Five Steps to Create Engaging Micro Learning That Really Works
Five Steps to Create Engaging Micro Learning That Really Works
This article explains the five best steps to create an effective micro learning module.
In today’s fast paced corporate world, the demand and appeal of micro learning is unparalleled. Micro learning offers information in bite-sized nuggets which are easy to digest and retain. Companies value time, ease of access and precision of information and therefore lean towards micro learning to impart training.
Micro learning has great acceptability for corporate learners who are already working long hours and who cannot afford to spend too much time learning new information. Micro learning offers them the opportunity to get essential information when they want, at a pace convenient to them.
Advantages of Micro Learning
The author Sudarshana Ghosh writes in her article that micro learning is a good device for imparting both formal and informal training. But it is more common in informal training scenarios. In almost all cases, micro learning has a learner-centric approach. It provides information based on the learner’s need, in a short span of time.
Another big advantage of micro learning is that there is no overload of information. An employee does not have to wade through pages of text to obtain a specific piece of information. Because micro learning is in its very essence brief, it also makes knowledge retention easier. Employees are far more likely to remember a small piece of information rather than ten pages of text.
If you look at it from the company’s perspective too, micro learning is beneficial. It offers training at a fast pace and at a relatively cheaper price. Because micro learning modules are short, the modules cost less than traditional e-learning courses. Micro learning courses can also be created and used quickly.
However, creating a micro learning course is not simple. The package needs to be engaging and effective. Here are five tips to create engaging micro learning that really works.
Step 1: Choosing the Targeted Micro Learning Format
Abhishek Jha offers the valuable tip that for creating an effective micro learning course, one needs to acknowledge the fact that different people have different ways of learning the same thing. Some prefer videos. Some want more audio clips. Some learners respond more to kinesthetics.
Micro learning caters to different learners and different learning styles. Before creating content, do some research on the intended audience and the kind of content. This will help you choose the format of your course. Abhishek Jha suggests using videos for teaching soft skills, flashcards for teaching hard skills and the assessment format for refresher courses.
Step 2: Identify One Learning Objective
A learning objective is simply the outcome that learners achieve at the end of each course. Because micro learning is brief, it has to focus on only one objective so that it has maximum effectiveness. This objective could be a behaviour that the learners are expected to adopt at the end of the course, explains Sudarshana Ghosh. You must ensure that the objective you have identified is achievable in a short span.
Step 3: Create a Storyboard
This step is absolutely essential if you want to create an engaging micro learning video. Even if you have the best resources at your disposal, it is necessary to make a blueprint before creating your course. Before starting with the video development process, create a storyboard of content and method of communication. This ensures that there is seamless understanding in your team, and helps avoid remaking a course.
Step 4: Use Audio Intelligently
Abhishek Jha writes that effective use of audio can be a game changer when creating effective micro learning courses. Restrict using too many voice overs. Let the audio support the visuals instead of overpowering it. Narration-style audio is not always needed. You can replace it with an interesting background score. You can use audio tools like Omnisphere and WaveLab.
Step 5: Go Mobile
Modern employees cannot imagine life without their smartphones. So make sure that your micro learning course is compatible with their smart devices. The more mobile friendly your course is, the higher are its chances of consumption and retention. Consider the fact that micro learning is best suited to smartphones. Keep this in mind when designing the layout of your course. The fonts and navigation should be compatible with mobile phones.
Conclusion
Micro learning is an effective form of imparting education. By using the aforementioned steps, micro learning can be made even more effective and engaging.
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3yInteresting and insightful. In our ADD environment, we might all benefit.