the most effective micro-learning experiences.

1. Set Clear Objectives: Clearly define the learning objectives for each micro-learning module. Align these objectives with the overall training goals to ensure consistency and relevance.
2. Chunk Content Strategically: Break down complex topics into smaller, easily digestible modules. Each module should focus on a specific concept or skill, ensuring clarity and reducing cognitive overload.
3. Design for Mobile: Optimize micro-learning content for mobile devices, allowing learners to access training material on-the-go. Ensure that the content is responsive and easily navigable on various screen sizes.
4. Incorporate Interactivity: Leverage interactive elements such as quizzes, simulations, and branching scenarios to encourage active participation and reinforce learning.
5. Reinforce Learning: Use spaced repetition techniques to reinforce key concepts and promote long-term retention. Consider periodic assessments or quizzes to evaluate progress and identify areas for improvement.

Successful Micro-Learning Course Examples

I encourage you to think about opportunities that exist for micro-learning for your clients or portfolio projects. In the meantime, here are a few ideas and examples of effective and appropriate micro-learning solutions.

1. “Time Management Hacks for Busy Professionals”: This micro-learning course offers practical tips and strategies to improve time management skills. Learners can access short modules on prioritization, delegation, and productivity hacks, allowing them to quickly implement these strategies in their work.
2. “Customer Service Excellence in Retail”: Designed for retail employees, this micro-learning course focuses on key customer service skills. Interactive modules cover topics such as active listening, conflict resolution, and handling difficult customers, equipping learners with essential skills to excel in their roles. This kind of training might follow a more formal, elearning experience. The mini modules reinforce the objectives from the original course and promote long-term retention and, ultimately, the use of important skills in the workplace.
3. “Cybersecurity Basics for Employees”: In this micro-learning course, employees learn about essential cybersecurity practices to protect themselves and their organizations. The course includes short modules on password security, phishing awareness, and data protection, creating a security-conscious workforce.
4. Here’s a generic idea that could apply to any training topic for a number of different fields: create an infographic that reinforces key skills and send it to your audience one-week post-training. A week after, send a short video reinforcing a different skill.
5. Training libraries: this is another idea that has many different uses. I like it for call center employees who have to use software like Salesforce to access caller data. Create a library of short videos on specific processes that are easy to grab and view as employees need them. 

Wrapping it Up

Micro-learning represents a paradigm shift in training and education, offering numerous benefits for learners and organizations alike. 

By leveraging its bite-sized, targeted approach, micro-learning enhances knowledge retention, provides flexibility, delivers targeted and relevant content, and engages learners through interactive experiences. 

I would love to hear how you are using micro-learning- whether in your professional or personal time! Join me and my network of instructional design lovers in The Hangout Facebook Group and share!