A microlearning experience is a short, focused learning module designed to teach a specific concept, skill, or topic in a relatively short amount of time. The key components of a microlearning experience include:
- Clear learning and performance objectives: Define specific and measurable accomplishments or learning outcomes for the microlearning experience. This helps learners understand what they will gain from the content and helps you design focused and relevant content.
- Focused content: Ensure that the content is focused on a single concept, skill, or topic, making it easier for learners to absorb and retain the information in a short amount of time.
- Conciseness: Keep the content concise, typically ranging from a few minutes to no more than 20 minutes. This makes it easier for learners to engage with the material and supports better retention.
- Engaging and relevant presentation: Use a variety of formats, such as text, images, audio, video, or interactive elements, to present the content in an engaging and memorable way. Ensure that the presentation is relevant and supports the learning objectives.
- Real-world application: Provide examples, case studies, or scenarios that demonstrate the practical application of the concept or skill, making the content more relevant and meaningful to learners.
- Interactivity: Incorporate interactive elements, such as quizzes, exercises, or reflection prompts, to allow learners to go deeper after completing the microlearning and practice or reinforce what was learned.
- Flexibility and accessibility: Design the microlearning experience to be easily accessible across various devices and platforms, ensuring that learners can access the content at their convenience.
- Self-contained and modular design: Create the microlearning experience as a standalone module that can be completed independently or integrated into a larger learning experience. This allows learners to focus on specific areas of interest or need.
- Assessment and feedback: Include assessment opportunities, such as quizzes or self-assessment questions, to help learners gauge their understanding of the content. Provide feedback to support improvement and reinforcement of learning.
- Human-centered design: “Meet them where they’re at”. Take into consideration the learners’ needs, patterns, and prior knowledge when designing the microlearning experience. This helps to create a personalized and effective learning experience.
By incorporating these key components, you can create a successful microlearning experience that is engaging, effective, and tailored to the needs of your learners.