Always be learning. Isn’t that what we’re told will help us stay sharp and advance in our careers?
But with everything else on our to-do list, like networking, self-care, exercising, and working toward that next promotion (just to name a few things), how are we supposed to find time to learn new skills and expand our expertise? The key lies in microlearning.
What is Microlearning
Microlearning is a learning approach where you consume smaller amounts of information over a shorter period of time. This type of skills training takes the essential parts of a concept or an idea and teaches it in highly-focused and bite-sized nuggets. Microlearning is shorter and faster than traditional learning because it’s focused on conciseness.
These short bursts of content are available for learners to consume at their own convenience. The style of the information delivered can take many forms, but the main principle is that it’s short. Common types of microlearning content include audio, videos, text, images, quizzes and tests, infographics, games, and other e-learning content.
Microlearning can be used to develop a multitude of skills, and it’s perfect for today’s professionals with busy schedules and short attention spans. Learning apps like Duolingo, are a great example. The app helps you learn a new language through effective, bite-sized lessons and games that are go-at-your-own-pace. This gamification of learning can also be seen in apps that work to improve your memory, like Lumosity and MindPal.
Why Microlearning is the Key to Success
A 2016 study conducted by Pew Research Center found that 87% of U.S. workers see continuous learning as important or essential throughout their work life. What this means is that a majority of those in the workforce see new skills and training as a crucial part of their career development, but where do they receive that training? Sure, employers conduct new-hire onboarding and possibly training when milestones or promotions are reached, but what about that time in between? Employees are receiving the macro learning they need, but they lack the microlearning throughout their career that is necessary for continuous professional development.
Here are five reasons why we’ve found microlearning works and how it can work for you.
Its Shorter And Quicker Format Fits Your Schedule And Attention Span
Spend less time wondering how to fit learning into your schedule and more time actually learning. Since microlearning is developed to be shorter and more attention-grabbing than other forms of traditional learning, you’ll find it’s easier to squeeze in five to ten minutes of learning in between your already scheduled commitments. Even if you’re taking an online course or another form of e-learning that’s a few hours long, you have the option to start and stop the learning module, which is vastly different than sitting in a lecture hall or attending an in-person class. Microlearning puts content into a digestible format that makes professional development more approachable.
Microlearning Increases Knowledge Retention Through Repetition
Repetition. Repetition. Repetition. As with anything, the more we do something, the more likely it is to become a part of our long-term memory. Thanks to repetition, microlearning helps us learn and retain skills and knowledge. It’s easier to find a smaller amount of time in each day to continue this repetition vs. a large chunk of time once a week or every other week. And the more we see something, the more likely we are to remember it.
You Can Go At Your Own Pace
Perhaps one of the ideal aspects of microlearning is it gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Having the autonomy to sit down anywhere at any time to learn breaks the mold of traditional learning in a brick-and-mortar setting. For example, with our library of online courses, you can efficiently learn about career transitions or how to ace an interview on your time through quick, thorough lessons. Unlike a college degree in which the timing is laid out for you, from what semester you can take a specific class to what time of day, microlearning allows you to schedule your learning when it works best for you.
Microlearning Is More Engaging Than Traditional Learning
We’re not saying traditional learning is boring, but it does take a special teacher to make learning fun. Because microlearning utilizes videos, games, and apps to help you learn a new skill, it’s definitely easier to stay engaged. According to a 2018 Think with Google report, 70% of millennial YouTube users watched YouTube to learn how to do something new or learn more about something they’re interested in. Creating fresh and engaging content to learn traditional career skills will keep learners coming back for more.
It’s Affordable
Increase your knowledge without decreasing your bank account. Attending college can leave you ten of thousands of dollars in debt. According to Student Loan Hero’s latest report, 69% of the college class of 2019 took our student loans and graduated with an average debt balance of $29,900. We’re not saying to skip getting your college degree, but there are other options if you’re looking to learn.
Instead of heading back to college for another degree, give e-learning a try. You can likely acquire the knowledge you lack right from home with a multitude of online learning platforms offering online courses (and sometimes even free online courses). From entrepreneurship to social media to soft skills, we compiled a list of online courses for your career development, all costing $200 or less.
How to Infuse Microlearning into Your Week
With bite-sized content, access to online learning platforms, and learning that works with your schedule not against it, it’s easy to see why microlearning is the key to take your career to the next level. If you’re not already convinced that microlearning is the way to go when it comes to professional development, let us show you how easy it is to incorporate it into your week.
Take an Online Course
When you think of learning outside of the traditional classroom, the first thing that comes to mind is probably e-learning. With online learning platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, MasterClass, and of course, our online course library, it’s easy to find online courses that work for your schedule. Many even have apps to bring learning right to your fingertips wherever you are. Even if the courses are an hour or more in length, most are broken up into modules by topic to allow you to go-at-your-own-pace. Incorporate learning into your week by scheduling time for a set amount of minutes or a module a day to easily knock out your next online course.
Download an App
According to a recent study by measurement company Zenith, American adults spend about 3.5 hours a day on our phones. Imagine spending just 15 minutes of that time learning a new language or improving our memory instead of scrolling through Instagram. It makes incorporating learning into our weekly routines seem a lot more manageable. Apps are a great way to take advantage of free online courses or free trials. Browse language, memory, math, word of the day apps, and more in the App Store or Google Play to find your next learning adventure.
Brush Up Your Knowledge via Infographics
If you’re a visual learner, you’ll benefit from taking a few moments out of your day to study an infographic. This visual representation of information can make a difficult topic easier to understand by simplifying complex ideas. They can also offer a step-by-step approach to how to navigate tough work scenarios. With everything conveniently summarized on one page, you can reference the information anytime you need a refresher. While some online courses or articles will include infographics, you can also search for them on their own. Not sure where to start? Search Pinterest for the skills and knowledge you’re looking to learn more about.
Listen to a Career or Skill-Focused Podcast
The next time you’re driving in your car or going on a walk, pop in your headphones and turn on a career podcast. We love listening to comedy and true crime podcasts as much as the next person, but letting your commute or workout serve as double-duty to learn a few career skills is awesome, too. We even put together a list of seven women-run podcasts that will make you a smarter human for the next time you’re looking for a recommendation.
Watch a Video (or Two)
Yes, we’re telling you it’s OK to watch YouTube. It’s the perfect place to learn something new. With endless tutorials for work and life, you’re guaranteed to find a video that will fit your schedule and learning needs. While we think our YouTube content is pretty awesome, we also recommend these seven binge-worthy channels for career advice. It only takes five minutes to watch a video and learn something new, and YouTube is only one of the online learning platforms where you can learn via video. You can also watch a TED Talk or browse iTunes U’s selection of online courses.
Microlearning makes it easy for modern workplace professionals to access learning when they want it wherever they want it. With it’s effective, efficient, and engaging content, microlearning takes the “I don’t have the time” excuse out of professional development.
