In a fast-paced work environment, keeping up with the constant new information can be difficult. You’re always learning something new, whether it’s a new software program or a change in company policy. And if you’re constantly learning, you avoid falling behind and becoming obsolete. That’s where microlearning comes in.
Microlearning is a brief, concentrated learning session that improves your ability to assimilate and retain information. It’s an approach that is well-suited for the modern workplace and can help you stay ahead of the curve.
This article will look at the importance of continuous learning and microlearning formats to drive continuous learning in your organization.
Importance Of Continuous Learning In The Workplace
It is essential to continuously learn and develop new skills to stay ahead of the curve and keep up with the ever-changing workplace landscape. Learning should be a lifelong habit, not something that only happens when you first start a job or when you’re preparing for a career change.
There are many ways to learn, including formal education, on-the-job training, mentorship programs, online courses, and more. What’s important is finding a learning method that works for you and making time for learning in your busy schedule.
Maintaining your knowledge of the latest trends in your industry will help you stay current and increase your marketability and employability. It will also help you develop new skills and knowledge to apply to your current role.
Continuous learning can also help you become more well-rounded and knowledgeable, improving your leadership and problem-solving abilities. So, commit to continuous learning if you’re looking to advance your career or remain competitive in today’s marketplace.
Why Is It Difficult for Organizations To Drive Continuous Learning In The Remote Workplace?
Organizations struggle for various reasons to encourage continuous learning in remote settings:
- Employees can only sometimes access the same resources when working remotely. It can make it difficult for them to find information when needed or complete tasks.
- Remote work can be isolating, and employees may need the opportunity to interact with colleagues and learn from them regularly.
- Organizations might need more tools, like specialized learning portals or online training programs, to support remote learning.
Formats of Microlearning
- Video-Based Microlearning
Video-based microlearning is a valuable and entertaining method of delivering brief lessons that are easy to understand and remember. This type of microlearning can be used to provide employees with just-in-time training on specific topics, or it can be used as a refresher on previously learned material.
Additionally, video-based microlearning can be a great way to introduce new topics or concepts.
When designing video-based microlearning content, it is essential to keep the following in mind:
• Keep it short: Videos should be 2 minutes or less to hold learners’ attention and ensure that they retain the information.
• Make it visual: Use images and graphics to help illustrate the points you are trying to make.
• Use engaging audio: Choose a narrator with a pleasant voice and use music sparingly to add interest.
• Be clear and concise: Get straight to the point and use simple language everyone can understand.
- Infographics
Infographics are a powerful tool for driving continuous learning. Using infographics, you can effectively engage your learners and aid in their retention of important information. Organizations may use infographics to convey complicated information in a way that is appealing to the eye and simple to comprehend.
When creating an infographic, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the design is clean and visually appealing.
- Use clear and concise language.
- Highlight the most important information first.
- Use graphics, charts, and other visual elements to break up the text and make the information easier to digest.
- Static Assets
Microlearning is a popular and practical instructional design approach that you can use to support continuous learning. Static assets are digital content that is not interactive and cannot be changed or customized by learners.
Static assets include images, videos, PDFs, and text-based documents.
While microlearning is often thought of as solely made up of short, bite-sized pieces of content, static assets can also play an essential role in supporting microlearning goals. For example, an image or video clip can introduce a new concept or provide an overview of a process. A PDF document can provide step-by-step instructions for completing a task.
Static assets have the potential to enhance microlearning as a powerful tool for supporting continuous learning when used correctly. These assets can ensure learners have all the knowledge necessary to finish a task or comprehend a concept by being included in a microlearning strategy. It can also help break up longer content pieces into more manageable chunks.
- Scenarios With Multiple Branches
When it comes to microlearning, one of its most powerful features is its ability to create multiple branches within a single learning experience. It allows corporate learners to explore different aspects of a topic in greater depth or focus on specific areas most relevant to them.
For example, imagine you’re creating a microlearning course on time management. Within the course, you could develop branches for different types of learners: those who want to focus on work/life balance, those who need to learn how to say no, and those who want to learn time-saving hacks.
Each branch’s content and activities would be distinct and tailored to the needs of that specific learner group. It also lets you track which topics are most popular and require more development, making the learning experience more relevant and exciting for each learner.
- Mobile Applications
Mobile applications are the ideal delivery method for microlearning content. It is a powerful strategy for promoting continuous learning.
With the help of mobile apps, learners can access content whenever they need it in short, easy-to-digest chunks that can be finished in under a minute. It makes it easy for learners to fit microlearning into their busy schedules.
Mobile apps also offer interactive features that make learning more engaging and effective. For example, learners can use flashcards to review key concepts or take quizzes to test their knowledge. And since mobile apps can be used offline, learners can access content even when not connected to the internet.
Conclusion
Microlearning is an effective way to drive continuous learning within an organization. It is flexible, easily digestible, and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the learner. Microlearning can provide a powerful means of engagement that drives results when used with other tools, such as social media and video.
