Micro-learning is the modular delivery of crisp, short e-learning training “nuggets” to employees. These powerful 2-6 minute learning blasts support a formal instructor-led training and e-learning program so that the learning stays centered on the learner and arranged within their educational experience. Its compact design is also compatible with the mobile shift because learning can be accessed anytime, not only through a Learning Management System but also through emails and employee portals, and can be downloaded on smart phones or tablets.
Before you take to plunge into micro-learning, here are 4 benefits of bite-size learning you should consider:
It’s Familiar and Brief
Interestingly, from Traditionalists to Generation Z, micro-learning is already taking place throughout the day. If you need to learn how to do something, you search Google, watch a quick YouTube video, ask your Facebook group, text a friend, or read a blog. We all enjoy these quick encounters. According to the research report from Software Advice titled, “Top LMS Features to Drive Employee Engagement“,
greater than 50% of survey respondents of a random sample of 385 full-time employees indicated that they would be more likely to use their company’s online learning tools if the content was broken up into multiple, shorter lessons. Micro-learning content is narrow, granular, easily digestible, and actionable.
It’s Engaging and Millennials Will LOVE IT!
Micro-learning engages the learner with just-in-time training. One of the most effective techniques is use of short videos. The popularity of TED Talks is a great example of successful micro-learning. Today, 300 hours of videos are uploaded to YouTube every minute, and the total number of hours of video watched on YouTube each month is around 3.25 billion. Millennials love engaging with video according to a study by Animoto on their video and social media consumption. Brad Jefferson, CEO and co-founder of Animoto, discussed the study (of 1051 consumers) in a press release: “There are 80 million millennials in the U.S. alone and their craving for online video as a preferred communication channel is growing. Video is an effective way for businesses to share their brand voice and story. With accessible video creation tools and platforms, companies of any size can create professional-grade videos to reach the millennial audience and increase business.” Video isn’t going away anytime soon, as major social networks and training departments continue to embrace the format.
It Has Potential
Confirming transfer of knowledge can take on a life of its own by encouraging property management employees to participate in their learning. Every micro-learning module has the potential to connect to something else. For example, if you’re launching a 3-minute module on how to create a fantastic first impression for the customer, you could ask learners to snap a quick video of themselves delivering 30-seconds of feedback that draws from their training and personal experience. Trainers can take it a step further by creating a topic-specific social media page where employees can share their video, which proves learning took place and presents an opportunity to encourage peer to peer idea sharing. Learning should not be a one-time event. It should be an evolving and adaptive process that creates a unique and personalized experience for each learner. Micro-learning has potential.
It’s Portable
Micro-learning can follow property management employees. Faster internet connections and increasing use of tablets and mobile phones create a dynamic and flexible learning environment with endless opportunities. Trainees can receive smaller actionable lessons that can improve performance while they are in the lunchroom, riding the subway, hanging out at Starbucks, or curled up on their comfy couch in their living room in front of the fireplace. It is a solution all generations will appreciate because it is not as disruptive as a day of training and it is targeted to one objective. Delivered via video, online posts, or even short chat sessions, these portable and small building blocks are cost effective, boundless, and familiar to an audience who is already micro-learning at home.
This bite-size e-learning is highly effective in refreshing and reinforcing your core training efforts for all generations of employees.
Maria Lawson
Vice President of Training and Development
Edge2Learn / Ellis Partners in Management Solutions
