While there is much buzz around microlearning, there are also many misconceptions that prevent people from using this learning technique or have them using it in ways that aren’t effective. The use and appropriateness of microlearning is highly contextual and it needs to be used in the right place, at the right time and for the right purpose. In this blog, we break down many microlearning myths and the real facts behind the stories.
Microlearning myths
Myth: Microlearning only takes a few minutes
One of the most common microlearning myths is that it only for small bites of information and only takes a few minutes to deliver. In reality this is not always the case. While some microlearning can be 1-2 minutes, the purpose of microlearning is to:
- Deliver training or learning of a single concept
- Reintroduce a concept your learners are already familiar with
- Answer a question about a task or concept that a learner may be struggling with
- Reinforce existing learning
- Incrementally add to the learner’s knowledge on a specific topic
To successfully achieve these objectives, it is not always possible to limit microlearning to a few minutes. Instead of worrying the number of minutes, focus on the scope of learning to a single concept or task.
Myth: Microlearning is just about breaking up your content
While technically true, microlearning is not about creating sections or chapters for your long training sessions. Instead, it is about transferring knowledge in the most streamlined way possible.
That could include chunking your content by simply breaking it up, but usually, it also involves condensing that content by removing typical training structures like longer explanations, repetition, exercises and test questions.
Microlearning delivers concise learning about a single concept that can be studied as a standalone topic, reinforced from previous learning and is typically related to a larger topic.
Myth: Microlearning can replace traditional training programs
Microlearning is not a substitute for traditional training programs that may include instructor-led training (ILT), eLearning, other modalities and relevant coursework. Instead, it is best to see it as another tool in your chest for building an effective training program.
As mentioned, microlearning typically strips out some of the traditional structure from training to make it as streamlined as possible, but that traditional structure is still relevant and important because it is designed to provide information to learners in a way that supports the retention of the information. Losing those parts of training that help solidify the content for your learners makes microlearning great for quick how-to videos, introducing a topic, reinforcing a concept or providing learning for just-in-time tasks, but does not replace the need for an overall program to build expertise on what you are teaching.
Myth: Microlearning doesn’t work with complete courses
Microlearning complements your other learning modalities, like ILTs and eLearning. You can include it in a full course by using it to:
- Introduce concepts or test your learners before instructor-led training
- Gamify a learning objective during an eLearning course
- Add interaction or reinforce a concept
- Make learning available to solidify participants’ learning after a course
- Make learning available on mobile devices
Myth: Microlearning is only delivered as a video
While many organizations use video to deliver microlearning, almost any medium can be used. Other modalities to consider when delivering microlearning include:
- Microlearning apps – think Duolingo and Word of the Day
- Games
- Infographics
- Social media
- Short webinars
- PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides and other presentation tools
- Podcasts and sound bites
- FAQ on a public website or support portal
- Knowledge base articles that can be searched
Myth: Microlearning can be used for all learning
Microlearning is typically not applicable for teaching physical tasks, where activities require exercises or are enhanced by social learning. Instead, it can introduce concepts and reinforce learning after the fact.
When you really need your learners to become proficient with a new tool, process, or skill, microlearning will not provide enough detail for them to retain that information. Include it as part of the learning journey, but don’t expect it to be the entire journey.
Myth: Microlearning myths say it is a rigid way of learning
Quite the opposite! Since microlearning delivers short learning of a single concept, learners can choose which courses they take and when. It also allows them to go back and review learning content that they feel they need to retake or answer any questions without the time and effort of reviewing an entire course.
Myth: Microlearning is only for millennials and Gen Z
Although associated with younger generations due to their familiarity with short-form digital content, microlearning is effective for learners of all ages. While these age groups are often seen as the primary consumers due to their constant interaction with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, microlearning has broad appeal
In reality, microlearning is effective for learners of all ages as it caters to how people naturally absorb and retain information, regardless of generation. The format offers flexibility and convenience, valuable to busy professionals, older employees, and anyone looking to learn in short bursts.
Microlearning’s ability to deliver focused, digestible content makes it an effective tool for both digital natives, those less accustomed to consuming content online and a multigenerational workforce.
Myth: Microlearning is challenging to create
Breaking content into microlearning may seem daunting when you have invested so much time and effort to build the whole course. Fortunately, tools like LEAi can take your existing learning content and create microlearning with the click of a button. Yes, it really can be that easy!
Myth: Microlearning requires specialized tools
One of the common myths about microlearning is that it demands specialized, costly tools or proprietary platforms to be effective. In truth, microlearning is highly versatile and can be delivered using a wide range of accessible and familiar formats.
Whether audio, text, infographics, or interactive quizzes, microlearning content can be shared across multiple platforms, including standard Learning Management Systems (LMS), email, mobile apps, or even social media.
This flexibility allows organizations to leverage existing infrastructure rather than invest in new, expensive technologies. For example, a company may already use an LMS that can host microlearning modules, or it may choose to distribute learning content via email newsletters or messaging apps for quick, convenient access.
Microlearning can also be delivered through bite-sized videos or audio clips that employees can engage with during commutes or breaks, making it highly adaptable to different learning environments and needs.
Microlearning’s flexibility means it can be integrated into formal and informal learning environments. Whether learners use a mobile device, desktop computer, or tablet, microlearning content is easily accessible and user-friendly, allowing for more seamless learning experiences.
Why bust microlearning myths
Microlearning is a great tool to improve the effectiveness of a training program. According to Shift Learning, microlearning training is 17 percent more effective in knowledge transfer. RPS Research discovered that microlearning training increases long-term retention by up to 80 percent when used as a substitute for the actual event or as a supplement to the main presentation.
Not only is microlearning more effective, for employers and employees, microlearning delivers:
- Learning designed to fit into learners schedules
- Reduced training costs
- Reduced time when employees are absent due to training
- Encouraged participation through easy access
- The feeling that training is more manageable
- The ability to deliver customized training
How LEAi busts microlearning myths
LEAi, developed by LearnExperts, is an AI-powered platform that can significantly enhance a microlearning strategy while addressing and busting some common microlearning myths.
One of these myths is the belief that microlearning requires specialized, expensive tools to create and distribute content. LEAi debunks this by offering an intuitive platform that streamlines the creation of microlearning modules without needing advanced technical skills or exclusive technology.
By automating content generation, LEAi makes it easier to produce high-quality, bite-sized learning materials, from text to multimedia, which can be delivered across various platforms, including standard LMS, email, or mobile devices.
LEAi, uses three ways to create microlearning content from existing content you already have:
- Chunking: Logically break the content into smaller, easier-to-consume pieces.
- Condensing: This process reduces the content into a smaller, shorter piece of learning while still covering the main learning objectives.
- Concept-based: LEAi uses AI to analyze the content, determine the concepts being taught, and break it into one microlearning course for each concept.
You don’t have to be a trainer or an L&D specialist to use LEAi to create microlearning. Upload the content from your subject matter experts and LEAi does the hard work for you – in minutes.
If you are considering adopting a microlearning strategy, creating more microlearning content or updating existing content, let LEAi be the tool that helps you bust many of the microlearning myths.
