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20 microlearning formats worth your consideration (part I)

Microlearning examples

As I’ve discussed before, microlearning is an approach to training that delivers content to learners in small, targeted bursts. The learners choose their path and pace through the content.

When a learning organization begins to incorporate a microlearning strategy into its overall training curriculum, it’s safe to start with five-minute Storyline modules or brief videos. They’re just the beginning, though; you can choose from many more micro options:

  1. Interactive slider
    “How Do You Want the World to be When You Retire?” is a compelling example of a before-and-after slider showing two alternate realities.
  2. Vine video
    I’ve seen numerous six-second Vine videos that teach a skill, including these two examples from Lowe’s Home Improvement.
  3. Web app
    Web apps typically target specific browsers, rather than devices. Super Sync Sports is a web app Chrome Experiment that syncs your mobile device to your computer..
  4. Animated illustration
    Use tools like Tumult Hype and Adobe Edge to tell a story with animation and illustrations as in this intuitive Solar System example.
  5. Banner ad
    The lines between learning and marketing have blurred. Consider designing an educational banner ad that appears on your organization’s Facebook page, intranet, or in HTML5-formatted emails. This example does an excellent job of expressing what it feels like to have emphysema.
  6. Flashcard emulator
    Digital flashcards are designed for on-the-go studying. Quizlet is a leading education app that allows learners to create their own flashcards or choose from those created by others on thousands of subjects. Xyleme also contains a responsive flashcard interaction that includes learn, practice, and test modes.
  7. Social quiz
    Duolingo and Cognibloom are two platforms that use social quizzing as the method of instruction. Duolingo helps learners study a new language for free while simultaneously crowd-sourcing the translation to the Internet. Cognibloom hosts professional quizzes by experts for career development.
  8. Interactive infographic
    Interactive infographics are a great way to share data that informs a perspective on an issue. Check out http://futureofcarsharing.com/ as an example.
  9. Game
    Educational microlearning games can yield great results and be fun, too. Two of my favorite examples are Spent and Collapse.
  10. Puzzle
    Collaborative learning can take place in short bursts of downtime. Everyone at PT has the opportunity to add their answers to partially-completed crossword puzzles while they wait for the microwave and coffee-maker in the communal kitchen. Group collaboration is an excellent way to solve problems or create something new. Try posting a real-world, complex engineering or innovation challenge on the refrigerator or kitchen counter. The more challenging the puzzle, the better.

Now it’s time to create your own micro smoothies—mix-and-match various styles, throw in some different formats, and blend a personalized experience for your learners. I’ll see you next time with ten more microlearning formats you can put to work right away.

Go to part II of this article.

 

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