We are constantly being told that we need to be mindful of the amount of food we eat if we want to stay healthy. Believe it or not, the same principle applies to learning: If we want our brains to stay sharp, we need to feed them small doses of information at a time. This is where microlearning comes in!
In this blog post, we will explore what microlearning is and why it’s a rising trend in eLearning. More importantly, we’ll be talking about what that means for you when it comes to content creation and teaching your brilliance to your community.
What is Microlearning?
Microlearning is actually a concept that has been trending over the last few years. In fact, eLearning Industry release a blog article back in 2018 titled “Microlearning: A Complete Guide For Beginners”. While the conversation is just beginning in the course creation industry, educational institutions have had their eyes on this shift for a few years now.
Microlearning can be defined as “the delivery of learning in small, digestible chunks”. The focus is on breaking down information into short, easily consumable lessons. This type of learning style has become increasingly popular due to our busy lives and the need for convenience.
Now that we know what it is, let’s discuss why it matters when it comes to course creation. The old teachings around course creation and online learning have traditionally focused on super-sizing content. The give ’em everything you’ve got kind approach.
While the perceived value of a course stuffed full of information is there, the true, educational value is lacking. In most cases, the average person is unable to retain all of that information. In fact, according to a blog written by shiftelearning.com, research shows that the human brain is not wired to maintain focus for hours on end. It learns better when the content is delivered in short bursts with the courses well spaced out to help cement the learning.
Microlearning changes all of that!
When content is delivered in small doses, our brains are better able to process it. And if educating others is your main focus (which it should be) then it’s time to toss out the super-sized mentally and shift to content that your learners can effectively digest. Microlearning opportunities will change the eLearning industry for the better and the solution is to #gomicro on your course content.
- Microlearning is suited for diverse and versatile content.
- It can be used as a stand-alone module or blended in with structured training and learning.
- Microlearning opportunities allow for flexibility and independent pacing.
- Learners experience a sense of achievement that is motivating and encouraging thus increasing the completion and success rates of the course.
- Application of knowledge is immediate and the learner has time to process the newly gained knowledge and is more likely to implement.
- Microlearning can be made more easily ‘available’ than traditional learning whe using strategic tags and search features.
Micro-course Strategy
So where do you begin? The simple solution is micro-course creation. Following the trend of microlearning, a micro-course is a short course that focuses on one or two objectives with teachings that are under 12 minutes or less.
Think six 10-minute videos that allow for application and implementation versus one long 60-minute learning module. The topic should be clear and concise.
Now, keeping strategy in mind, the key is to create a number of micro-courses that can then be put together to form a larger, more cohesive eLearning series.
If you are at the beginning of course creation, start with identifying your ideal client or learner and ask yourself what it is that they want to learn about. In my Micro-Course Blueprint, these two steps are key. (Psssst…grab my blueprint here if you don’t have it yet.)
Do you already have a course? No problem! It’s time to #gomicro. Take a look at the current course objectives and break them into overarching themes that will cover no more than three objectives. Then, create a micro-course for each theme!
You will immediately notice the versatility that you now have with a new series of micro-courses as well as having more options on your business’ product ladder. Further, your learners will be able to learn in a way that allows them to implement and see success.
It’s time to turn your wealth into wisdom! I’d love to support you in determining your next steps to course creation when it comes to micro-courses. Meet me for a FREE Micro-Course Blueprint Session!