Why Lightning/Micro Learnings?
Are you in the habit of cramming vast amounts of information into your head at once? If so, get ready to make some changes.
There's now a much better way to learn and retain information: lightning/micro learnings. These short, focused sessions are popping up in classrooms, work environments, and even online courses – for a good reason: Lightning/micro-learnings significantly increase knowledge retention through well-structured lessons!
In this post, we'll explore the power of lightning/microlearning, emphasizing why this form of instruction is becoming increasingly popular with many types of learners.
Definition of Lightning/Micro Learnings
Lightning/Micro Learnings are short and targeted educational sessions or experiences that provide the learner with a focused, bite-sized piece of knowledge. This type of learning is designed to help learners quickly build skills relevant to their needs and interests without having to commit much time.
Micro Learnings can be used in many different contexts, such as training, education, development, and leisure activities. They are often used to supplement more traditional forms of learning and can be tailored to provide a comprehensive understanding of a particular topic or skill.
For instance, a company might provide its employees with Micro Learnings covering harassment prevention tactics. This type of learning is effective because it helps learners quickly gain the knowledge they need without spending hours training.
Lightning/Micro Learnings are an excellent way to get up-to-date and relevant knowledge or skills quickly. This type of learning benefits learners who prefer shorter and more focused educational experiences rather than the traditional lengthier formats. Employers can help employees stay on top of industry trends by providing quick, targeted learning and honing essential skills for continued success.
Primary Types of Lightning/Micro-Learning
Lightning/micro-learning is becoming increasingly popular because of its quick, efficient, and convenient delivery of training and education. It's a type of learning that has grown out of the need to promptly and efficiently supply knowledge without consuming excessive amounts of time or resources.
Micro-learning is an ideal way to offer employees short bursts of relevant information that can be used quickly. Let's take a closer look at each type of lightning/microlearning to understand micro-learning better.
Interactive Parallax-Based Scrolling
Interactive Parallax-Based Scrolling is a form of microlearning that combines the traditional scrolling motion used for web pages with interactive content and animation elements. This type of learning offers an immersive experience because users can interact with different elements on the page as they scroll.
The interactive elements range from games to quizzes and simulations. It can even include videos and images, too. Parallax-based scrolling also allows for the page content to move at a different speed than the user is scrolling, which can create an effective and eye-catching effect.
It's a type of learning that can be beneficial for providing learners with information-packed lessons that are easy to digest. Users will feel more engaged in the material with interactive elements and animation. Thus, making it better for them to understand the content. Even more, it can also create interactive stories that bring a topic to life or showcase a product or service.
Videos
Videos are the most popular type of lightning/microlearning and for a good reason. They are an effective and efficient way to deliver information quickly, especially in a digital environment. Videos can be entertaining and educational. Thus, making them ideal for short instructional pieces. Many companies use videos to provide employees or customers with training and professional development opportunities.
They can be used to demonstrate a process, provide an overview of a company's products or services, or explain a concept. Videos are also highly effective for reinforcing knowledge and providing just-in-time learning. Videos are also easy to create. Even more, you can also customize it to meet the needs of any particular audience. Videos offer great accessibility options, such as closed captioning, and language translation. You can even offer voice-over narrations, too.
Infographics
Infographics are becoming increasingly popular as a form of microlearning and are used by organizations to communicate complex information in an easily understandable visual format quickly. It's an educational tool that may include images, charts, diagrams, and text. It can also include other visuals to help convey data or concepts quickly and effectively.
Infographics are especially beneficial for training courses that need to summarize long or complex content into a more easily digestible format. For instance, if a course covers several concepts, an infographic can provide quick visuals that help learners understand the ideas more quickly and easily.
You can use these graphics for various purposes, such as summarizing data and highlighting key points. It's also effective in providing an overview of a topic and more. You can even use it to quickly educate learners on facts, processes, comparisons, and trends.
Static Resources
Static resources are one of the most commonly used forms of lightning/microlearning. These resources are typically self-contained. They also do not require an active server or streaming service connection. Examples of static resources may include PDF documents, PowerPoint presentations, videos, audio files, and images. Static resources allow learners to access content quickly and easily, as they do not require additional internet access or platform-specific playback capabilities.
Static resources can provide learners with an overview of a given topic or concept and are often used in conjunction with other forms of learning, such as lectures or online activities. Static resources can also help reinforce learned material after completing a lesson. You can also use these resources to provide learners with detailed step-by-step instructions on completing a task or process.
Static resources are an effective tool for lightning/microlearning due to their accessibility and convenience. Since they do not require internet access or additional software installation, static resources are readily available to all learners. Furthermore, static resources can easily be shared with other users via email or social media.
Simulations
Simulations are one of the most widely used forms of lightning/microlearning, as they offer learners a realistic experience in a short amount of time. Simulations are often used to teach complex concepts or tasks requiring higher thinking and problem-solving skills. They can also help learners practice their skills in a safe virtual environment that can be adjusted to fit the learner's needs.
Simulations can vary in scope and complexity but typically involve an interactive environment with user-controlled elements. They may involve virtual objects or characters controlled by the user and interact within the environment, or they may use pre-programmed scenarios for learners to respond to. Simulations can also involve role-playing, where the learner is placed in a realistic situation and asked to respond accordingly.
Simulations can be used for various educational purposes, including teaching job skills, safety protocols, product knowledge, or other topics related to a particular subject or industry. They are handy for allowing learners to make mistakes without any real-life consequences and helping reinforce concepts and skills. Simulations also have the benefit of allowing learners to apply what they have learned in a virtual environment before applying it in real-life situations.
Complex Branching Scenarios
Complex Branching Scenarios (CBS) are an effective form of microlearning as they allow learners to interact with multiple characters or objects in a real-world setting. Learners can choose which character or object to interact with first and then follow the scenarios down different paths depending on their choices. This type of microlearning is powerful because it helps learners explore various possibilities and practice decision-making skills. CBS can even help your employees gain a deeper understanding of the material being taught.
You can use CBS in various settings, such as medical training, industry safety protocols, and customer service scenarios. They are also effective in teaching problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. By presenting multiple options for learners to explore within the scenario, they gain a more comprehensive understanding of the material and develop valuable skills for navigating real-world situations.
CBS can also simulate complex, real-life scenarios which will be challenging to recreate in a traditional learning environment. By placing learners in an immersive virtual setting, your employees can practice decision-making and problem-solving skills in a safe and engaging environment.
Podcasts and Webcasts
Podcasts and Webcasts are two of the most popular types of lightning/microlearning. Podcasts are recordings of audio, either streamed or downloaded from the internet and can be used to deliver educational content in bite-sized pieces. Webcasts are live or pre-recorded videos that provide visual learning experiences for viewers.
Both podcasts and webcasts have several advantages over traditional learning methods. They are more convenient as they can be streamed or downloaded on demand, meaning learners can access the content whenever their schedule allows.
Podcasts and webcasts also provide a more engaging experience than traditional lectures or presentations, as viewers can watch at their own pace and pause the video to take notes if necessary. Even more, these forms of lightning/microlearning reduce costs related to travel, as learners don’t need to be in the exact physical location to access the content.
Podcasts and webcasts can also include multimedia, such as images and animations, which help to keep viewers engaged and make complex concepts easier to understand. These forms of lightning/microlearning also make it easy for learners to review material if needed, as podcasts and webcasts can easily be replayed at any time.
Gamification
Gamification, also known as game-based learning, is a popular form of lightning/microlearning. It leverages the enjoyment and engagement of playing games to help learners master new concepts or skills quickly and efficiently.
Gamification encourages continuous learning by providing rewards such as points, badges, or other incentives for completing tasks correctly. With gamification, learners can compete against their peers or themselves, creating a sense of accomplishment and keeping them motivated. Gamification can be used to teach almost any subject matter, from math to language learning, and is especially helpful for topics that learners find difficult or tedious.
Gamification breaks down complex topics into smaller chunks while providing a fun, engaging experience. This is often done through levels and rewards, such as points or badges for completing tasks correctly. There are also leaderboards and other challenges that will incentivize learners to keep improving their skills. It is important to note that gamification should be tailored to the educational content being taught; for example, a game about multiplication would look very different from a game about grammar.
Social Learning
Social learning, also known as collaborative learning, is one of the primary forms of lightning/microlearning. It involves leveraging social networks to facilitate and engage learners in a shared learning experience. This type of learning encourages interaction between learners, allowing them to build on each other’s knowledge and ideas while providing valuable feedback in real time.
Social learning is ideal for those who prefer to learn in a collaborative environment, as it allows individuals to collaborate and share their ideas. This form of learning is also beneficial for the learner, as they can receive constructive feedback from peers or instructors quickly and easily. This learning style also allows learners to evaluate their progress and independently take ownership of their development.
When utilizing Social learning, creating a collaborative and engaging environment is essential. This may include using tools such as online forums, social media platforms, or video conferencing software. Even more, creating a safe space for learners to ask questions openly and contribute to the discussion can help ensure a positive learning experience. The end goal should be to have learners actively engage with the content and each other to promote a deeper understanding of the material.
Harassment is a social concept as it takes more than one person for it to take place. The goal of Social learning should be to create an environment that is respectful and welcoming for everyone involved while encouraging a culture that stands up against any form of harassment.
Geofencing
Geofencing is one of the primary types of lightning/microlearning, which is a type of learning that takes place in short bursts and is focused on a specific topic. Geofencing utilizes GPS technology to create virtual boundaries around a physical location or area. This allows learners to receive notifications with specific content when they enter or leave those areas.
This type of learning is widely used for location-based services, such as reminding users to complete tasks or providing relevant information when they are in a particular area. For example, a student studying history could receive a notification about the local historical sites and monuments whenever they enter an area of interest. Geofencing can also provide additional context to online learning, such as providing museum audio tours or alerting users about upcoming events.
You can utilize geofencing at the workplace and in educational learning situations and is a great way to ensure learners are engaged with the content they receive. It provides an additional layer of relevance to the learning experience and allows trainers and educators better to tailor the content to the learners’ needs. With Geofencing, educators can create a more interactive and engaging learning environment that encourages exploration and allows learners to explore content at their own pace.
For example, in the context of harassment training, geofencing can be used to remind employees of their legal rights and responsibilities as they enter the workplace. This serves as an additional layer of protection to ensure that all employees are aware of what is expected in the workplace.
Primary Characteristics of Lightning/Micro-learnings
Lightning/Micro-learnings are quickly becoming an integral part of modern learning initiatives. It is a form of just-in-time and on-demand training delivered in short, 5 to 15-minute bursts of content that focus on job-related skills or information. With their quick delivery and easy scalability, Lightning/Micro-learnings can dramatically increase a learner’s knowledge and skills.
Here are some of the primary characteristics of Lightning/Micro-learnings:
1. Short & Focused – Lightning/Micro-learnings focus on one specific topic and deliver information concisely and easily understood. This allows learners to absorb and apply newly acquired knowledge quickly.
2. Interactive – Lightning/Micro-learnings use interactive methods such as quizzes, videos, and simulations to engage learners and reinforce their understanding of the material.
3. Accessible – Lightning/Micro-learnings are designed to be accessed on the go to be accessed anywhere, anytime.
4. Scalable – Lightning/Micro-learnings are easy to scale up or down based on the organization's and learners' needs. They can also be rapidly deployed for just-in-time learning.
5. Cost-Effective – Lightning/Micro-learnings offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional classroom-based training.
Benefits of Lightning/Micro-learnings
Increased Learning Retention
Lightning/Micro-learnings provide a focused approach to learning, allowing learners to concentrate on small chunks of information at one time and then apply their knowledge in real-time scenarios. This helps them retain the information for longer and quickly recall it when needed.
For instance, imagine a student studying for an exam in a traditional learning setting. They may cram dozens of facts and concepts into their brains, only to find that they can’t remember what they studied when they take the test. With micro-learning, however, learners can break down their material into smaller sections and revisit them multiple times throughout their learning process, helping them to retain the information more successfully.
Increased Engagement
Lightning/Micro-learnings also increase engagement among learners because they provide an opportunity for continuous and focused learning. By breaking down longer lessons into shorter, more manageable chunks of information, micro-learning can help keep learners engaged and interested in the material.
Additionally, lightning/micro-learnings can create interactive and engaging activities that encourage learners to apply their knowledge hands-on. For example, some micro-learning activities could involve quizzes, simulations, or games that help test the learner’s knowledge and reinforce key concepts. Making learning fun and interactive makes learners more likely to remain engaged.
Increased Accessibility
Lightning/micro-learning also makes learning more accessible, as it can be quickly delivered through various digital platforms. This allows people with busy schedules or limited access to traditional learning environments to engage in meaningful learning experiences. Additionally, lightning/micro-learnings can be customized based on the learner’s individual needs and preferences, making them more accessible to various learners.
One prime example of the accessibility offered by lightning/micro-learnings is remote learning. Traditional teaching methods can make it difficult for students to learn from home. However, micro-learning allows learners to access educational material quickly and easily anywhere and anytime.
Cost- Effectiveness
Lightning/Micro-learnings are also more cost-effective than traditional learning methods. Since they can be quickly delivered through digital platforms, there is no need to purchase expensive course materials or provide classroom space. Micro-learning activities also require less preparation and monitoring time than traditional learning methods, saving teachers significant time and money.
For instance, a traditional course may take months, whereas micro-learning activities can be completed in hours or days. This makes them much more cost-effective for both the learner and the institution. Harassment training may not be the most exciting topic, but with micro-learning, you can make it engaging and memorable. It's a liability if you don't properly train your employees and this style of learning makes it a lot easier.
Convenient for Learners
Finally, lightning/micro-learnings are much more convenient for learners. Since they can be accessed anytime and anywhere, learners don’t need to worry about attending classes or physical meetings to get the education they want. Even more, lightning/micro-learnings give learners more control over their learning experience as they can tailor their courses to their individual needs and preferences. This helps them make the most of their learning time while still getting the education they need.
That's because lightning/micro-learnings offer interactive and engaging experiences that help learners retain the material for longer. They also make learning more accessible, cost-effective, and convenient for everyone. As such, lightning/micro-learnings are a powerful tool for improving learning retention and can benefit learners and institutions alike.
Use Cases of Lightning/Micro Learnings
Corporate Training
Corporate training is an essential part of any modern business organization. With the rise of digital technologies, traditional corporate training methods are being replaced or supplemented with innovative learning techniques such as lightning/micro-learnings. Lightning/Micro Learnings are designed to offer small chunks of information in a short period, helping learners quickly grasp concepts and apply them in their job tasks.
Lightning/micro learnings can be used in various corporate training scenarios to engage learners effectively and impart knowledge or skills quickly. Here are some examples:
• Onboarding new employees – Lightning/Micro Learnings can be used as an effective onboarding tool, allowing new hires to quickly familiarize themselves with the company culture, tools, and processes.
• Employee development – Short courses can be created on topics such as leadership or communication to help employees develop their skills quickly. Such lightning/micro-learning will enable them to apply the concepts immediately in their job roles.
• Compliance training – Lightning/Micro Learnings can be used to quickly deliver compliance training material to employees, ensuring they stay up-to-date with industry regulations and laws.
• Refresher courses – Short refresher courses can be designed around topics such as changes in technology or software that can help the employees stay updated on new developments.
Online Education
Online Education, or Learning Management Systems (LMS), is becoming more and more popular in the age of digital transformation. Educators are turning to micro-learning techniques such as lightning learning to ensure that students get the most out of their education. This approach enables learners to break down complex concepts into smaller, manageable chunks.
Lightning/Micro learnings can be used in online education, from content delivery and assessment to collaboration between students and instructors. For example, lightning/micro-learning can help deliver suitable material at the right time to keep students engaged and motivated. This approach also helps educators provide targeted instruction tailored to each student’s needs. In addition, this approach can help assess students’ progress and identify areas where they need additional help.
Lightning/Micro learnings also encourage collaboration between learners and instructors by providing access to various communication channels such as discussion boards and video conferencing applications. Doing so allows educators to interact with their students and facilitate constructive dialogues directly.
Skill Development
Skill development is a crucial factor in any successful business. Companies must ensure that their employees are always up to date with the latest skills and technologies to stay competitive in the ever-changing market. Microlearning or lightning learning is an effective way to keep employees on track with their skill development goals.
Micro-learning involves short bursts of learning that focus on one particular concept or task. They reduce the barriers to learning, as learners can complete them quickly and easily in a short amount of time. This makes them great for busy professionals who need to stay current with their skills but don’t have the time to commit to a longer course or program.
Micro-learning can help employees quickly learn new tasks, refresh their knowledge on a specific topic, or even get up to speed on the latest technologies. For example, if a company wants its employees to become proficient in a new language, it can use micro-learning modules focusing on crucial language acquisition elements. This allows employees to learn on their own time, at their own pace, and in short bursts.
It is also possible to use microlearning to assess an employee’s current skill level. Organizations can track progress and ensure employees are meeting their goals by giving them a set of tasks or challenges that must be completed within a specific timeframe. This makes it easy for employers to identify gaps in knowledge and improve training programs so employees can better keep up with the latest trends.
Finally, microlearning can help companies identify high performers who may be ready for promotion or advanced courses. By tracking each employee’s progress through microlearning tasks, employers can easily recognize those with exceptional skill sets and reward them accordingly.
Personal Development
Personal development is a crucial aspect of life, and being able to have the ability to hone one's skill set and knowledge can be highly beneficial. One of the most effective ways for individuals to improve in this regard is through Lightning or Micro Learnings, short content sessions focusing on specific skills.
Micro Learnings enable learners to delve into topics in more depth and detail than traditional methods. This is because sessions are shorter and focus on a specific topic, which allows for more in-depth comprehension. It also eliminates the possibility of boredom or distraction arising from longer sessions.
The primary benefit of Lightning or Micro Learnings is that they are highly effective in improving one’s skills in a short period. As the sessions focus on specific topics, learners can gain deep knowledge on a particular topic they may not have had before. Thus, allowing individuals to become more proficient and knowledgeable in personal and professional development.
Moreover, Micro-Learning courses also provide opportunities for learners to experience new tools, techniques, and technologies that may not be available in traditional learning. It allows them to stay up-to-date with the latest developments, which can also benefit personal development.
Implementation of Lightning/MicroLearnings
Preparation of Micro-learning Content
Micro-learning is a relatively new learning method characterized by short, focused bursts of instruction. The idea is to reduce content into small, easily digestible chunks that learners can understand quickly and retain longer. As such, micro-learning is ideal for an ever-growing mobile workforce where employees are increasingly trying to fit learning into their busy schedules.
However, preparing quality micro-learning content can be problematic for many organizations. There are some key challenges that need to be addressed when creating effective micro-learning materials:
1) Content should be concise and to the point – Micro-learning content should be concise and focus on a single concept or task. Any extraneous information should be avoided so learners can concentrate on the key points without being overwhelmed.
2) Brevity is essential - Learning needs to be kept as succinct as possible, with no more than two minutes for each learning task. If a concept is too complex, it should be broken down into separate micro-learning tasks.
3) Content should be digestible - Micro-learning content should be easily digestible and structured to ensure learners can understand the flow of information without feeling overwhelmed or confused.
4) Content needs to be relevant – When creating micro-learning content, it is crucial to focus on current topics that apply to the learner's job role or industry. This will ensure that learners remain engaged and motivated to learn more.
Choice of Delivery Method
The choice of delivery method is an essential element of Lightning/MicroLearning implementation. It is essential to understand the specific needs and constraints of the organization when selecting a delivery method for successful implementation. The most common delivery methods are instructor-led training, blended learning, and self-learning.
● Instructor-led Training (ILT) is a traditional approach in which a trainer or facilitator is present to guide the participants through the training program. This method allows for more effective feedback and facilitates better learning outcomes. ILT is best suited for organizations that need to quickly train large numbers of employees at one time, such as companies with multiple departments or locations.
● Blended learning combines traditional instructor-led training with online/digital learning components. It allows for a more customized learning experience, as the learner can choose from several activities to customize their training plan. Blended learning is best suited for organizations that need to train employees quickly on new technologies or processes efficiently.
● Self-learning refers to any learning activity without the direct guidance of a trainer or facilitator. This can include online videos, interactive tutorials, e-books, and other digital content. Self-learning is best suited for organizations that need to train employees quickly on new technologies or processes efficiently.
Measurement of Effectiveness
When it comes to Lightning/MicroLearning, one of the critical elements to consider is how effective it will be. This can be determined in a few ways.
First, observing learner engagement and feedback should indicate whether Lightning/MicroLearning was successful. Through this method, instructors can gain insight into the success of the content and delivery.
Secondly, measuring assessment scores can indicate how effective lightning/microLearning was in knowledge transfer. This method is advantageous as it provides a quantitative metric for assessing success.
Finally, reviewing learner behavior concerning Lightning/MicroLearning should also help determine its effectiveness. You could do this by tracking the paths learners took within Lightning/MicroLearning and observing any changes in behavior.
Conclusion
Many factors contribute to the success or failure of an organization. In this rapidly paced and constantly changing business world, micro-learnings are essential to ensure successful training and employee development across organizations.
Microlearning allows employees to stay updated with the latest changes and immediately apply what they learned and see results. When designed correctly, microlearning can be engaging and fun for learners. If you're not using micro-learning in your organization yet, now is the time to start. Join us now to learn more about how to get started with your organization's micro-learnings.