So, what exactly is microlearning? Well, it's like bite-sized learning nuggets that pack just the right amount of information to help learners achieve their goals. You know, those small but powerful learning units that have taken the eLearning and instructional design world by storm!

Gone are the days of those dreary day-long PowerPoint training sessions. Microlearning has proved to be a game-changer for adult corporate learners. And hey, the quicker your company hops on the microlearning bus, the happier your learners will be. Happy learners mean more business for you. Win-win!

But of course, you're a smart cookie, and you want to see some hard-hitting numbers before jumping aboard. So, here they are:

1) Microlearning Elevates Focus and Retention 

One of the main benefits of microlearning is its remarkable impact on knowledge retention, and scientific experiments have shed light on some fascinating insights into our memory and retention abilities. The Ebbinghaus 'forgetting curve,' named after psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, reveals a startling pattern. Within just 20 minutes after a lesson ends, 50% of newly learned content is forgotten. Over the next 9 hours, that number drops by another 10%, and after 31 days, only 24% of the information remains without revision or repeat learning.

The consequences of this forgetting curve are significant in traditional training methods, leading to decreased work productivity, longer training times, and increased budget spending without a guarantee of full knowledge adoption. However, microlearning steps in as the ultimate solution to combat this phenomenon. Its short and focused duration reduces mental fatigue caused by longer lessons, resulting in a remarkable four times higher engagement rate and superior knowledge retention.

Incredible findings from a 2018 study revealed a remarkable 18% improvement in knowledge retention among students taught using microlearning principles. And that's not all! Other sources have reported even more astounding figures, reaching as high as 80%. It's truly a game-changer!

The secret to microlearning's success lies in increased learner engagement. The more learners interact with the material, the more knowledge they retain. It's as simple as that!

With such impressive stats and a clear link between microlearning and enhanced engagement, there's no denying its effectiveness. If you're seeking a surefire way to boost knowledge retention and keep your learners actively engaged, microlearning is the answer you've been searching for! Businesses can elevate their performance, customer experience levels, conversion rates, and productivity metrics with ease, while learners can stay sharp and informed. 

2) Microlearning Boosts Engagement and Productivity

The power of microlearning is becoming increasingly evident as more companies prioritize its adoption. In fact, a study conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management revealed a staggering statistic: companies that have embraced microlearning witnessed a remarkable 130% increase in both employee engagement and productivity compared to those who have not integrated it into their training strategies.

This eye-opening finding underscores the transformative impact of microlearning on organizational performance. By delivering bite-sized, targeted content, microlearning captivates learners, keeping them engaged and motivated to learn. As a result, employees not only retain information more effectively but also apply their newfound knowledge directly to their roles, enhancing overall productivity and efficiency.

Start learning how to convert long-form eLearning courses to microlearning. 

3) Microlearning Increases Completion Rates

Time constraints can be a significant hurdle, and we empathize with the concerns of managers who strive to nurture continuous growth and learning within their teams.

According to LinkedIn, approximately 63% of Millennials and 58% of Gen Zers are eager to learn new skills, but they often feel they lack the time to do so. This presents a major headache not only for employees who are keen to upskill but also for L&D managers like you, who want to ensure that your teams keep growing and excelling.

But fret not, because microlearning comes to the rescue! Its short and focused learning nuggets are perfectly designed to seamlessly fit into the jam-packed schedules of employees. Whether it's a quick coffee break or a commute, microlearning allows learners to engage in skill-building without feeling overwhelmed by time constraints.

The impact of microlearning on retention rates is truly remarkable. Studies have shown that microlearning can boost retention rates anywhere from 25% to 60%, ensuring that learners retain crucial information for the long term.  What's more, microlearning courses boast an average completion rate of 82%, as reported by 2021 EdApp. This means that learners are not only starting their courses but are also successfully finishing them, absorbing valuable knowledge along the way.

This translates into a workforce that not only stays current with new skills but also actively applies them to their roles. Microlearning's proven effectiveness in boosting retention and completion rates makes it an invaluable tool in your L&D toolkit, enabling your team to thrive in their roles and embrace continuous growth.

4) The magic of 3-7 minute stretches

The human brain is not wired to maintain focus for hours on end. It learns better when the content is delivered in short bursts with the courses well spaced out to help cement the learning. Repetition also aids retention. Microlearning is well-suited to this delivery format.

Microlearning is the need of the hour more so because of the way the average modern learner functions in his daily life.

Here’s what a study carried out by the University of California-Irvine has found:

• Your employee works on a task for about 11 minutes before he is interrupted by a ring or ding of the phone, a popping email, or a co-worker who has come up to his desk.

• Within that span of 11 minutes, he engages in multiple short and quick tasks that average about 3 minutes each.

• If the task involves consuming digital information, he spends just 20 seconds browsing one piece of content before he clicks or flicks through to the next.

The average learner cannot retain focus for long and has become accustomed to consuming short pieces of content in shorter bursts of time. 

5) 50% Reduction in Development Costs & 300% Faster Development

According to the esteemed learning architect Ray Jimenez, PhD, in his book "3-minute eLearning," micro-courses have the potential to revolutionize the world of learning development. By leveraging microlearning, learning developers can achieve remarkable cost and time efficiencies.

Let's delve into the reasons why microlearning is a game-changer:

1. Cost Savings: With microlearning, there's no need to incur expenses on instructor's time, physical classrooms, utilities, or classroom equipment. By delivering content digitally, micro-courses eliminate the overhead costs associated with traditional training methods, leading to a significant 50% reduction in development costs.

2. Fast Development: Traditional training materials, such as lengthy training manuals, can be tedious and time-consuming to update. However, microlearning courses, being modular in nature, are designed for easy and efficient updates. This streamlines the development process, enabling learning materials to be refreshed swiftly. As a result, the development speed can increase by a remarkable 300%, allowing organizations to stay current and agile in their training offerings.

3. Scalability and Flexibility: Microlearning's modular design enables seamless scalability. Organizations can effortlessly tailor micro-courses to specific learning objectives and audience needs. This flexibility empowers L&D teams to respond quickly to evolving training demands, accommodating diverse learners without hassle.

So, if you're seeking to optimize your learning development process, microlearning is undoubtedly the way to go. Embrace micro eLearning courses to unlock cost savings, expedite development, and enhance the overall learning experience for your employees. Get ready to revolutionize your training approach with the incredible potential of microlearning!

Also read: Comparing eLearning and Microlearning for Employee Development

In conclusion, microlearning emerges as a powerful and transformative approach to learning and development. Its impact on various aspects of corporate training is backed by solid evidence and staggering statistics. From significantly boosting retention rates by up to 60% to witnessing completion rates as high as 82%, microlearning proves its effectiveness in keeping learners engaged, motivated, and well-prepared to apply their newfound knowledge.

The undeniable advantages of microlearning are far-reaching. It addresses the perennial time constraints that hinder workplace learning, making skill-building accessible and convenient for employees of all generations. Not only does it offer employees the flexibility to learn at their own pace, but it also empowers managers to cultivate a highly skilled and agile workforce.

Additionally, microlearning's modular nature ensures cost savings of up to 50% in development expenses and enables training materials to be updated swiftly, increasing development speed by a staggering 300%. With microlearning in their arsenal, organizations can keep their training materials relevant and responsive to changing needs, staying ahead in a competitive business landscape.

As we embrace microlearning, let's remember that it is not meant to replace all other training methods, but rather to complement and enhance existing strategies. A well-rounded approach to learning and development, incorporating various methodologies, ensures a holistic and impactful training experience for employees.

So, L&D leaders, seize the opportunity to leverage microlearning as a potent tool for nurturing continuous learning, improving performance, and driving organizational success. Empower your learners with the power of microlearning, and together, let's embark on a journey of excellence and growth. Embrace the future of learning with microlearning and witness the transformative power it brings to your organization.

Recommended read: Theory to Practice: Actionable MicroLearning Tips

REFERENCES:

Mindy Gym. The Bite-Size Revolution. 2015.

Jimenez, Ray. Ph.D "3-Minute e-Learning" 2006.