Microlearning examples to update your learning strategy in 2024

Corporate training is evolving, and microlearning is leading the charge. Gone are the days of lengthy, drab training sessions. Learning professionals are constantly seeking more efficient, engaging ways to deliver training to their employees. Microlearning, with its short, focused bursts of content, is perfectly suited to meet these needs.

What is microlearning?

Microlearning breaks complex information into bite-sized, easily digestible modules, making it an ideal fit for the modern learner. It’s characterized by its ability to fit seamlessly into busy schedules, allowing employees to learn at their own pace, anywhere, anytime.

Why microlearning?

The shift towards microlearning isn’t just a trend; it’s a response to the changing landscape of corporate training. With attention spans shrinking and the demand for flexible learning solutions rising, microlearning offers a practical, effective solution. It aligns with the digital habits of today’s workforce, making it easier to engage employees in their learning journey.

Effective microlearning examples for your learning strategy

Bite-sized video tutorials

Short, engaging video tutorials can cover everything from software tutorials to customer service etiquette. Keeping these videos between 2 to 5 minutes ensures they remain focused and maintain the learner’s attention.

Interactive e-learning modules

Interactive modules that learners can complete in just a few minutes provide a hands-on learning experience. These can include simulations, scenarios, or gamified quizzes, making learning quick and enjoyable.

Infographics

Infographics are a powerful microlearning tool that visualizes data, processes, or guidelines in an engaging and easily comprehensible format. They combine text, images, and design to summarize complex information, making it easy to grasp and remember. Infographics are particularly effective for conveying statistics, workflows, or compliance information in a visually appealing way that enhances retention. 

Cheat sheets

Cheat sheets can be invaluable for quick reference or reinforcement of complex topics. They’re perfect for summarizing key points, steps, or procedures in a visually appealing way, aiding in retention and quick recall. Cheat sheets can cover various topics, from software shortcuts and coding languages to sales pitches and customer service protocols.

Podcasts for on-the-go learning

Podcasts are an excellent tool for delivering microlearning content audibly. Whether for leadership insights, industry trends, or soft skills development, podcasts allow employees to learn while commuting, exercising, or during breaks.

Flashcards for reinforcement

Digital flashcards can help learners reinforce knowledge or prepare for certifications. They’re especially effective for learning terms, definitions, or processes, allowing employees to test themselves and track their progress.

‘How-to’ guides

Concise, step-by-step guides provide clear instructions on specific tasks or processes. These can be particularly useful for onboarding new employees, introducing new software, or updating procedures.

Scroller pages

Scroller pages display information in an interactive format that can be scrolled through. This approach transforms traditional content into a dynamic, engaging learning experience, allowing learners to navigate through key points at their own pace. Scroller pages are ideal for breaking down complex topics into manageable sections, enriched with multimedia elements like images, GIFs, and short clips to enhance understanding and engagement.

Real-time quizzes and polls

Integrating quizzes and polls into daily workflows or meetings can make learning interactive and immediate. This method provides instant feedback to learners and trainers, allowing for adjustments and targeted follow-up training.

Integrating microlearning into your learning strategy

The why: Microlearning works because it matches the modern employee’s learning preferences — fast, flexible, and focused. It delivers content in formats that today’s learners consume daily, making training feel less like a chore and more like a natural part of their day.

The how: You can incorporate microlearning into your training programs in several ways. It can serve as standalone training for specific skills, reinforce and refresh existing training programs, or provide just-in-time information that aids performance support.

As we look to the future of work, microlearning becomes less of an option and more of a necessity. If you want to create or boost a culture of continuous learning, microlearning is the way to go!