Microlearning Trends To Adopt In 2019

As microlearning-based training moves to center stage, I outline what is driving its rapid adoption. In this article, I also share microlearning trends in 2019, and how you can leverage them to boost employee performance.

Discovering All About Microlearning Trends In 2019

Microlearning consists of short, bite-sized learning nuggets. Although short in run length (between 2-5 mins and, typically, not exceeding 7 mins), each nugget is action-oriented and is designed to meet a specific learning outcome.

In the last couple of years, microlearning has moved from being a player on the side to center stage and for good reasons.

In a world that is full of distractions and diminishing attention spans, it is critical to have sharp, focused learning nuggets. Only then do you get the learners’ attention, and they invest in completing it. This is precisely what microlearning-based training delivers.

Learners love microlearning-based training as:

• It is short and focused.
• It can be taken on the go.
• It is available in the learners’ workflow and can be accessed at the moment of their need.
• It is designed for multi-device support and provides control to learners on when and how they want to consume it.
• It uses high-impact formats (notably, videos) that are engaging and immersive.

L&D teams see value in microlearning on account of:

• Its ability to engage the learners across profiles, that is today’s multi-generational workforce.
• Its ability to provide a sticky learning experience.
• Its high completion rates.
• Its capability to push acquired learning to the application on the job.
• Its concept of learning paths or learning journeys that can help learners gain proficiency as well as trigger the required behavioral change.
• Its innate strength to offset the “forgetting curve” and convert it to the “retention curve” through ongoing reinforcements.

Based on our long experience in developing Microlearning based training, and what we see in the near future, here is my view of microlearning trends in 2019.

Microlearning Trend #1 In 2019

Microlearning will be used for a wider spectrum of corporate training, specifically for:

1. Change management
2. Awareness programs
3. Formal training
4. Just-in-time training (Performance Support Tools or job aids)
5. Informal learning
6. ILT support aids

Microlearning Trend #2 In 2019

Microlearning will leverage mobile learning further—particularly, apps for learning: Building on the wider adoption of mobile learning in organizations, it will be the mode L&D teams would prefer for varied corporate trainings.

It will leverage particularly on formats like mobile apps for learning where a personalized learning path with microlearning nuggets can be offered to learners. This approach can be used to provide both formal training as well as just-in-time learning aids within the learners’ workflow.

Microlearning Trend #3 In 2019

Microlearning will use personalization techniques to offer highly customized and relevant learning to each learner.

Microlearning Trend #4 In 2019

Microlearning will capitalize on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and analytics to offer support and personalized learning paths. Furthermore, its capability to offer recommendations to learners will ensure that they come back for more even after completing the prescribed training.

Microlearning Trend #5 In 2019

Microlearning will continue to use video-based learning as a significant design strategy. However, it will see an increase in the NextGen format, that is, interactive video-based learning.

Microlearning Trend #6 In 2019

Microlearning will be used in formal training in conjunction with successful, engaging, and immersive strategies like:

1. Virtual Reality
2. Gamification
3. Scenario-based learning extended through a master narrative or story-based learning
4. Complex, branching simulations for decision making

Microlearning Trend #7 In 2019

Microlearning will be used extensively in content curation to provide “learning as a continuum”. This will help organizations create a better learning culture and facilitate informal learning.

Microlearning Trend #8 In 2019

Microlearning formats will also help in promoting collaborative or social learning.

Microlearning Trend #9 In 2019

Microlearning will continue to the preferred format to offer just-in-time training (Performance Support Tools or job aids).

Here, most of the established formats will continue. These include the popular and effective ones like:

1. eBooks/Flipbooks
2. Infographics
3. Interactive infographics
4. PDFs
5. Interactive PDFs

Microlearning Trend #10 In 2019

Microlearning will support ILT trainings and VILT trainings by providing online resources:

• Pre-workshop prep material
• In-workshop exercises, role plays, simulations and so on
• Post-workshop handouts

Impact Of Microlearning In 2019

Microlearning-based training is no more a buzz. It is a technique that has transformed the online training format and is here to stay.

NOTE: The usage of microlearning does not mark the demise of macrolearning or what is termed as traditional eLearning format. For instance,

• This would still find its place in programs that need longer seat time, as breaking them into too many nuggets can create a disruptive learning experience.
• For certain programs like compliance, several organizations will continue to use the more traditional format.

On the other hand, there would be a rapid adoption in programs like:

1. Induction and onboarding
2. Sales training
3. Leadership training
4. Professional skills training

I hope this article throws light on the possibilities of using microlearning in 2019 as a significant part of your online training delivery or to support your Instructor-Led Training.

If you have any queries or need any specific support, do contact me at apandey@eidesign.net.

How You Can Use Mobile Learning Apps For Microlearning-Based Training

In this article, I will outline what mobile learning apps are and the benefits they offer. Using a case study featuring Gamified Assessments in the Mobile App format, I will showcase the impact they can create.

Using Mobile Learning Apps For Microlearning-Based Training: Introduction

The modern-day population is swiping its way to pretty much everything –shopping, banking, music, movies– you name it! Besides, the fact that people do it all on their own devices gives it that personal “touch” as well. Learning and Development (L&D) departments the world over recognize the power of this medium and are looking to “tap” (or “double tap” if you like) into the potential it has on offer. We have used mobile learning apps for varied requirements from microlearning to supplementing primary eLearning or ILT programs (learning aids or Performance Support Tools) as well as for assessments.

In this article, I will outline what mobile learning apps are and the benefits they offer. Using a case study featuring gamified assessments in the mobile app format, I will showcase the impact they can create.

What Are Mobile Learning Apps?

As the name suggests, mobile learning apps are a delivery format that provides learners with the flexibility to learn anywhere, anytime, even without internet connection.

A mobile learning app lets you view your learning content offline from your mobile device. You do need internet access to download the course though and so is the case with tracking the progress of learners through the Learning Management System. Given this flexibility, they are fast emerging as an important training delivery format, particularly for microlearning.

What Are The Advantages Of Using Mobile Learning Apps?

The benefits range from its suitability for people on the move for offline and online viewing, popularity with millennials, and high completion rates it commands. Probably the most significant advantage is that mobile apps provide access to just-in-time information within the learners’ work-flow dramatically increasing its usage at the time of need. Also, the possibility to push new content on the go makes it an effective tool for performance enhancement.

Where Do Mobile Learning Applications Find The Right Fit In Today’s Learning Strategy?

Mobile learning apps can serve as your double cheeseburger as well as the little beverage pack that goes with it – you can use it to offer bite-sized formal training or as a supplement to formal training.

They are also an ideal fit when it comes to just-in-time learning aids and Performance Support Tools or PSTs (such as Ready Reckoners, Checklists, Tips, and so on). These PSTs are designed keeping mobile-compatibility in mind and making them available on mobile devices to learners when they need them the most just makes performance enhancement on the job that much better.

1. For primary learning (formal training).

They can be used as microlearning nuggets considering the short attention spans learners tend to have when using mobile devices.

2. As a supplement to formal training.

        1. Mobile apps are a good fit to provide pre and post assessments for formal training (online or blended).
        2. They can be effectively used as practice sessions or reinforcements of formal training through videos/examples/scenarios.

I will now share a case study that features an assessment-based microlearning nugget that we delivered as a mobile app.

Background: eLearning solution at EI Design is targeted at users who are always on the move and depend on their mobile devices for their digital learning needs specifically when it comes to engaging and interactive content.

1. Our mobile app features an assessment game which serves as an assessment module for the learners as part of a larger learning program.
2. The design is very flexible and the facilitator can push various quizzes and assessment games into the app to check the proficiency gained in various topics/modules covered in the program.
3. The app is compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, and BlackBerry devices.

Solution Highlights

While the app format uses a set of questions and challenges that play out as a game, it is designed to teach a definitive learning outcome. It enables learners to understand the power of a service quality model (RATER model). To provide the perspective, here is an overview of the model:

1. Responsiveness.
Your ability to provide a quick and high quality service to your customer.

2. Assurance.
Your ability to use your knowledge, skills, and credibility to inspire trust and confidence in your customer.

3. Tangibles.
The quality of physical evidence of the service you provide, such as infrastructure, staff, marketing materials, and so on to attract the customer.

4. Empathy.
Your ability to understand your customers and the quality of relationship you share with them.

5. Reliability.
Your ability to provide the service you have promised consistently, accurately, and on time.

Game Dynamics

1. The game has five phases mapping to the five ways to measure service quality using the RATER model.
2. The learners have the chance to earn a star in each phase (5 phases = 5 Stars = Winner).
3. The learners need to score 100% to get a star and move to the next phase.
4. At the end of each phase (irrespective of whether they get the star or not), they are given reference material to read through about the particular phase. If they confirm downloading the material, they earn bonus points which they can redeem in the later phases of the game.
5. The content of the RATER model is overlaid with a restaurant theme where the learners need to take up five challenges related to the RATER model and build a successful 5-star rated restaurant.
6. One of the key features is the leaderboard, which is linked to the database on the cloud server. This allows the learners to check their performance against their peers.

The following screenshots illustrate how the learners progress through the gamified app:

The welcome screen followed by the credentials screen.

The game challenge is defined here along with instructions on how to play.

The first challenge for the learners is shown here.

On successfully attempting the first challenge, the learners get a star and points. Additionally, they get to read reference material related to the first level challenge. On clicking the button to read the reference material, they gain bonus points in the form of gold coins.

I hope this article was useful in helping you recognize the power of mobile apps for learning and the impact it can create. If you have any questions, do contact me.

Source: https://www.eidesign.net/how-you-can-use-mobile-learning-apps-for-microlearning-based-training/