Using microlearning is actually a good e-learning strategy. According to one article, it is a fact that digital skills are constantly in need of being updated. Instead of conducting adequate training programs, companies cannot keep up in helping their employees stay updated. This is why workers have to rely on each other. While it helps and it keeps companies from spending too much money and time on training, it is never enough. In fact, inadequate training can seriously hamper productivity within the workplace.
Fortunately, this can be solved by short courses that can be quickly done and completed by employees without disrupting their work. There are so many benefits to using microlearning as a strategy to deliver e-learning courses. It is great for training people who are always busy or on-the-go. It can be used to provide just-in-time information, performance support, etc.
As you can see, there are so many ways that these bite-sized learning courses are useful. However, there are also a couple of pitfalls that you need to avoid. If you really want to use this successfully, make sure you understand how it is supposed to be used.
Pitfall 1: Using it for everything
While we all agree that microlearning is a great e-learning strategy, it is not the answer to every elearning need. It is not a one-size-fits-all method of delivering online courses. When it is used incorrectly, it can compromise the content and learning process. This is why you need to determine your elearning goals before you choose to use this. If you force it, you might end up wasting precious time and effort. Consider the project and the training goals before you finalize your decision to use microlearning. It helps to start by identifying the training need. If microlearning can meet the training requirement and overcome a learning hurdle, then you can use it. If not, then use another method.
Pitfall 2: Forcing to simplify the content
All elearning courses should be done in a simple and concise manner. This will help keep the focus on the content. Since microlearning is supposed to be short, the simplification of content is more pronounced. However, you still have to be careful with how you will manipulate the content. You have to realize that some content cannot be simplified and will require a longer time to learn. These cannot be toned down to fit into short courses. Try not to compromise the content just because you want to keep the learning process short. You might end up lowering the value of the content.
Pitfall 3: Too much rushed learning
One of the advantages of using microlearning is allowing people on-the-go to catch up and improve their knowledge and skills without compromising their schedule. As amazing as this may be, it still promotes rushes learning. This is great as a refresher course – as long as the learner spent their time previously to learn properly. Make sure the 5 to 10-minute learning materials are absorbed properly by the learners. Set rules that employees can follow to ensure that the content in microlearning will not be taken for granted.
Pitfall 4: Eating up learner’s free time
The expectation with microlearning is that it is available anytime and anywhere. Some people interpret this as learning during their free time. While it is their choice, it often times lead to feeling burnt out. You want to avoid this because it might compromise their productivity. Microlearning can be accessed anytime but encourage learners to do it during working hours.
If you want to succeed in using microlearning as an e-learning strategy, make sure you avoid all of these pitfalls. It is best to get to know all the types of delivery methods that you can use to present online courses. That way, you can choose the right one that can help you meet your training goals.
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