Microlearning and Microtraining Techniques for Success
Do you need to train your team fast? As in, “my people needed to be client-facing yesterday,” fast? Then microlearning is here to save the day! Learn about microlearning and microtraining techniques for success to take your employee training to the next level.
Microlearning Meaning
Microlearning, or “microtraining,” is the process of breaking down employee training into small, bite-sized pieces. The goal is to use short courses that are easy for employees to quickly learn and apply. And when I say short, I don’t mean 30 minutes—I mean 5 minutes or less. No more than one objective is focused on per training course.
In general, corporate training exists to equip employees with practical skills to complete job-related tasks and proactively train them for the future. Microlearning provides employees with applicable knowledge and skills based on their immediate needs. Think of these 5-minute videos as chunks of “micro knowledge.”
If a sales rep is constantly on the move, they may not think to carve out a whole hour, or even half an hour, for training. Using bite sized modules, training sessions are no longer time consuming, but concise.
Let’s talk about why you need to incorporate microtraining into your blended learning program today.
Why Microlearning?
Microlearning breaks down complex topics into specific, actionable objectives. We’ve discussed before how, in an age of distraction, the attention span of most people is less than a goldfish. Tragic that we’re losing to a glass-bowl-bound fish, but I digress. We can’t create more time, but we can use the time we do have more efficiently.
If you want to read about some microlearning examples in action, read about our partnership with NextWorth. We helped them develop bite sized training videos and accomplish a double-digit increase in used, electronic trade-in accuracy.
In a previous blog, we listed some of the primary benefits of e learning. Now, it's time to dive into why microtraining is such an impactful tool by exploring the benefits of microlearning.
Benefits of Microlearning
1. Mobile Access
With the digital age comes a wealth of opportunity and modes of communication. Microtraining uses a variety of modalities to communicate new material to employees on different devices. The mobility makes microlearning exceptionally effective. Employees are empowered to access training wherever they are, whenever they can—before a meeting, waiting for the bus, or in between phone calls. Training has never been so accessible and agile.
2. Limited Distractions
Technology is a catch 22—mobility is no doubt a significant strength, but it can also be a major weakness. Smartphones are one of the biggest productivity killers in the workplace according to a study by Careerbuilder. But, we have good news! Since microtraining only takes minutes to complete, there is less time for distraction. Think of all of the notifications you typically receive in 30-minutes vs 5-minutes. Laser-focused microlearning courses keep employees both concentrated and engaged.
3. Higher Engagement
Did you know that 65% of people learn best by watching? Even marketing experts use micro-videos in digital advertisements because they are more engaging. The same reasoning applies to employee training. Guo, Kim, & Rubin’s research shows that shorter videos are statistically more engaging than longer ones. They recommend segmenting longer learning videos into shorter chunks (less than 6 minutes). In fact, the shortest videos (0-3 minutes) resulted in the highest engagement. Sound familiar? That’s microlearning at it’s finest.
4. Just-in-time Learning
One of the primary advantages of microlearning is that learners can complete courses “just-in-time" without a moment’s notice. Employees are able to train on just what they need to know, right when they need it most. The benefits of microlearning for sales training are compelling. The just-in-time training provided by microlearning is particularly beneficial for the busy sales rep. They can easily start a new course and receive comprehensive knowledge minutes before a pitch or call.
5. Actionable Content
Microlearning fosters behavioral changes, as all learning should, with immediate application. Whether an employee faces a challenge in or out of the office, microtraining provides them with the necessary resources they need in a pinch. In addition, microlearning is personalized for a custom learner experience. A unique course path provides a more efficient training, so learners are ready to go, right after they complete it.
In short, start using bite sized learning to better inform and apply employees’ learning and development initiatives at work. Listen to our webinar, 25 training tips in 25 minutes, for a mix of training techniques.
Ready, Set, Train
At Unboxed Training and Technology, we developed ReadySet—an off-the-shelf eLearning system for the modern learner. Streamline your employee training by narrowing in on one key skill with microlearning. ReadySet courses are challenging enough to engage employees but short enough to support retention.
Use ReadySet as a just-in-time training for new employees, or equip your current employee with action-oriented course content. Contact us to learn more about microlearning and microtraining techniques for success—ReadySet Sell, Lead, Secure, or Respect and adopt microlearning today!
The start of every new year is a chance to revisit training goals and aspirations for the coming 12 months. How do you know what’s worth your investment?
