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In recent years, microlearning has gained traction as a powerful tool for enhancing professional development activities. Professional Learning and You (P.L.A.Y.) uses this format to deliver learning opportunities to professionals.
Microlearning refers to the delivery of learning content in short, focused bursts that can be consumed quickly and easily. By breaking down complex topics into bite-sized modules, microlearning can help learners retain information more effectively and improve their performance on the job.
Research has shown that microlearning can be an effective approach to learning. A study by Raybould and Ritter (2017) found that microlearning improved learner retention and transfer of knowledge, resulting in better performance on the job. Another study by Bersin (2017) found that companies that implemented microlearning saw a 50% increase in engagement and a 17% increase in employee productivity.
One example of microlearning being used in professional development is the LinkedIn Learning platform. LinkedIn Learning offers a library of short, focused courses that cover a wide range of topics. The courses are designed to be consumed in short bursts, with most courses lasting between 30 minutes to 1 hour. This approach has made learning more accessible and convenient for busy professionals, resulting in over 200 million courses completed on the platform (LinkedIn, n.d.).
Another example of microlearning being used in professional development is the app-based learning platform, Blinkist. Blinkist offers condensed summaries of popular non-fiction books that can be consumed in just 15 minutes. The platform has been used by professionals to stay up-to-date on the latest business trends and ideas, with over 18 million users worldwide (Blinkist, n.d.).
Microlearning can also be used to provide just-in-time training for specific tasks. For example, the Walmart Academy uses microlearning to train employees on specific tasks, such as how to handle a spill in the store. By delivering training in short, focused bursts, employees can quickly learn the necessary skills and return to their jobs (Walmart, n.d.).
In the world of education, we are very much in need of innovative and creative solutions for professional learning. Microlearning offers a range of benefits for professional development activities. By breaking down complex topics into short, focused modules, microlearning can improve learner retention, transfer of knowledge, and on-the-job performance. Real-world examples like LinkedIn Learning, Blinkist, and Walmart demonstrate the potential of microlearning to transform professional development.
References:
Bersin, J. (2017). Microlearning: A disruptive innovation in employee learning. Retrieved from https://joshbersin.com/2017/04/microlearning-a-disruptive-innovation-in-employee-learning/
Blinkist. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved from https://www.blinkist.com/en/about
LinkedIn. (n.d.). Learn on LinkedIn: Achieve your goals. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/learning/achieve-your-goals-with-learning/microlearning-the-power-of-small?u=26190246
Raybould, K., & Ritter, J. (2017). The effectiveness of microlearning: A systematic review. Smart Learning Environments, 4(1), 1-14.
Walmart. (n.d.). Walmart Academy: Improving the skills of our associates. Retrieved from https://corporate.walmart.com/learning-and-careers/walmart-academy
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