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Micro learning takes information about complex subjects

and breaks it down into easy-to-digest bits or chunks. Then

those bits of information are presented as learning content

that can be viewed on-demand and integrated into the

normal business routines by the target audiences. This

supports learning opportunities that may take place

anywhere and anytime. Think of micro learning as self-

directed, just-in-time learning—bit by bit.

A powerful advantage of micro learning is that it may be

delivered to audiences by mobile phone, tablet or laptop

computer because the content is in small chunks.

Generally, micro learning is characterized by

“low time commitment, small chunks, short

effort and narrow topics—but complex as a

whole.” (Hug & Friesen; 2009)

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THE 70/20/10 FORMULA

According to this research, people learn 70 percent from

real life and on-the-job experiences, tasks and problem

solving; 20 percent from feedback and from observing and

working with role models; 10 percent from formal training.

Micro learning fits in that 70 percent category of informal

experiential type learning.

In traditional training, 80 percent of what employees learn

is forgotten within 30 days if the training is not reinforced

and incorporated into daily work habits.

Evidence points to micro learning as an ideal method for

activating knowledge (prompts), summarizing content

(reminders/messages), recalling or reactivating knowledge

(practice/rehearsal/active learning), providing application

opportunities (experiential), and supporting just-in-time

search support (on demand).

Have you heard of the 70/20/10 concept of how individuals learn, developed by the Center for

Creative Leadership?

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WHY MICRO LEARNING?

Push and pull of micro content

promotes active learning. For example,

prompts may be used to remind

learners to review information in a

central knowledgebase. Conversely,

small pieces of information may be

“pushed” to the audience to serve as

action items.

Plus, micro learning is easily designed

to include assessments, such as brief

quizzes, required responses or

participation recognition, for immediate

feedback and measurement.

Further, micro learning provides

substantial cost savings for on-going

training efforts that do not require

workforce travel and interruption of

normal work activities.

MICRO LEARNING FOR EFFECTIVE TRAINING

There are many advantages of using micro learning to complement or even replace classroom

and web-based training

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For example, chunked information is easily and quickly

viewed and better understood. Plus, it provides more options

for how to package or present content enabling managers to

match a variety of learning styles: visual, auditory and

kinesthetic/tactile.

MICRO LEARNING EXAMPLE

Other examples of micro learning content include:

• Short chunks of text

• Short video

• Brief audio message

• Short podcast

• Single screen view

• PowerPoint type slide

• Question and answer

• Prompt with a desired action or to

spark collaboration

• Brief scenario with a desired response

• Simple game

• Quick Learning Modules

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Exa

mp

le 1

A new media company sends a customer service tip each day to its call center employees via email.

Exa

mp

le 2

A company delivers new product details converting information to text, video clips and animation, then delivers the information in a sequenced fashion to the salesforce via smartphones.

Exa

mp

le 3

A company uses weekly podcasts to communicate executive messages then follows up with short assessments for gathering feedback.

LITTLE CHUNKS BIG CONCEPTS

A key challenge with micro learning is

the proper chunking of content, as

opposed to shredding content. In other

words, content must be carefully

selected and designed for micro

learning delivery, not just splitting up

collections of information to “feed the

platform.”

Use of some interactive

content is highly desirable in

micro learning. The challenge

is to devise engaging

interaction so it’s not limited

to assessments like quizzes.

Because micro learning content is

typically distributed as a series of

chunks, it may be necessary to

package it with a compelling theme or

story to engage learners. Alerts,

prompts and reminders often are

thematically packaged. This way,

learners immediately recognize the

category of information being

distributed to provide a sense of

organization or structure.

This means that existing training may

not be well suited to micro learning

without significant re-development and

re-writing. This also requires limiting

the amount of content per chunk and

per series of chunks to prevent

information overload often associated

with traditional training.

With a bit more creativity, micro learning can employ brief exercises, activities, tasks and prompt-response actions to increase interest and retention of content.

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Content

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN CHALLENGES

Producing content for multiple devices provides

advantages and challenges. The greatest challenge is

designing content presentation to be usable by the “lowest

common denominator” level device, such as a smartphone

with a small display, slow data transfer rate and limited

interactive capability. Advanced micro learning design and

delivery systems/products address this challenge, making

the instructional design process manageable.

These factors must be balanced with the need to present

content in a compelling manner, often a task that demands

creative instructional design and programming.

That noted, smartphones are the platforms of highest

interest for delivery of micro learning due to their market

penetration, ease of use and mobility.

Design and delivery

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DEVICE CONSIDERATIONS

Desktop/laptop

computer

Most easily accommodates rich media

and graphics via a large visual

landscape. Network or connection

speed and access are the most

common challenges.

Tablet

Usually accommodates rich media and

graphics via a mid-size visual

landscape. Network or connection

speed and Internet access are the most

common challenges. The amount of

content per screen view may be more

limited than with full-function computers.

With touch screens interactive

capabilities are enhanced.

Mobile/

smartphone

Best accommodates limited graphic rich

media, very small bits of information per

viewable screen and limited video or

animation due to varied phone transfer

rates and the small display.

BLENDED IS BEST WITH MICRO LEARNING

There are an ever increasing number of information

sources and units used for learning. As part of blended

training, micro learning complements webinars, classroom

training and full online courses.

Self-directed micro learning allows learners to view or use

the content when and where they prefer, thereby matching

the needs of a mobile work force. Where rapid change is

constant, micro learning makes an ideal format to manage

training and communication due to the modular like ability

to update small chunks and re-sequenced pieces of

training.

Many learners today are expecting to access and reinforce learning through modern technology

– including mobile, games and social sharing.

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MICRO LEARNING BENEFITS

• Offers on-demand delivery of content so it

addresses the hurdle of “making time for training”

by ensuring that it’s easily available anywhere,

anytime

• Supplies a powerful training tool for a dispersed

workforce using varied communications devices

• Reduces information overload by presenting

content in a more granular method over a period

of time

• Tracks and measures results

• Yields multiple use and reuse of content,

including employment of templates to reduce

development costs

• Repurposes existing content from presentations

or training for use as micro learning content

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• Provides performance support for training,

reinforcing training with compelling presentation

of content

• Allows for convenient scheduling and sequenced

deployment for timely content

broadcast/distribution

• Delivers simple customization and updating of

content, so it’s flexible and adaptable for

dynamic or evolving content

• Supports interactive elements with exercises and

content presentations to engage audiences

beyond just “announcing” or “telling them”

information

• Encourages decision-making, acquisition of

specific skills, on-demand knowledge and

continuous learning

Micro learning is an effective part of a blended learning strategy,

as the on-demand or just-in-time learning component provides bits

of information across a workforce. The capability to use compelling

media such as video, animation, graphics, narration and

interactive elements makes micro learning an attractive, cost-

effective tool. Moreover, it can lead to higher retention and

engagement rates than traditional longer eLearning courses.

Micro learning often is considered a type of performance support

due to its common applications, such as to communicate

reminders, prompts, review content, updates, quizzes, etc. This

way, micro learning content may be used for new initiatives,

compliance, news, alerts, training, collaborative initiatives, and

links to rich content or other performance support materials.

IS MICRO LEARNING RIGHT FOR YOU?

About VIA

VIA is a leader in web and mobile micro learning programs for

companies around the globe.

Contact Us

To learn more about VIA Learning solutions or how

VIA can help your organization achieve improved

training results, contact us at 1-800-737-8481 or

visit us online at www.viadelivers.com.

MICRO LEARNING FOR EFFECTIVE TRAINING