Summary
What is microlearning?
To quote one of our favorite characters – the Mad Hatter – we will start at the beginning, and when we come to the end, stop!
The definition of microlearning can easily be guessed from its very name. Microlearning is a training method that relies on delivering content in short units, often referred to as “pills” or “microlessons.” The goal of this strategy is to enable learners to complete modules in a short amount of time, usually no more than 10 or 15 minutes, without overwhelming them with too much information. After all, one of the main reasons why this training strategy is successful is that it reflects how people naturally learn and process information. As Miller teaches us, 7 (plus or minus 2) is the magical number of items that the human brain can receive and process at once to be able to remember them. This is why some synonyms for microlearning include terms like “bite-sized learning” or “short-form training”.
How is microlearning usually delivered?
This fast and digestible type of eLearning can be delivered through many different formats, such as:
- Short videos
- Illustrations and text
- Infographic animations
- Quizzes, tests, and challenges
- Games
The main idea is that modules should be short, light on content, and follow a clear sequence. This is not only done to avoid overwhelming learners but also to support what is known as “just-in-time learning,” allowing individuals to access relevant information and complete modules exactly when they need them.
But let’s take it one step at a time. When was the first time you heard the term “microlearning”?
The History of Microlearning in a Nutshell
The term microlearning first appeared in the book “The Economics of Human Resources” by Hector Correa, published in 1963— the same year the U.S. Post Office introduced zip codes! However, unlike other training methodologies, microlearning doesn’t have a single, recognized founder.
For the concept of microlearning to fully develop in all its aspects and take on its current form, two things had to happen first. Can you guess what they were?
The rise of the internet
Much like microlearning, the internet has no single inventor. Its roots stretch back to the tensions of the Cold War. In the 1960s, the U.S. military, concerned about the vulnerability of its communication networks in the event of a Soviet attack, began working on a solution.
The result was ARPANET—an early prototype designed to allow scientists and government leaders to communicate with one another even if conventional telephone lines were destroyed. What started as a tool for defense, however, gradually transformed into something different, and in the ‘90s, with the advent of the World Wide Web, the Internet started to be used for commercial purposes.
We all know it: there’s no eLearning without the internet. But the internet alone wasn’t enough to explain the need for microlearning. Something else was missing…
The widespread adoption of smartphones and tablets
The internet made it possible to deliver eLearning courses at the office desk or at home. However, the real shift in microlearning history came with smartphones and tablets, with their rapid evolution and ever-decreasing weight. The mass proliferation of smartphones put a small computer in the pockets of all of us. We grew familiar with the tool, used it more and more, and eventually, it became our go-to “time filler”.
Waiting in line at the post office? Train ride? Coffee break? Sitting in a waiting room? How many moments in our day are now filled by our smartphones?
From there, it was a natural progression. Among all the ways we now fill 5-10 minutes of our days—social media, video games, news, videos—eLearning started to carve out its own space, becoming something that could seamlessly fit into our routines, anytime, anywhere.
And with that, microlearning was officially born.
Why use Microlearning?
How many times have you sat through hours-long courses at work, staring at a recorded speaker and the same old lame slides? How many, you say?
And how many times, on the other hand, did you need quick information but couldn’t find it anywhere in the chaotic, never-ending list of courses on your company’s learning platform?
Microlearning courses were created for this particular reason. They are typically based on a specific topic, ensuring that users can focus on just one concept at a time and quickly complete the training. Most people really WANT to learn and be trained, but let’s face it — they usually have little to no time available in their busy schedules!
Moreover, since the content is well-organized and structured, it’s much easier to find exactly what you need, right when you need it. Remember? We already mentioned “just-in-time learning”.
To sum up, the content in a Microlearning module isn’t much different from that of any other course. It may include text, audio, images, video, interactions, downloadable PDFs, and more.
The big difference lies in:
- The specificity of the topic: the goal is to maintain learners on a clear, focused path, so they stay engaged and don’t get confused or distracted.
- The time required to complete it: not only does this prevent cognitive overload and boost learning, but it also allows learners to better manage their training time.
In the end, it’s not about “what” a Microlearning module contains, but “how” it is built. Careful design, attention to user immersion, interface, and interactive moments are the key to creating effective Microlearning experiences.
Microlearning and social media
I’m sure we all agree that today, we are increasingly drawn to Microlearning due to the use of applications and social media. When reading newsletters, scrolling through Instagram, or searching for information online, we tend to skip long walls of text, and our eyes instinctively focus on smaller paragraphs and titles – you’re probably doing it right now, and that’s okay!
The attention people pay to watching videos is also decreasing. If a video is too long, we either skip it or speed it up. It’s not a coincidence that TikTok implemented a fast-forward option – by tapping and holding the upper right-hand corner of the screen, users can now trigger a ‘2X’ speed icon to play the video at twice the speed.
Instagram, to give you another example, imposes a 90-second limit on its Reels, while X and Threads restrict posts to 280-500 characters.
This isn’t just about data storage—though that’s part of it—it’s also about encouraging quick, and focused communication. Online audiences are becoming accustomed to having everything “here and now” and no longer tolerate media content that exceeds a certain length. The goal is to keep users engaged by offering bite-sized content that’s easy to consume, avoiding longer posts that would likely be skipped or ignored.
Doomscrolling and brain rot: what do these terms mean?
Consuming so much micro-content, of course, has its downside.
Have you ever heard of “doomscrolling”?
If not, doomscrolling is the compulsive act of scrolling through social media posts, news, and memes. It’s linked to the term “brain rot,” which was named Word of the Year by the Oxford Dictionary. Short and fast content, with its illusion of being easy and effortless, gives us instant gratification. That’s why so many of us tend to scroll through our feeds instead of reading a book or watching a movie. After a long day, the cognitive effort it takes to read a book feels like too much, so we instinctively spend hours on TikTok instead. The problem is that, after we do, we usually end up feeling even more exhausted. The constant stream of information leaves us with a foggy mind. Consuming so much micro-content keeps distracting us from our thoughts and emotions. Over time, this makes it harder to cope with the real world and its pace.
According to statistics, the average human attention span was about 12 seconds in 2000. Now, that span decreased to 8.25 seconds. Yes, I know. A one-third decrease in just two decades is crazy.
This is where microlearning may help.
Replace scrolling with Microlearning
A lot of companies have launched slogans like “replace doom scrolling with a microlearning app” and “stop scrolling, start microlearning”.
Here is a list of some of the best microlearning applications that were born to counter doomscrolling:
- Blinkist: an award-winning app that summarizes the main ideas, concepts, and insights of famous non-fiction books. Their microlearning modules usually range from 10 to 20 minutes.
- Nibble: the microlearning application that gives you quick bite-sized lessons on different topics of choice, such as finance, history, statistics, and more!
- Freedom: this microlearning app was designed to block websites, apps, and notifications to help users avoid distractions. It’s especially useful for people who struggle with staying focused while working and studying, but it also helps in taking the time to read a good book or really follow a movie without scrolling through social media.
- Forest: do you want to benefit yourself and the environment at the same time? Then, this is the best microlearning app for you. Every time you want to focus, you open the app and plant a tree, which grows as long as you stay off your phone. If you exit Forest to check other apps, the tree dies. The goal is to build a virtual forest and increase your attention span, with the added benefit of contributing to real-world tree planting through a partnership with Tree-Nation.
E-learning and Neuroscience
Behind every well-designed e-learning experience, there’s a strong theoretical foundation—one that neuroscience has given us. By now, we know that when we talk about neuroscience, we’re not referring to a single field but a network of disciplines that study how the nervous system works. To simplify it extremely, we can refer to neuroscience as “a scientific tool for studying and understanding the brain.” And, of course, that inevitably leads us to one of its most fascinating processes: learning.
Let’s break it down into three key elements:
- Emotions: The real game-changers in learning. Emotions work alongside cognitive functions, linking feelings to information and experiences. eLearning taps into this emotional connection by fully engaging the learner. It’s an active process where users step in, experiment, take risks, solve problems, and move forward. It’s this emotional involvement that makes learning more effective and memorable.
- Repetition: One of the best ways to strengthen memory. Coming across the same information multiple times helps reinforce learning. The flexibility of microlearning modules allows learners to revisit content whenever they need it.
- Cognitive load: The brain is all about efficiency. It doesn’t like wasting energy, and prolonged focus can be exhausting. That’s why short and clear learning experiences work really well. And guess what? Microlearning wins again. It delivers content in a way that works with the brain, not against it, making learning smoother.
To understand the connection between microlearning and neuroscience, we can look at the work of one of the first researchers to study memory: Hermann Ebbinghaus. This German psychologist and philosopher set out to determine whether information is better retained when presented in small, spaced intervals over time or when delivered all at once in a single session. His experiment involved two groups of participants, each exposed to information in one of these two ways.
The results, published in 1885, were crystal clear. Learners retained significantly more information when it was delivered in short, spaced intervals rather than all at once in a single session.
This research paved the way for two key concepts: the learning curve and the forgetting curve, highlighting the brain’s ability to discard a large amount of information and, therefore, the need for a learning methodology that is delivered in smaller, more manageable units.
And that’s exactly where microlearning comes in.
Advantages of Microlearning
Overall, Microlearning represents a powerful tool for education and training today. One that can adapt both to the way our brains learn and to the limited time workers have available.
Here is a list of some of the main microlearning advantages:
- Time-efficient: microlearning courses fit into busy schedules without overwhelming learners.
- Higher engagement: bite-sized content keeps learners interested and attentive.
- Improved retention: small chunks of information are easier to remember.
- Just-in-time learning: microlearning provides quick access to content exactly when needed.
- Flexible and accessible: content can be accessed anytime, anywhere, on multiple devices.
- Cost-effective: microlearning may require fewer resources than traditional training methods.
Microlearning Disadvantages
Even though microlearning is a powerful tool that aligns with the audience’s attention span and helps keep them engaged, this eLearning solution can’t always be implemented.
There are cases where traditional learning is truly irreplaceable.
Here is a list of drawbacks that microlearning can have:
- Limited depth: given its short and fast nature, microlearning may not provide enough depth for more complex subjects.
- Limited assessments: because it focuses on delivering information quickly, microlearning can limit the scope of learning assessments.
- Lack of context: Microlearning presents information in isolated chunks, which can make it difficult for learners to see the bigger picture. And sometimes, you need to see the bigger picture.
So, beware of anyone claiming that any content or course can be delivered or translated into microlearning. This is simply not possible for certain subjects, which is why it’s always best to consult with an expert who can guide you in creating the most effective learning path for each occasion and need.
Our Learning Advisory Service provides you with the expertise and know-how to build the best digital learning experience.
Scheduled your call today: ckick here
Microlearning in Corporate Training vs. Microlearning in Education
Microlearning is a highly adaptable learning method, but its application can vary depending on the context. While the main principles remain the same, the way microlearning is structured and delivered in education differs from how it is used in corporate training.
In education, microlearning plays a role in building long-term knowledge and reinforcing concepts over time. Educational microlearning is about quick access to information and about shaping a structured learning experience that guides students through a subject. That’s why it is often integrated into larger learning paths. Moreover, microlearning helps students set specific goals and allows for pauses between one learning objective and the next one. Of course, quizzes, animated explainer videos, and other microlearning strategies help in keeping students attentive.
In contrast, microlearning in corporate training is more focused on immediate application. The workplace is fast-paced, and employees often need quick access to relevant information. Here, microlearning serves as a performance support tool, providing targeted learning experiences that help professionals solve specific problems or refresh skills on demand. Corporate microlearning is designed to deliver knowledge exactly when it’s needed.
An example? A short refresher on customer service protocols before an important client meeting or a quick cybersecurity guide when accessing sensitive data.
Microlearning Examples
A defining feature of microlearning is its focus on maximizing user engagement. This goal is set in stone from the very start of the design process, regardless of the format used for content delivery.
There are multiple ways to implement microlearning, and, as we’ve seen, the best choice depends on factors like client needs, target audience, and available resources.
Microlearning can take various forms, from short, modular training sessions that can stand alone or be combined, to video tutorials and interactive guides. A well-known example is Duolingo, the language-learning app packed with interactive moments that allow users to revisit previous topics and sharpen their skills at their own pace.
Beyond tutorials, microlearning also includes educational and explainer videos designed to inform and inspire, such as TED-Ed.
Now, let’s take a closer look at how to create a microlearning course.
How to design a microlearning course: microlearning best practices
As always: content is king. So, after making sure that our subject and learning material adapt well to microlearning, the next thing to do is design a structured path.
Who is your target?
In microlearning, as in any other eLearning course, it’s important to first define a clear target. Who will the course speak to? How old are they? What is their role? Are they comfortable with technology? Are they beginners or do they already have expertise in the subject the course will address?
You want to make sure you answer all of these questions (and more) before anything else.
How many learning outcomes do you need to address?
This is an easy one. Usually, one learning outcome corresponds to one microlearning module. So, if you define more than one learning outcome, you will need more than one module.
Each learning outcome should be as clear as possible, focusing on developing only a few specific skills. Break content into bite-sized modules and focus on one key concept per module.
What about engagement?
We’ve already touched on this point: learners do not want to read long texts. Try to use different formats like videos, infographics, and quizzes to keep things new and interesting.
Quizzes and knowledge checks are also a great way to evaluate learner comprehension and give them immediate feedback.
Use real-world scenarios and examples to make things even clearer. Practical application is always great.
Allow self-paced learning
Let people learn at their speed. Let them be free to navigate the course, going back if they need to revise content or skipping what they already know. If you oblige learners to go through what they already feel confident with, you will lose their attention right away.
Golden rule
Make it mobile-friendly. There is a great possibility that your learner will need to complete the training on the go, so make your course portable.
Learners should be able to access it anytime, anywhere. It must be available on mobile and easy to access.
Remember that learners shouldn’t have to think about how to access content, so keep it intuitive and frustration-free.
Microlearning software and tools: which are to choose?
Creating high-quality microlearning content requires tools that allow for quick development and seamless LMS integration.
At the core of our microlearning strategy, we use Articulate Rise and IsEazy. But there are plenty of solutions out there.
Here are some of the best microlearning platforms and applications:
Articulate Rise
- Simple, no-code content creation makes it easy to build courses.
- Its modular structure enables to broke content into bite-sized lessons, making it perfect for microlearning
- Quizzes, flashcards, and interactive scenarios keep engagement up
- Ensures courses are accessible and user-friendly across all devices, especially on mobiles.
- Integrates with LMS platforms easily
isEazy
- Its pre-designed templates make course creation quick and easy.
- Its gamification features increase engagement through challenges and rewards.
- It supports videos, animations, and interactive elements.
- Integrates with LMS platforms easily
7Taps
- Extremely fast, no-code content creation
- Mobile-first, optimized for bite-sized learning
- It supports audio, GIFs, and flashcards for engagement
- No app download required, accessible via web
TalentCards
- Uses digital flashcards for quick learning bursts
- Works offline, ideal for frontline workers
- AI-powered adaptive learning paths
- Supports images, videos, and quizzes
ISpring Learn
- t’s a cloud-based LMS designed for corporate training and onboarding
- It supports offline access
- Gamification features include badges, leaderboards, and certificates
- Advanced analytics and reporting help track learner progress and course effectiveness.
All you have to do is choose your preferred microlearning platform and start designing!
Microlearning Videos
As we’ve seen, videos are one of the multimedia tools that best adapt to microlearning. Through short and engaging videos, it’s possible to deliver information in a way that facilitates learning and memory retention.
There are, however, some important rules to follow in order to include videos in your microlearning modules.
Keep It Short and Focused
A microlearning video typically ranges from 1 to 5 minutes. The goal is to deliver a single, well-defined learning objective without overwhelming the learner.
It may be useful to implement a structured approach, introducing the topic, presenting the key concept, and concluding with a brief summary.
Use Engaging Visuals and Simple Graphics
Visual engagement is crucial in microlearning. Since learners process visual information faster than text, using graphics and animations can significantly improve comprehension.
Make It Interactive
Add interactivity. Viewers should be encouraged to participate actively rather than passively watching.
Tools like IsEazy make it possible to add interactivity to a video by allowing you to include questions in the middle of it.
Branching scenarios done with Vyond, Animaker, or other authoring tools are also a great way to make your videos more interactive and provide learners with immediate feedback by giving them the power to choose how the story (and their training) progresses!
Apply Storytelling Techniques
Use real-world scenarios to connect with learners. Stories make your content approachable and help people identify with the characters.
While you’re telling a story, it’s very important to keep the tone conversational and friendly.
Using Data to Drive Improvements and Determine ROI
Last but not least, one of the greatest advantages of microlearning is its trackability. Thanks to data analytics, it’s possible to gain insights into how employees are interacting with the course.
There is always room for improvement. Metrics such as time spent on modules and test performance enable learning experts and instructional designers to get feedback. For example, if a particular module has a low completion rate, it could be due to confusing content or an overload of information.
Tracking the long-term impact of microlearning through data is also crucial for determining its ROI. Data from employee performance reviews, project outcomes, and business KPIs can be correlated with microlearning activities to assess whether there’s a direct impact on job performance.
For example, if employees who completed a microlearning module on customer service techniques achieve better customer satisfaction ratings, this data reinforces the value of the training.
Connecting learning outcomes with real-world results is the best way for organizations to test the effectiveness of their microlearning initiatives and justify further investment in this training method.
Microlearning conferences
Microlearning is a hot topic these days. Here is a list of conferences you can attend where field experts will discuss microlearning.
MicrolearningCONF
A virtual event featuring best practices and examples from top L&D and Sales Enablement experts. The conference explores how to effectively implement microlearning strategies.
DevLEARN Conference & Expo
Taking place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, DevLearn is North America’s largest learning technologies event. Here, you can talk with many experts and discuss the latest microlearning tools.
The Learning Idea Conference
Held in New York and online, this conference brings together international professionals to discuss innovations in learning and technology, including microlearning.
ATD International Conference & EXPO
The largest event for talent development professionals, covering a wide range of topics, including microlearning. Features expert speakers, hands-on workshops, and the latest in learning technologies.
Useful content on Microlearning
If you want to discover all the secrets of microlearning and learn how to implement it in your learning path, here are some microlearning books you should check out:
Microlearning: Short and Sweet
Authored by Karl M. Kapp and Robyn A. Defelice, this book provides a comprehensive guide on designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating microlearning. It debunks common myths and offers practical insights for application.
The Microlearning Guide to Microlearning
Written by Carla Torgerson, this short guide will walk you through some of the best practices in microlearning and provide practical examples. It’s particularly useful for those looking to implement microlearning in business environments.
Microlearning in the Digital Age: The Design and Delivery of Learning in Snippets
Edited by Joseph Rene Corbeil, Badrul H. Khan, and Maria Elena Corbeil, this book explores the design and implementation of bite-sized learning in technology-enabled environments.
A Bite-Sized Guide to Microlearning
This e-book by Allen Interactions explores the basics of microlearning design and can guide you on how to implement microlearning in organizations. It discusses what makes microlearning successful, drawing from practical experiences across various industries.
Conclusions
Microlearning is already a proven success for all the reasons we’ve covered, but the future looks even brighter. Its adaptability makes it a key player in the future of eLearning, and its strong connection with technology opens the door to even more innovative learning experiences down the road.
Want your training to stay ahead of the curve? Get in touch with us, and we’ll help you create your microlearning path!
