Today, microlearning has increasingly become an integral part of the organizational learning strategy as it can be effectively used for a variety of corporate training requirements and further can be used as an independent learning strategy or blended with other learning strategies.
A blended learning approach combines the technology(computer based training) with traditional learning, which is usually the classroom training. While choosing a blended learning strategy, the organization need to chose the digital components of the course very carefully to supplement the overall learning objective. Ideally, microlearning modules can satisfy or fulfill this learning objective as the short individual micro-nuggets convey a single topic or learning objective comprehensively.
Hence in this blog, let’s look at the 5 different ways to use microlearning in your blended learning.
1.Pre-Training
Microlearning modules can be effectively used in the stages of pre-training. They can be used to provide an idea of what is going to happen in the classroom training,like an explainer animated video can be shown to the learners, which warms them up to the basic concepts and also sets the agenda as well as expectation from the classroom training.
For example, we had developed an explainer video on the topic of PMS based on a Bollywood theme for a manufacturing conglomerate. This video was rolled out before their PMS manual was circulated.
Microlearning games can be even used as e-learning assessments in the form of a short quiz to test the existing knowledge of the learners before they attend the classroom training session. These microlearning games will help learners assess how much they know about the subject and lay the foundation for what they need to know.
For example, we had recently included a microlearning game based on the theme of cricket for a global FMCG organization. This game was used by the company to invoke the interest of the learners to participate in the classroom training to be followed..
2.During The Training Process
I am sure that many of us are quite familiar with this strategy, as the trainers are increasingly using microlearning videos during the classroom training can make the classroom training more engaging and lively.
For example, for a reputed manufacturing company we had developed microlearning animated videos explaining the working of their complex machinery which cannot be demonstrated in the classroom training environment.
The microlearning animated video effectively blends with the classroom training as the microlearning video is immediately shared and played on the LCD screen and at the same time made available to the learners to access from their smartphone, tablet ,iPad etc Here the microlearning video supplements the overall learning objective of training the learners on the working of the machinery. While the learners stay alert on the classroom training, the microlearning video reinforces the learning by explaining the concept and working of the machinery
3.Post Training
Fighting the forgetting curve of the learners and ensuring that the learners are able to retain the learning topic is not that easy. But microlearning as a learning strategy can be used to tackle the forgetting curve of the learners . But how ?
This can be easily achieved by offering to learn at spaced intervals after the completion of the classroom training The organisation can use microlearning approach to summarize the learning with key takeaways from the classroom training which can be delivered to the learners at regular and spaced intervals helping in reinforcing the learning.
The use of microlearning post training, allows the learners to actively establish the connect with the learning process and helps retain the existing knowledge. I recommend to initiate this immediately after the training as it can then help in reinforcing the knowledge.
There are various other strategies that can be used like including small micro games , quiz for assessments and including microlearning scenarios. For example, we had developed a series of microlearning sales scenarios where the learners interacts with a virtual client. Each scenarios trains the learner on the different product portfolio of the organisation. The use of scenarios gives the learners a confidence to learn without the fear of making any mistake.
4.Performance Support Tools
After attending the classroom training,the learner has to apply what is learned from the training on his/her job. Microlearning can be used here as performance support tools. For example, animated infographics, explainer videos etc can be used to act as anytime performance support tools.
As a step further, many organisation are now having their app platforms, which they use to deliver microlearning as a performance enhancement mechanism.
5.Social Learning
Human beings are social animals and hence there is a big opportunity to leverage the benefits of social media forums and microsites to deliver microlearning as a part of your blended learning approach.
For example, as a post training intervention, microlearning modules can be pushed to the learners and they can be invited for an active discussion on forums and social media platforms etc. By promoting active discussions, an organisation is sure to see the exchange and transfer of knowledge among the peer learners.
After reading my post you will be compelled to implement microlearning in an organization as it is a highly flexible organizational learning strategy and can be effectively blended with other learning strategies.
