You know, when it comes to learning and professional development in the workplace, there are a couple of exciting resources that have been making waves lately. They're called custom eLearning and microlearning, and they're changing the game for busy professionals like us.

Let's face it, with our hectic work schedules, finding time for traditional instructor-led training can be a real challenge. That's where eLearning modules come in handy. They offer the flexibility to learn at our own pace and conveniently fit it into our busy lives. Plus, they're a great way to keep our skills sharp and up-to-date while on the job.

But wait, there's more! Enter microlearning. This nifty approach addresses the time crunch by encouraging frequent, bite-sized learning experiences. Instead of long, intensive training sessions, microlearning breaks down the content into small, easily digestible chunks. It's like having little learning snacks throughout the day!

Here's the best part: eLearning and microlearning aren't mutually exclusive. In fact, you can combine them to create a powerful learning and communication strategy for your company. By incorporating both approaches, you can engage your employees in a variety of ways and provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in their roles.

So, whether you're looking to develop long-form eLearning courses or explore the benefits of microlearning, don't hesitate to embrace these modern learning methods. They'll empower your employees with continuous growth opportunities.

Remember, the world of workplace learning is evolving, and eLearning and microlearning are at the forefront of this exciting transformation. So, let's embrace these resources and make learning a seamless part of your company's culture!

In this article, we'll dive into the differences, characteristics, and benefits of eLearning and microlearning.

It's important to note that microlearning is not a separate entity from eLearning. Instead, it's a branch or modality within the broader eLearning framework. By understanding this distinction, we can leverage the strengths of both eLearning and microlearning to create a comprehensive and effective learning strategy for our employees.

So, What Exactly is eLearning?

Well, at its core, eLearning refers to any form of learning that takes place online or through digital platforms. It involves the use of technology to deliver educational content, facilitate interactive experiences, and support the learning process.

In the workplace realm, traditional long-form (+15 minutes) eLearning courses are comprehensive, structured courses that cover a particular topic or subject in-depth. They often follow a linear progression, providing learners with a step-by-step journey through the content. These courses typically include a wide range of multimedia elements, assessments, and supplementary resources to enhance the learning experience.

Long-form eLearning courses are known for their extensive content coverage, offering comprehensive knowledge and in-depth exploration of concepts. They provide learners with a thorough understanding of the subject matter, allowing them to acquire a broad skill set or knowledge base in a particular area. These courses are typically self-paced, giving learners the flexibility to progress through the material at their own speed.

Here are some main characteristics of long-form eLearning courses:

• In-depth content coverage: Long-form eLearning courses provide comprehensive coverage of a particular topic or subject. They allow for a more extensive exploration of concepts, theories, and practical applications, providing learners with a deep understanding of the subject matter.

• Structured learning paths: These courses often follow a structured learning path, guiding learners through a sequential progression of modules or lessons. The content is organized in a logical manner, building upon previous knowledge and gradually increasing in complexity.

• Extensive content resources: Long-form eLearning courses often include a wealth of supplementary resources to support the learning process. These resources may include downloadable documents, reference materials, additional readings, links to external resources, and further exploration of related topics. Learners can delve deeper into the subject matter and access additional information as needed.

• Certification or accreditation: In some cases, long-form eLearning courses offer certification or accreditation upon successful completion. This can provide learners with recognized credentials to demonstrate their mastery of the subject and enhance their professional qualifications.

Overall, long-form eLearning courses provide comprehensive, in-depth learning experiences that promote deep understanding and skill development.

What is Microlearning?

On the other hand, microlearning courses take a different approach. Microlearning is a learning strategy that focuses on delivering content in bite-sized, easily digestible modules. Each module is designed to address a specific learning objective or skill. These courses are characterized by their short duration, usually ranging from a few minutes to no more than 10 minutes per module.

Microlearning courses are designed to cater to shorter attention spans and the need for on-demand, just-in-time learning. They provide concise and targeted information, allowing learners to acquire knowledge or skills quickly and efficiently. By breaking down complex topics into smaller, manageable units, microlearning promotes better knowledge retention and enables learners to apply what they have learned in real-time situations.

The interesting thing about microlearning is that it can be applied to both traditional learning and eLearning. The key lies in the specificity and length of the learning material. For instance, you'll often find eLearning courses that break down lessons into shorter segments, usually around five to ten minutes. That's a prime example of microlearning in action.

Now, let's explore some of the main characteristics of microlearning:

• Has clearly defined learning objectives: Each piece of microlearning content is designed to fulfill a specific objective, allowing learners to acquire knowledge or skills efficiently and without distractions

• Highly focused content: Microlearning courses are designed to address specific learning objectives or skills in a concise manner. They cut out any unnecessary information or fluff, delivering targeted content that directly addresses the intended learning outcomes.

• Easy accessibility: Microlearning courses are typically designed to be easily accessible on various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers. This accessibility allows learners to engage with the content anytime and anywhere, fitting learning seamlessly into their busy schedules.

• Just-in-time learning: Microlearning excels at providing learners with the right information at the right time. It supports a "just-in-time" learning approach, delivering bite-sized modules that can be accessed whenever a specific need arises. This on-demand access to relevant content enhances productivity and problem-solving capabilities in real-time.

• Quick completion time: Microlearning courses are designed to be completed quickly. By breaking down complex topics into smaller, manageable units, learners can absorb information more efficiently and complete courses within a shorter timeframe. This enables them to fit learning into their busy work routines without feeling overwhelmed.

• Enhanced knowledge retention: The focused and bite-sized nature of microlearning content facilitates better knowledge retention. By delivering information in small, digestible chunks, learners can absorb and retain key concepts more effectively. The repetition of concise modules over time also reinforces learning, ensuring that important information stays fresh in their minds.

• Versatility in media formats: Microlearning courses can utilize a wide range of media formats to deliver content. From videos and animations to infographics, interactive PDFs, or podcasts, various media types can be used to enhance the learning experience and cater to different learning preferences.

Also read:

Theory to Practice: Actionable MicroLearning Tips

8 Secrets to Designing a Successful Microlearning Program

4 Tips on How to Convert Long-Form eLearning Courses to Micro Lessons

The big question: Which is better, eLearning or microlearning?

When it comes to choosing between eLearning and microlearning, it's important to understand their distinct approaches to content delivery and their respective strengths.

Traditional long-form eLearning courses provide in-depth coverage and a comprehensive learning experience. They are designed to offer a thorough understanding of a subject, allowing learners to acquire a broad knowledge base and develop a wide range of skills. Long-form eLearning courses follow a structured learning path, providing a linear progression through the content and enabling learners to delve deeply into the subject matter. This format is particularly suitable for learners who require a comprehensive understanding of a topic and prefer a more immersive learning experience.

On the other hand, microlearning takes a different approach. It offers focused, bite-sized modules that address specific learning objectives. Each microlearning module is concise and targeted, delivering information in easily digestible portions. Microlearning is ideal for quick, targeted learning and knowledge reinforcement. It caters to learners with shorter attention spans and busy schedules, as it allows them to engage in learning on-the-go and access specific information whenever they need it. The flexibility and just-in-time nature of microlearning make it an effective tool for addressing specific learning needs or skill gaps.

So, which is better? The answer depends on the specific learning goals, context, and preferences of the learners. Long-form eLearning courses are well-suited for in-depth learning and comprehensive knowledge acquisition. They provide a structured and immersive learning experience. On the other hand, microlearning offers flexibility, targeted learning, and better engagement for learners with shorter attention spans or time constraints.

To maximize the benefits of both approaches, organizations can design learning strategies that incorporate elements of both eLearning and microlearning. This blended approach allows for a well-rounded and effective learning experience. Long-form eLearning courses can serve as a foundation for in-depth understanding, while microlearning modules can be integrated to provide quick, targeted learning and reinforcement. This combination provides learners with a holistic learning journey, catering to different learning needs and preferences.

In summary, rather than viewing eLearning and microlearning as competing options, organizations can harness the strengths of each approach to create a powerful and adaptable learning ecosystem.

By understanding the distinctions between the two and leveraging them effectively, organizations can provide learners with a diverse range of learning experiences that cater to their specific needs and enhance their overall learning outcomes.

Now, we would love to hear from you! What are your thoughts on eLearning and microlearning? Have you experienced the benefits of either approach in your workplace or personal learning journey? How do you see these methods shaping the future of learning? Share your comments and reflections below, and let's continue the conversation!