Looking for a comprehensive guide on microlearning software? Our buyers' guide covers everything you need to know to make the best decision for your organization. Discover the top solutions and features today.
Attention software buyers! Are you looking to make employee training more efficient? Microlearning software may be the solution you've been searching for. Microlearning allows for bite-sized, engaging lessons that can be completed in just a few minutes. Employees can take the lessons on their own time, on any device, and from any location. This means less time off the job and more productivity. But with a wide range of options on the market, finding the right one can be overwhelming. In this guide, we'll explore the key features and benefits to help you make an informed decision for your business.
What is a microlearning software?
Microlearning software, a type of training platform, is becoming more popular as businesses seek alternative training methods to fulfill their learning and development needs. It emphasizes bite-sized content and short courses, making it a great fit for industries with high employee turnover rates or seasonal business peaks. One reason for this is that the format empowers employees to refer back to small, easy-to-digest chunks of information whenever they wish, making the training process more engaging.
Some of the most common use cases for this solution include employee onboarding, compliance training, just-in-time training, professional skills training, customer-facing jobs, and training new employees. Each type of training caters to a different need and highlights the versatility of microlearning software. For instance, onboarding training can allow new employees to learn about company culture, compliance policies, and expectations regarding their role. Compliance training is beneficial in industries that must abide by strict regulations, while just-in-time training allows employees to learn 24 hours before they need to apply what they have recently learned.
Companies across industries and sizes use microlearning software. Businesses in retail, healthcare, hospitality, and call centers have seen substantial benefits in its use. This is due to its convenience, affordability, and adaptability. An ATD Research report “Microlearning: Delivering Bite-Sized Knowledge” found that 40% of the study’s almost 600 participating organizations currently use microlearning. With this learning solution, managers can distribute small amounts of focused training content to their employees. The method allows employees the chance to digest the information at their own pace, without requiring formal in-person instruction.
What are the benefits of adopting a microlearning system?
As modern businesses are faced with ever-increasing competition and fast-paced change, it's important to have a workforce that can adapt to these demands quickly and efficiently. A microlearning system offers a solution which is gaining popularity as a powerful training tool in the business world, allowing for bite-sized and effective training modules that can be accessed anywhere, at any time.
Here are some of its key benefits:
- Improved knowledge retention: Microlearning software breaks down complex topics into smaller modules, making it easier for employees to absorb and retain information.
- Increased engagement: With shorter and more focused training modules, employees are more likely to stay engaged throughout the learning process.
- Cost-effective: Traditional training methods can be expensive and time-consuming, whereas microlearning software allows for the cost-effective creation of targeted courses that can be updated easily. Research has shown that microlearning videos can be produced in 300% less time, and at 50% less cost, than traditional courses.
- Improved productivity: With improved efficiency and skill development, employees are better equipped to perform their job duties and contribute to company growth.
- Flexibility: Employees can access training modules at their convenience, making it easier to fit learning into their busy schedules.
10 key features of a microlearning solution
Here are 10 common features that you can expect to find in most modern microlearning tools:
1. Bite-sized learning: This learning program delivers lessons in small bite-sized chunks. These short lessons are easy to consume and digest, making it easier for learners to retain information and stay engaged.
2. Multimedia content: It typically includes a variety of multimedia content, such as videos, images, and interactive quizzes. This helps to keep learners engaged and interested in the learning material.
3. Mobile-friendly: A microlearning platform is designed to be mobile-friendly, allowing learners to access training materials on their smartphones and tablets. This makes it easy for learners to take training on-the-go, allowing them to fit learning into their busy schedules.
4. Personalized learning: It often comes equipped with personalized learning tools that allow learners to customize their learning experience. This might include the ability to skip sections of content that they already know, or to access additional resources for deeper learning.
5. Tracking and analytics: It also typically includes tracking and analytics tools that allow trainers and managers to monitor learner progress and performance. This data can be used to improve training programs and better meet the needs of learners.
6. Gamification: Many microlearning software platforms also incorporate gamification elements, such as badges or leaderboards, to motivate learners and keep them engaged.
7. Social learning: A microlearning solution often includes social learning features, such as discussion forums or instant messaging, which allow learners to connect with each other and share knowledge. This can help to foster a collaborative learning environment and encourage ongoing learning.
8. Micro-certifications: Some platforms offer micro-certifications, which allow learners to earn credentials for completing specific modules or courses. These credentials can be valuable in demonstrating mastery of a particular skill or topic.
9. Rapid content creation: Microlearning software typically includes tools for rapid content creation, allowing trainers and managers to create new training materials quickly and easily.
10. Integration with other systems: Modern microlearning software can often be integrated with other learning and development systems, such as learning management systems (LMS), allowing businesses to create a comprehensive learning environment for their employees.
These are just a few of the common features of this essential application and by adopting this technology, businesses can improve employee engagement, increase productivity, and achieve better learning outcomes.
What to consider when investing in a microlearning tool?
Microlearning is an increasingly popular approach to employee training that involves delivering small, focused learning modules over a period of time. This approach has been found to increase learner engagement and retention rates among employees, leading to greater knowledge transfer and improved performance. As such, businesses looking to modernize their training programs should consider investing in it.
Important factors to consider include:
1. Content creation tools: The software should offer a range of tools to help your team create engaging and effective microlearning content. This may include templates, multimedia integrations, and drag-and-drop interfaces that simplify the development process.
2. Customization capabilities: It should allow for easy customization of training content to reflect your brand and specific training needs. The ability to add branding elements, tailor scenarios to match your organization's realities, and add specific scenarios or tasks to the training program should be a consideration.
3. Integration with existing systems: The solution should be able to integrate with your existing HR, LMS, and other business systems, allowing for seamless data transfer and integration. That way you can track employee progress and identify areas in which learning modules need improvement.
4. Ease of use: It should be intuitive, user-friendly, and easy to administer. It should also allow for easy updates and changes to content, so you can keep your training program up-to-date and relevant to your teams.
5. Analytics capabilities: The platform should provide robust analytics capabilities that allow you to track employee progress, identify areas of strength and weakness, and monitor return on investment. This allows businesses to evaluate how effective the training program is in terms of employee performance and organizational goals.
6. Support and training: The vendor should offer technical support and training to help your team get up-to-speed quickly. Any issues that arise should be resolved promptly, to avoid delays in the rollout of the training program.
Industry trends for microlearning software
Nowadays, it has become more important than ever to have training that is engaging, effective, and delivered in a manner that fits the needs of learners. One of the ways this is being addressed is through the use of microlearning software. In the coming years, we can expect to see some exciting microlearning program trends taking shape.
1. Personalization
Increased personalization will be a major trend in microlearning. This will enable learners to receive training tailored to their preferences and needs, and will make learning more relevant, engaging and effective for them.
2. Mobile-first approach
With more people accessing the internet through their mobile devices, it's no surprise that the trend towards mobile-first microlearning will continue in the coming years. This will enable learners to access training content anywhere, anytime, regardless of their location.
3. Video-based learning
Videos have been a popular form of content for a long time and they are here to stay. Video-based microlearning is expected to become even more popular in the coming years as it is efficient, engaging, and easy to consume.
4. Immersive learning
Immersive learning experiences have been growing in popularity in recent years, and the trend is expected to continue in microlearning software as well. Learning through immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) provides an engaging and memorable experience for learners.
5. Gamification
Gamification in microlearning is expected to be a trend that continues in 2024 and beyond. The use of games, quizzes, badges, and points systems to motivate and engage learners can be a powerful tool for enhancing the effectiveness of microlearning.
Microlearning software will continue to evolve to meet the needs of businesses and learners. The trends outlined above are just a snapshot of what we can expect to see in the coming years, and organizations that invest in this technology will gain a competitive advantage by providing their employees with engaging and effective training.
Conclusion
To conclude, this approach aligns with contemporary learning theories, which emphasize the benefits of concise, easily digestible information over traditional, long-form educational methods. Microlearning software represents a significant advancement in education and professional development, offering an efficient and engaging way to deliver knowledge. Careful consideration must always be given to potential challenges such as content fragmentation and the need for depth in certain subjects. When effectively integrated into a comprehensive learning strategy, microlearning can significantly enhance the learning experience and outcomes for individuals and organizations alike.