Did you know you could learn something new in a matter of minutes? Microlearning is about breaking down information into small, manageable chunks, which makes it easier to understand and remember. With digital learning platforms on the rise, this approach has become popular in educational institutions and workplaces, allowing people to learn at their own speed. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of microlearning like improved retention and flexibility, which makes it a smart choice for anyone looking for a more efficient way to learn.
What is microlearning?
Microlearning revolves around a teaching method that breaks down lessons into more focused shorter sessions. These mini-lessons usually run for about three to 10 minutes and zero in on one specific topic or skill. You can find these bite-sized lessons in all sorts of formats, like videos, quizzes, podcasts, infographics or even interactive activities. One of the advantages of microlearning is you can learn in a way that works best for you. This approach fits perfectly in modern education where so much is going digital. It works hand-in-hand with traditional learning methods by providing flexibility and convenience. As part of the growing trend towards personalised and ongoing education, microlearning lets you dive into content whenever you want, helping you reinforce what you’ve learned in a quick, fun, and useful way.
Enhanced engagement and retention
Why microlearning? Microlearning keeps students engaged. Research from numerous experts backs this up. Breaking down content into short, interactive pieces helps maintain focus and avoids overwhelming the brain. The psychological principle called the "spacing effect” suggests that we remember information better when it’s spread out over time. In 2020 researchers M Madden and KK Govender conducted a study on the effectiveness of microlearning in South African retail banking and found 80% of the 7673 bank employees found it effective. The data showed that participants responded positively to microlearning; they gained relevant knowledge through this method, which led to improvements in their work performance and business outcomes.
Flexibility and accessibility
One of the top microlearning benefits is its flexibility. You can work through lessons at your own pace and on your own schedule, which is perfect for anyone juggling classes, work and personal life. Whether you’ve got a few minutes between lectures or during your lunch break, microlearning makes it easy to squeeze in some learning. Another of the many benefits of bite- sized learning is its accessibility. Whether you're on your phone, tablet or laptop, you can access microlearning content anywhere.
Cost-effective learning solution
Another of the benefits of micro learning? Microlearning is a smart, budget-friendly option for training because it cuts down on time and costs. Instead of spending time developing and attending lengthy sessions, microlearning delivers quick, focused lessons that get straight to the point. It’s all digital, so companies save money on not having to print manuals or book venues for in-person sessions. There is no need for trainers to travel or for employees to take long breaks from work. Swapping out full-day workshops for short, engaging online modules saves cash while still getting the job done. It’s a win-win for both learning and the budget.
Improved learning adaptability
Microlearning is adaptable, making it perfect for personalised learning. You can choose topics that matter to you and skip over stuff you already know or have no need for, which saves time and keeps things relevant. Microlearning can be updated quickly to include the latest information or industry trends, so you're never stuck with outdated content.
Implementation in various settings
Microlearning shows up everywhere — from workplaces to universities to online courses. Companies like Google and IBM use it to train employees on compliance or software. At universities and colleges, microlearning works alongside traditional teaching, and self-paced online courses like Duolingo or Coursera are also available. There are numerous success stories. One such story is of Cipla Medpro in South Africa which was struggling with low learner engagement and training retention. Using a microlearning platform with mobile access, 95% of staff used their smartphones to learn, with 79% of training happening outside work hours. According to Digemy.com, the sales team started with an average knowledge level of 32% on training material. After daily training for four months, this jumped to 83%, with 82% of the team fully up-to-date on their learning plans and only 5% below 70% progress.
Challenges and solutions
Challenges:
- High-quality content creation: creating engaging, short and to-the-point content can be tricky. It’s a balancing act between keeping things interesting and informative.
- Coverage of complex subjects: breaking down complicated topics into bite-sized chunks without losing their meaning is not an easy task.
Solutions:
- Collaborate with experts: get input from people who really know the subject to make sure the content is accurate and high quality.
- Add interactive elements: use quizzes, case studies or simulations to make learning more engaging and interactive.
- Break complex topics into series: instead of tackling everything at once, break complicated subjects into smaller, interconnected modules.
- Keep it fresh: regularly update your content to keep it relevant.
Microlearning is changing how we learn. It brings flexibility, keeps you engaged and helps you retain info better – all in short lessons that fit perfectly into a busy schedule. If you’re an educator, trainer or just someone keen to level up your knowledge and skills, think about how microlearning could boost your approach. It’s not just for corporate training – whether you’re in higher education or working on personal development, microlearning can make studying more efficient, fun, and adaptable to changing needs and interests.
About The IIE’s Varsity College
The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE) of which Varsity College is a brand, is South Africa’s largest registered and accredited private provider of higher education. At Varsity College we understand that no two students are the same or learn the same. That’s why we make sure a student’s education is shaped around them; how they like to learn, what they are passionate about, what makes them tick, and what makes them thrive. Our Education by Design approach allows students to grow into their best, and creates a space where they can live, learn and play – their way.