Microlearning Theory

When we discuss organizational training and when considering the most up-to-date approaches, nothing but minimizing the learning process comes to mind. A clever idea is known in the world as MicroLearning Theory. In this article, we try to introduce microlearning theory and answer this question what is microlearning theory and why does microlearning became a learning trend now a day? Today, the problem of modern learners must be answered with a modern approach

What is microlearning theory?

Microlearning (made up of the word “micro” meaning small) means that all e-learning materials are in small quantities that you can understand in a short amount of time (unlike the thick textbooks you have to read in school or the heavy-duty e-learning classes that Are classified as “macro”). The methods of microlearning are very small in size, something between three and ten minutes long enough to capture the attention of the audience from start to finish. Content is delivered exactly when and where the learner needs it.

Brief, small, fragmented, at the moment. These are just 4 of the purpose and target tasks that we share here. These may seem simple, but they do represent a systemic change in the way we think about the components of corporate education.

Microlearning theory ideals and effects:

• It changes the way we analyze, design, develops, implement and evaluate our curricula.
• It requires us to use new technologies that give learners a powerful and focused experience simply and cost-effectively in terms of cost and time.
• It forces education and development professionals to reconsider their clients and what exactly their job should be.
• Microlearning theory pieces can be joined together or used alone, but they must be able to be used by anyone at any time.

Microlearning theory is designed for learners who constantly need to refresh their minds, microlearning enables them to be trained without having to open content pages one after the other, and this is one of the most important goals of microlearning theory. In addition, it is very suitable for knowledgeable and experienced employees who do not have enough time to complete the entire course. If these people have access to the microlearning theory option, they can easily access their favorite subjects and achieve their educational goals in a matter of minutes.

Why does microlearning became a learning trend now a day?

Microlearning theory, whether informal or as part of a structured learning experience, has several learning trend characteristics and positive points we explain why does microlearning become a learning trend below:

• Summarization:

Microlearning theory structures are short, although they do not have a specific duration.

• Fragmentation:

 Due to the purpose of microlearning and its brevity, microlearning theory focuses on a limited idea, concept, or topic.

• Variety:

 Micro-learning content can be in the form of a presentation, activity, game, discussion, video, test, book chapter, or any other format that stimulates learning.

• Flexibility:

Allows learners to use any tools they want to learn. This is favorable with the lifestyle and learning styles of modern learners .

• Attractive for everyone:

 microlearning theory learning policy attracts learners of all generations and nationalities.

• Accessible to the learner at work:

Available for the learner during work, so they can access it at the moment they need it.

• Practicality:

You can design learning pieces that help learners learn the process, solve problems, improve, practice, and apply them successfully.

• Adapted to educational needs:

 Can be presented in one piece or as a set of related pieces along the learning process.

Recommended article for further reading: Best microlearning courses for educators

Ability to update and retransmit quickly

Due to the busy schedule of people in today’s society, as well as the fact that employees now have less time and at the same time have many responsibilities and obligations, the need to adapt to changing times and business needs is felt. On the other hand, formal, annual training programs are not sufficient to match the need for continuous learning. Because of the above, the need for change in teaching methods is strongly felt so that these pieces of training are short, concise, and accessible when needed.

This educational method is known as a powerful tool for educating people and today it has gained considerable popularity among individuals, organizations, businesses as well as startups. Microlearning theory has features that make this method an ideal training strategy for everyone, these features are:

1- Achieving an educational goal in each topic

While online e-learning courses deal with multiple learning objectives, microlearning theory tries to deals with only one executive objective per learning unit. This ensures that learners go step by step and understand the topic well before taking the next step.

2 – Provide information in a targeted manner

As you know, every learning program contains two types of information:

• Information that is required to know
• Information that is better known

While e-learning covers both, microlearning theory often provides information that is essential to know. This technic saves a considerable amount of time and also makes the microlearning theory units special and the information more targeted. This process removes ambiguities about whether the information is important or not, and provides only the information needed to get the job done.

3 – Provide short intervals for attention and learning

Microlearning theory in the form of video, podcast, interactive PDF, and infographics, with only one executive goal in each educational unit and targeted information, is structured in such a way that learners do not need more than 8 to 10 minutes to complete the target units. Usually, this time may be much less than the amount mentioned. This feature of microlearning theory  has made it desirable for today’s busy people with short attention spans and tight schedules

4 – Available on all mobile devices

You do not always need a computer to access microlearning. Usually, all microlearning theory units are designed so that people can access them through any mobile device, whether smartphones, tablets, notebooks, or iPads. Also, the low property and capacity of the units have made them suitable for mobile access.

5 – Can be used in different stages of the learning cycle

• The main reason that makes microlearning a learning trend is that you can use it as an independent learning mechanism or in combination with your overall learning strategy at any stage of the learning and learning cycle. The learning cycle consists of the following five steps that microlearning theory can be used for each of the five steps or each step separately.
• Provide a pre-test before the main curriculum to assess learners’ prior knowledge or direction
• Informing people of what they can expect from the course (pre-training).
• Provide more resources, examples, and activities throughout the learning.
• Strengthening and consolidating knowledge after the training course (after training)
• Microlearning theory flexibility in presentation, which can be independent or part of a larger learning resource

Microlearning theory units can be independent, without the need for access to any other learning unit to understand the subject. They can also support routine learning and add interactions to one-way communication. This method has become a great educational solution and learning trend for people. Most importantly, microlearning theory helps to change the forgetfulness challenges into memorization points.