Unit 2: Microlearning Content Types

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

List and describe different microlearning content types

Introduction

Microlearning is a pedagogical approach that creates small segments of information for learners. These segments are presented in short modules, which help motivate learners and change the ways they absorb knowledge. Microlearning comes in a variety of forms and methods of delivery. In the next section, we will take a closer look at some of those methods.

Microlearning Delivery Methods

This unit explores the following six common microlearning content types:

Videos
Infographics
Job Aids
Quizzes
Gamification
Podcasts

1. Videos

Videos are the fastest way to impart new information to learners as they are highly visual, familiar formats that are easy to retain. They may include animations, whiteboarding, kinetic text-based, interactive visuals, webinars, or webcasts.

Microlearning videos are short videos that deliver an on-demand microlearning lesson. Like all microlearning, microlearning videos usually have only one learning objective and are presented in a short time-burst (usually about 2-5 minutes), requiring little effort from individual sessions.

Organizations can use brief videos to communicate the following types of information with their employees:

Policy & procedure updates
New product launches
Software tutorials

This two minute animated video from Vyond suggests some ways that supervisors and managers can stay connected to remote team members:

2. Infographics

An infographic (information graphic) is a representation of information in a graphic format designed to make the data easily digestible at a glance. Infographics summarize key information in a visual manner that is easy for learners to understand and remember. They combine minimal text with elements such as illustrations, photos, graphs, icons and symbol. They can also include clickable icons linked to additional information, making them interactive and engaging. Ways to use infographics for employee training and communication include:

Summarize information
Simplify complex concepts
Visualize data and statistics
Make comparisons
Organize information and aid comprehension

Example: this infographic educates employees on the cybercrime of phishing:

Image source: https://gulfsouthtech.com/phishing/phishing-facts-you-need-to-know-in-2022/

3. Job Aids

Job aids are any tools, devices or guides that provide simple instruction on how to complete a task or achieve a goal. They are used to either introduce new steps in a process or to help people remember how to complete tasks more efficiently. For new employees, job aids are ideal for onboarding, initial training, and just-in-time performance support. For current and seasoned employees, they are a great way to introduce new work processes and provide updates on procedures. Job aids improve performance by targeting a specific learning need for a specific audience. They can be used on-demand for continuous learning, targeted learning, or reinforced learning. Some common types of employee job aids include:

Step-by-step processes
Checklists
Flowcharts
Decision making
References
FAQs

Example: A job aid with step-by-step instructions on how to pull customer reports:

4. Quizzes

Microlearning quizzes, which take learners just a few minutes to complete, consist of easily consumable and hyper-relevant information in the form of bite-sized games. They can include elements like multiple choice, fill in the blank, matching questions, and other interactive elements. Microlearning quizzes can help reinforce employee knowledge, as well as provide information on any training areas they may be struggling with.

Example: A mobile microlearning quiz on password security:

Image Source: https://www.talentcards.com/blog/microlearning-examples/

5. Gamification

Gamification is a type of microlearning that helps employees learn concepts while playing a game. Gamified microlearning incorporates the elements of challenge, success, and reward to help learners connect with the learning experience and build motivation to achieve desired results. Incorporating gamification elements into items such as training materials and annual compliance modules can make both experiences more interesting and engaging for employees.

Many gamified types of microlearning include something called branching scenarios. A branching scenario places learners in a situation where they are presented with a challenge and required to choose what to do next in order to progress through the learning process. Through this process, the learner progresses by receiving feedback and by experiencing the consequences in real time. Each consequence produces new challenges and choices for the learners.

Example: This microlearning activity features branching scenarios for restaurant upselling techniques:

Image source: https://community.articulate.com/e-learning-examples/rise-360-3-techniques-for-successful-upselling

Click here to see this activity in action!

6. Podcasts

Podcasts are microlearning bites comprised of digital audio recordings the learners can listen to, similar to a recorded radio show episode. This format is most effective for learners who are constantly on the move and find it challenging to find a dedicated time slot to complete their training. Learners can listen to the podcasts while commuting to and from the office, traveling for business, or even while working out at the gym. They are a great method for delivering quick tips, updates, and insights to employess on-the-go.

Example: The 80 Percent podcast project shared stories about ways that organizations can build prepared, resilient, and skilled frontline workers. This episode from the discusses the viability of using microlearning to train frontline employees: