Microlearning can be an effective virtual learning strategy – as long as it has the right features. What you have to understand is that it is more than just being a short or small course. It is still a complete learning material that is compact but has substantial content in it. Of course, putting so much into a short course is a challenge. But as long as you know the important features, it should be easy to focus on what should be included and what you can skip.
So what exactly are the features that it should have?
It should have one learning objective.
First of all, a microlearning course should have one objective. It cannot be like the other elearning materials that try to meet more than one goal. Since the course is short, you can only afford to meet one objective. However, it may be one, but it should be valuable and relevant. It should be one step that will take the learner forward in their elearning goals.
It should focus on a specific content.
Any virtual learning course is only as relevant as the content that it will present. You need to present unique, updated, and specific content. Most of the time, courses provide two types of content – what you need to know and what is nice to know just in case you need it. Microlearning should only give you what is needed to get the job done. That is it. The other type of content can be presented in another course.
It should be accessible.
The microlearning course should also be accessible anytime and anywhere. That means you have to make it accessible from mobile devices like tablets, smartphones, etc. The short courses are perfect for mobility. The more convenient it is for people to use it, the more they will pursue virtual learning.
It should be flexible.
Microlearning should ideally be flexible. It can be used as a separate course – but it can also be a part of a bigger one. You have to create it in such a way that it can be used either way. This means when it is used on its own, the learners will get something out of if. But then again, there is a chance to learn something more. The course is a part of a library of courses that will help improve your knowledge. This combination will make the course all the more valuable and relevant.
It should encourage further learning.
Finally, the microlearning should provide sources for further virtual learning – should that learner opt to do so. If they want to pursue more, resources and links should be cited and make available. This will give the learner complete control over their learning experience. If they feel like they know enough (at least, at the moment), they can stop after the course. But if they want to learn more, they can easily click on a link that will take them to the next microlearning course.
As you can see, virtual learning can take several formats. Microlearning is starting to be an option that learners prefer to use. This is probably caused by the shorter attention span that we now have – thanks to the digital age. Fortunately, elearning is constantly evolving to cater to the different needs and changes that learners go through. Microlearning is a perfect example of this.