What Is Microlearning: Definition, Examples & Best Practices

Over 80 percent of Raccoon Gang clients now request mobile app e-learning solutions, and microlearning sits at the heart of those projects. Each microlearning module zeroes in on a single learning outcome, breaking broad topics into digestible subtopics that learners can complete in just a few minutes. Though it may feel new, microlearning has evolved over decades, long before desktop computers appeared, and has steadily gained traction in both education and corporate settings. Today, trainers use it for employee induction, compliance refreshers, and ongoing skills development.

Modern microlearning often takes place on platforms resembling Instagram or Twitter, yet purpose-built for education. Short videos, infographics, or quick quizzes pop up in an app, so learners pick them up between meetings or during their commute. Read on to see how microlearning can transform your eLearning strategy, and why a mobile-first design is now non-negotiable.

What Is Microlearning?

Just like other forms of eLearning, microlearning appears to be a little broad. In simple terms, microlearning is a learning strategy that delivers highly focused lessons in very short bursts. At Raccoon Gang, we develop microlearning modules as part of courses for the Open edX platform and mobile applications. Different people define and name it differently based on how they utilize this idea; however, the following characteristics define all these approaches.

Characteristics of Microlearning

Regardless of how you incorporate it into an existing structured learning plan or implement it informally, these six characteristics of microlearning are always present:

• Conciseness or Brevity. Microlearning events run in short time bursts, even though creators often don’t specify exact durations.
• Granularity. Each segment zeroes in on a narrow topic or idea rather than a sprawling subject.
• Variety. A mix of formats—book excerpts, discussions, quizzes, games, videos, presentations—keeps engagement high.
• Effort. Short lessons demand active participation and alertness to maximize learning.
• Mobility. Designed for on-the-go access, microlearning works seamlessly on smartphones and tablets.
• Repeatability. Easy to replay or revisit, these modules reinforce knowledge through repetition.

These six traits make microlearning stand apart from traditional training methods. They also explain why this approach fits mobile learners so well; remember, microlearning isn’t limited to digital devices alone.

Examples of Microlearning Content

Common content ideas based on microlearning include the following:

• Short phrases, paragraphs, or other sorts of written content that is not lengthy
• Graphs, pictures, and illustrations
• Short videos, animations, and clips
• Snippets of speeches, music, or other audio
• Quizzes and exams
• Simple on-screen games
• Online tutorials
• Flashcards
• Mini-quizzes
• Sharing tiny bits of information through email, SMS, etc.

It is important to mention here that some microlearning apps don’t support all kinds of content mentioned in the list above. You must confirm the same with the seller from whom you buy microlearning devices.

Nonetheless, in today’s world, where everyone juggles a plethora of things and wears several hats every day, microlearning is nothing short of the ‘perfect’ learning model that learners need.

Notable Features of Microlearning

Although microlearning is famous as a learning approach with smaller learning modules and preciseness, there is a lot more to it that many don’t know about.

Here are some useful features of microlearning that make it a perfect learning tool for those in the corporate world.

It Caters to One Learning Objective at a Time

The best part about microlearning is that it caters to a single learning objective at a time. Learning objectives determine how a module will help learners and the outcomes of learning about a particular thing. This is the exact opposite of what eLearning allows, i.e., associating multiple learning objectives with all topics/modules.

The benefit of this feature of microlearning is that it ensures that the learners get enough time to fully comprehend what they have been taught. This implies a better understanding and a greater information retention rate.

It Is Focused On Information that Learners ‘Need to Know’

There are two types of information that training sessions include. These are:

• Need to Know
• Nice to Know

‘Nice to know’ is the type of information that is interesting but not necessary to obtain, while ‘need to know’ is the type that is relevant, important to know, and shouldn’t be missed.

In contrast to eLearning, which conveys both sorts of information, microlearning is more precise and focused on information that the learners ‘need to know.’

This means there are fewer chances for the learners to get confused between what is important and what is not. It also saves time and effort for both educators and learners.

It Comes in Handy

You don’t always have to stick to your computer to get your hands on a training module based on microlearning. Learners can use handy gadgets like smartphones, digital notebooks, and tablets to access these lessons and learn, irrespective of time and location.

Adding further convenience for the learner is the fact that microlearning modules are shorter; this means they are easy to download and to navigate.

It Benefits Those With Short Attention Spans

Microlearning is so precise that it barely takes 8 to 10 minutes to move past an entire module. This is chiefly because microlearning modules mostly comprise content that is based on interactive documents, infographics, interactive videos, and audio that one can quickly run and learn through.

This feature is especially beneficial for those who have a problem with retaining attention for long periods. They can easily learn from this crisp, structured, and effective style of learning without having to push themselves to focus.

As for educators or trainers, they can be at peace knowing they don’t have to rush through lessons or push learners with a short attention span to be observant.

It Has Diversified Learning Formats

While microlearning modules can sometimes be based on text and resemble conventional eLearning courses, they mostly consist of content in diversified learning formats. These can include videos, audio, podcasts, pictures, interactive documents, infographics, quizzes, games, animations, and whiteboard activities.

This feature helps to increase learners’ engagement and attention span, generate interest, and reduce the monotony of training programs.

It Can be Applied at all Levels of Learning

Regardless of whether you use microlearning as a standalone learning technique or introduce it into an existing mechanism, you can apply it at all three levels of learning.

• Pre-Training

Conduct a test prior to the commencement of a formal training program. This will enable you to determine how knowledgeable the learners already are. During this step, you can also easily inform them of what they can expect from training modules.

• Training

Share information during training sessions. Give examples, discuss similar references and situations, and implement activities that promote learning.

• Post-Training

This is the last step where educators should reiterate and reinforce the key takeaways from their training program.

It Can Be Used as a Standalone Approach or Even as One of the Many Learning Assets in a Module

With microlearning, you have the choice to either use it as a standalone approach for learning (without the use of other training modules) or simply to support customary training programs to make them more interactive and interesting. Added variety, increased accessibility, additional device support, precision, and the use of targeted information are all the features that make microlearning an excellent learning solution in every area, especially the corporate sector.

Benefits of Microlearning

Microlearning offers a bunch of benefits for both learners and educators. Here are a few of these benefits that deserve mentioning.

Quick Delivery with Shorter Modules

Microlearning allows educators/trainers to construct courses with numerous components. This technique encourages the use of more audio, videos, and images and doesn’t require writing a lot of things. This results in short courses that can be easily skimmed through and in quick delivery of lessons.

Affordability

Microlearning modules are much cheaper to produce and implement. They need a handful of resources and a couple of trainers who can finalize and execute them. Moreover, because of the preciseness bit, they don’t require specialized “microlearning tools” for content production, not to mention building and executing these modules which require less energy.

Flexibility

The fact that microlearning courses are short does not mean they can’t give coverage to subjects that regular eLearning courses do. You can use this technique for all subjects by only ensuring the length of lessons is short.

Microlearning can easily deliver even the most complex and broad subjects in a bite-sized manner.

Learners’ Engagement

As discussed before, microlearning or microlearning training is by far the best method to improve engagement rates. Do you know that feeling of excitement that you get before opening your social media applications or taking part in entertaining activities? That’s exactly how you feel when learning through microlearning modules.

Retention

Naturally, you are more likely to remember things that you see, visit, or read often. Successful microlearning modules use the same approach.

Microlearning research finds that learners better retain information shared through microlearning modules because they can return to them anytime, anywhere.

Freedom

Online learning courses that are text-based require a lot of time to read through. On the other hand, learners can quickly access and study microlearning lessons in the blink of an eye.

This implies that microlearning encourages casual/informal learning as well by allowing learners to learn in their spare time, regardless of how short the duration might be.

Microlearning Best Practices

Microlearning indeed has a lot of benefits, and it is far better than customary learning programs in numerous ways. However, in order to be able to make the most of this innovation in learning, you must know and follow the best practices in its implementation. Keep reading.

Ascertain Microlearning Can Be Used for Your Subject Matter

If the subject of training that you have seems to be complex, vast, and technical, you must rethink the decision to cover it through microlearning. This learning approach is only feasible for topics that don’t require detailed study and involve facts and figures, procedures, or any detailed information.

In any case, it can still be used to prepare crash courses for otherwise detailed subjects that have already been discussed or as an ancillary learning method.

Skip Large Chunks of Information

Microlearning is all about keeping lessons precise. You can’t execute a microlearning learning plan that includes huge chunks of information. Write less and use more engaging forms of microlearning content.

Use Gamification to Generate and Retain Interest

If the microlearning platform being used supports gamification, don’t hesitate to include a few games in your program. This will increase the interest levels of the learners and help them retain their attention without extra effort. Incorporating gamified microlearning strategies can further enhance engagement by making the learning process more interactive and enjoyable.

Implement Micro-Assessment Methods to Test Knowledge

Keeping it short and interesting doesn’t necessarily guarantee learners absorb what you teach. You do need to assess knowledge; in the case of microlearning, you must use micro-assessment methods for it. This will not only motivate learners because of an instant feedback system but also indicate if your learning program needs improvement.