How to Convert Long-Form Training into Microlearning

In today's fast-paced workforce, providing efficient training to frontline workers presents a significant challenge.

With employees having only 1% of their weekly working time to dedicate to learning, traditional long-form training methods may not be ideal for their demanding schedules.  Microlearning offers a solution to this dilemma in an approach that caters both to learners' needs and time constraints.

Read on for a breakdown of why microlearning is so effective, plus a step-by-step on how to transform your own training from lengthy to lively, and create engaging content that enhances your frontline workers' learning experience.  

Quick navigation:

• Step 1: Assess Content and Set Learning Objectives
• Step 2: Break Information Down ("Chunk and Sequence")
• Step 3: Choose the Right Format
• Step 4: Add Interactive Elements
• Step 5: Keep Content Concise and Focused
• Step 6: Optimize for Mobile
• Step 7: Test Run and Evaluate
• Step 8: Launch and Measure the Impact
• Step 9: Make Continuous, Iterative Improvements 

Why use microlearning at all?

Today's workers are demanding concise, engaging learning experiences. The popularity of short-form social media content and the decrease in attention spans had led to a shift towards microlearning, and away from long-form content.

The modern learner shows a preference for quick-to-consume content - over half of employees say they're more likely to engage with their employer's training if it's in a microlearning format. Microlearning demands that content is concise, easily digestible and interactive - the opposite of long-form training.

By breaking knowledge down into bite-sized packages, learners are met with only what's essential in that moment, without feeling overwhelmed. This targeted approach saves valuable time (employees completing learning via mobile do so 45% faster), and drives knowledge retention and application.

The art of transforming lengthy content into microlearning lies in curating the most relevant and impactful pieces of information. Each microlearning lesson is designed to address specific learning objectives, enabling learners to acquire targeted skills quickly and effectively.

Additionally, the interactive nature of microlearning fosters learner engagement and motivation, through incorporating activities such as quizzes and scenario-based learning.

The benefits of adopting microlearning extend beyond efficiency and engagement. Learners can access microlearning lessons on-demand, making it convenient to fit learning into their busy schedules.

Moreover, the flexibility of microlearning allows learners to revisit specific lessons whenever they need a refresher, reinforcing their knowledge over time & combating the Forgetting Curve.

Now we know the value, let's delve into how you can develop microlearning. 

Redesign your training: how to create microlearning from long-form content

Step 1: Assess Content and Set Learning Objectives

Take a thorough look at your long-form content to pinpoint key concepts and crucial information to draft your learning objectives. You should also consider how you will be measuring the success of your education initiative to align with your learning objectives.

Step 2: Break Information Down ("Chunk and Sequence")

Break down the long document into smaller, manageable chunks of information. Each chunk should focus on a single concept or idea. Organize these chunks in a logical sequence to ensure a smooth flow of learning. Sequencing the content strategically will help learners grasp the subject progressively.

Typically, your microlearning lesson should be no more than around 5 minutes long, and a multi-lesson course should land around the 15-20 minute mark. Take a look at this course on leadership for an example of how this looks in practice.

Step 3: Choose the Right Format

Consider the most suitable formats for presenting each chunk of information. Microlearning allows for a wide variety of formats, including as videos, images, GIFs and short text-based lessons.

Select formats that best complement the content and engage learners effectively. eduMe 'Guides' are an additional content format for visual, how-to guides that replicate familiar social media formats.

Step 4: Add Interactive Elements

Design interactive elements that encourage active participation and reinforce learning. Incorporate interactive quizzes, knowledge checks, and scenario-based simulations. These activities keep learners engaged and provide opportunities to apply their knowledge.

Step 5: Keep Content Concise and Focused

While transforming long-form content, aim for brevity and clarity. Keep each microlearning lesson focused on specific learning objectives, avoiding information overload and unnecessary details. 

Research indicates that learners are more likely to complete microlearning lessons compared to longer courses as shorter content is perceived as less intimidating and more manageable, leading to higher completion rates and greater knowledge retention - up to 80%! Remember, the essence of microlearning lies in delivering concise and easily digestible content - less is more. 

Step 6: Optimize for Mobile

Ensure that the lessons are mobile-friendly. Modern learners prefer accessing training materials on their mobile devices. Optimizing the content for mobile delivery allows learners to access the lessons anytime and anywhere, enhancing the flexibility and accessibility of the mobile training.

Step 7: Test Run and Evaluate

Before deploying the lessons to a broader audience, conduct a pilot test with a small group of learners. Gather feedback and evaluate the effectiveness of the content and design. Use the feedback to make necessary improvements and refinements.

Step 8: Launch and Measure the Impact

Once you launch, track learner engagement, completion rates, and knowledge retention through data analytics. Assess the impact of the learning on learners' performance and on the specific business objectives for this education initiative. Use surveys to gather immediate feedback from learners to assess learner satisfaction and confidence, and solicit ideas for future learning topics.

Step 9: Make Continuous, Iterative Improvements 

Microlearning is a dynamic learning approach. Continuously monitor and update the microlearning content to reflect changes in the industry, regulations, or learner needs.

Regularly refresh the content to keep it relevant and effective over time. By continually improving the microlearning experience, you ensure that your frontline workforce receives the most valuable and up-to-date training.

Here is an example of what your sequenced content can look like:

The takeaway

Microlearning's bite-sized and interactive nature addresses the time constraints and learning preferences of today’s frontline workforce, ensuring they stay motivated and engaged in their jobs.

As the training landscape rapidly evolves, it is vital for organizations to adapt and leverage cutting-edge methodologies. This transition empowers them to create dynamic and effective training experiences that captivate learners and drive continuous improvement.

By embracing microlearning, organizations will equip their workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to remain competitive and productive in dynamic markets.

At eduMe we are constantly working to improve training uptake and impact for the companies we work with. 

From Learning Consultancy services where our in-house experts aid your team in migrating and optimizing your existing taining for maximum impact, to AI-powered features, that transform your text-based training into punchy eduMe lessons in seconds. Find out more 👇