Microlearning means learning in short learning sequences. It packages learning units into small "knowledge bites" and thus keeps the barrier to learning low. Content is easily accessible and also retrievable on the go from smartphones and tablets. Microlearning supports ubiquitous and continuous learning in everyday life. More and more companies are using this approach to impart knowledge and provide further training to their employees.

In this article, we show what exactly microlearning is, what advantages it offers in corporate human resources development, and how you too can effectively implement microlearning in your company.

What is microlearning?

Microlearning differs from traditional forms of learning. Here are the most important characteristics:

Characteristics of microlearning:

• Small learning units: The content is divided into short, specific lessons that last only a few minutes.
• Focus on one topic: Each learning unit covers a specific topic.
• Flexibility: Learners can complete the units at their own pace.
• Multimedia content: Use of various media such as videos, quizzes, infographics, podcasts, and interactive modules.
• Mobile-friendly: Content is optimized for mobile devices to enable learning on the go.

Advantages of microlearning in companies

This form of learning has many advantages for corporate further training. It enables learning in short, concise units. These units can be easily integrated into everyday work. The individual modules are mobile-friendly and work on various end devices.

Smaller learning units improve knowledge retention. New information is processed and retained better through repetition and reinforcement.

Another advantage is the high flexibility of so-called microlearning. Employees can learn anytime and anywhere. This is particularly important in times of remote work and flexible working models. Even the output language can be reliably adjusted thanks to automated tools.

Microlearning is more cost-effective than traditional training methods. Once produced, learning units can be used again and again in the sense of asynchronous learning. Furthermore, companies save costs for long training programs and the associated loss of working hours.

Increase engagement thanks to microlearning

Multimedia and interactive content increase the engagement and motivation of employees. Videos, quizzes, games, simulated conversations and interactive modules with feedback systems make learning more interesting by addressing different learning styles.

In addition, the learning content can be easily adapted to the needs and challenges of the company. Tailor-made modules, which are tailored to specific roles, departments, or projects, enable targeted and relevant further training. This addresses the employees' work reality directly.

Here you will find the advantages of microlearning for companies summarized:

• Learning content is quickly created or already available thanks to pre-made courses and can be quickly supplemented later
• high reach and acceptance among employees through device-independent learning
• flexible learning for employees – anytime and anywhere
• Feedback and progress reports ensure high motivation among learners
• secures experiential knowledge in the company

Use cases for microlearning in companies

This form of learning can be used in all company departments. Here are a few examples:

1. Onboarding: New employees are trained reliably and innovatively.
2. Sales techniques: Imparting sales methods and strategies in small, easily digestible bites
3. Factual knowledge about products: Quick and targeted conveyance of product information
4. Occupational safety: Regular refreshing of safety regulations and measures
5. Business etiquette for trainees: Introduction to the basic rules of conduct in business life
6. Compliance: Training on legal regulations and company policies
7. Vocabulary trainer for foreign languages: Effective learning of vocabulary through regular, short units

In our article on the optimal design and formats of microlearning, we show further use cases.

Through innovative forms of learning like microlearning, companies take proactive action against the causes and consequences of the skilled worker shortage. How?

• by not losing competent new employees immediately due to missing onboarding
• by developing and strengthening competencies in the team through targeted further training measures, so-called upskilling and rightskilling
• by securing valuable experiential knowledge in the company so it is not lost through resignations

Do you want to know more about microlearning? Read our long-read article with 15 surprising facts about microlearning!
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Microlearning with keelearning

With keelearning, you rely on innovative e-learning that uses new technologies such as Conversational Microlearning, Learning Journeys, and Autotranslate. In addition, we integrate learning approaches such as Action Mapping, Generational Learning, Peer-to-Peer Learning, and Storytelling.

Through varied formats, learning experiences are created that ensure reliable learning success. Use microlearning with keelearning to:

• continually provide further training to your employees
• expand skills in the team (Rightskilling & Upskilling)
• create small learning units thanks to an app that can be applied directly in daily work
• bring multilingual teams to the same level of knowledge
• make further training accessible for firstline workers
• avoid knowledge loss due to resignations
• conduct onboarding reliably
• build an internal company online academy

With keelearning, you receive a comprehensive microlearning system that enables simple and fast implementation of your e-learning goals. Our platform provides the necessary technical infrastructure so that you can start immediately. The user-friendly interface and intuitive tools make it easy to create, manage, and distribute learning content, without requiring prior technical knowledge.

Contact our experts free of charge and without obligation to find out how you too can use microlearning for the further training of your team.

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