The Rise of Microlearning in Enterprises: Bite-Sized Learning for Big Results

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Developing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce is essential for any company’s success. However, traditional corporate training methods often face significant challenges. Lengthy classroom sessions can be tedious, fitting training into busy schedules is a constant struggle, and bombarding employees with information overload leads to poor retention.

This is where microlearning comes in as a powerful solution. Microlearning delivers bite-sized, focused learning modules that are engaging and easily digestible. This approach offers a multitude of benefits, including improved knowledge retention, increased accessibility, and boosted employee engagement.

But what makes microlearning particularly well-suited for corporate training, especially for large enterprises? 

Let’s explore the key characteristics that contribute to its growing importance:

Microlearning is an innovative approach to corporate training that delivers focused learning of information in short, easily digestible modules. These modules typically range from a few minutes to around 15 minutes and target specific learning objectives or skills. Unlike traditional training methods, microlearning is:

• Focused: Each module tackles a single, well-defined topic.
• Accessible: Microlearning content can be accessed anytime, anywhere, on any device.
• Engaging: Interactive elements and multimedia keep learners interested.

One of the most popular forms of microlearning is microlearning videos. These short, engaging videos are ideal for delivering training content, product walkthroughs, or knowledge nuggets to employees in a digestible and visually appealing manner.

Microlearning videos are a popular format for these bite-sized lessons. Microlearning videos can be animation, narration, or even live-action to present information in a short and engaging way. 

Microlearning in enterprise

• Companies use microlearning videos to onboard new employees, deliver regular skill training, and keep employees updated on new procedures.
• Microlearning modules can be easily integrated into existing workflows.

Imagine a quick explainer video on a new software feature, a step-by-step process visually demonstrated, or a customer testimonial highlighting a product benefit – all within a few minutes.

This is where Steve AI comes in. Steve AI is a platform that enables anyone to create professional-looking microlearning videos. You can choose from pre-designed templates, write your script, or let AI generate a script for you, and Steve AI will transform it into a video with narration, visuals, and even AI avatars.  No fancy video editing skills are required! 

Traditional training can feel like a marathon – long, tiring, and forgettable. Microlearning videos offers a smarter approach, delivering knowledge in bite-sized chunks that are:

According to a study by Brandon Hall group, training durations can be cut by up to 60% without compromising learning effectiveness. This is crucial as employees have only about 4.8 minutes per day available for learning and development activities.

Here’s why microlearning deserves a spot in your training toolbox:

1. Focused learning

 Microlearning targets specific skills or knowledge, ensuring learners grasp exactly what they need when they need it

2. Perfect for busy schedules

 Today’s learners are on the go. Microlearning modules can be completed in minutes, fitting perfectly into busy schedules.

3. Always available

 No need to block out calendar time. Microlearning content is readily accessible, allowing learners to access it anywhere and anytime.

4. Boosts engagement

 Interactive formats like videos, games, and quizzes keep learners interested and motivated.

5. Cost-effective to scale 

Developing and deploying microlearning is faster and cheaper than traditional training. This makes it ideal for large-scale training initiatives.

Microlearning videos offer a powerful approach to delivering bite-sized knowledge. However, creating microlearning training videos presents unique challenges:

• Maintaining coherence and flow 

Breaking down complex topics into short videos can create a disjointed learning experience.  The challenge lies in ensuring a logical flow of information across multiple modules, providing a clear learning path for the learner.

• Engaging in short videos

Microlearning content, by definition, has limited time to capture attention and deliver value.  The challenge is to design engaging and interactive activities within these constraints, keeping learners motivated and actively participating in the learning process.

• Alignment with broader goals

 Microlearning shouldn’t exist in a silo.  The challenge lies in ensuring each microlearning module aligns with and contributes to the broader learning objectives and overall training goals.

• Measuring impact

 Demonstrating the effectiveness of microlearning initiatives can be tricky.  The challenge is to develop methods to accurately measure the impact of these short learning bursts on knowledge retention, skill application, and overall performance improvement.

Now we will delve into the various methods and best practices for evaluating the impact of microlearning, providing a comprehensive overview of how organizations can assess its effectiveness and align it with their broader learning and development objectives.

Microlearning’s strength lies in its ability to deliver focused knowledge in a short format. But how do you know if these bite-sized video lessons are translating into actual learning and improved performance? 

Here’s a look at key methods to measure the impact of microlearning:

1. Engagement Metrics:

• Completion rates: This is a basic indicator of whether learners are finishing the microlearning modules. Low completion rates might suggest the video content is too difficult, uninteresting, or inaccessible.
• Time spent: While microlearning is short, analyze if learners are spending an adequate amount of time to absorb the information. Extremely fast completion rates could indicate skimming, while very slow times might point to confusion.

2. Assessing Knowledge:

• Assessments: Embed quizzes, games, or interactive elements within the microlearning modules to test knowledge acquisition immediately.

• Pre-and Post-Tests: Conduct assessments before and after the microlearning program to gauge knowledge improvement.

3. Learner and Stakeholder Feedback:

• Surveys: Use surveys to gather learner feedback on the content, delivery format, and overall effectiveness of the microlearning program.

• Focus Groups: Conduct focus groups with learners and stakeholders to gain in-depth insights into the program’s strengths and weaknesses.

4. Business Impact Metrics:

• Performance: Track key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the microlearning’s objective. For example, if the focus was on customer service skills, monitor customer satisfaction scores.
• Productivity: Analyze if there’s an improvement in task completion times or output quality after the microlearning intervention.
• Sales: If the microlearning is aimed at improving sales techniques, monitor sales figures to see if there’s a positive impact.

By combining these methods, you can get a comprehensive picture of how effectively your microlearning videos are achieving their goals. Remember, the chosen metrics will depend on the specific learning objectives of your microlearning video.

1. Short video tutorials:

• Product Training: A series of short explainer videos demonstrating key features and functionalities of a new software or product.
• Soft Skills Training: Micro-lectures on topics like communication, conflict resolution, and time management, delivered by experts in engaging formats.

2. Infographics:

• Safety Guidelines: Visually appealing infographics outlining safety protocols for specific tasks or equipment.
• Company Policies and Procedures: Clear and concise infographic summaries of key company policies like vacation time or expense reimbursement.

3. Interactive Simulations (Sales Training):

• Compliance Training Quizzes: Gamified quizzes that test knowledge of compliance regulations in a fun and interactive way.
• Sales Training Simulations: Role-playing simulations where trainees practice sales pitches and objection handling in interactive scenarios.

4. Video-Based Learning:

• How-To Guides: Step-by-step video guides demonstrating procedures like resetting a password or using a new printer.
• Product Demonstrations: Short product demos showcasing the benefits and applications of a new product line.

5. Software Training/How-To Guides:

• Bite-Sized Feature Videos: Short explainer videos focusing on specific functionalities within a software program or a product.

• Interactive Screencasts: Screen recordings with voice-over that walk users through specific software tasks.

Here’s how you can take microlearning videos from good to great. Here are some bonus tips that will keep your learners engaged and coming back for more.

1. Use a storytelling approach  

People connect with stories.  Craft a narrative that weaves in your learning objectives in a relatable way. This will not only capture your audience’s attention but also make the information more memorable.

2. Keep videos short

Microlearning is all about concise delivery. Aim for videos that are between 1-5 minutes long. This ensures learners can stay focused and absorb the information easily.

3. Visuals Effectively 

Visuals are powerful tools for enhancing engagement and knowledge retention.  Incorporate images, infographics, animations, or even short video clips to illustrate your points.

4. Optimize for mobile and on-the-go learning

 Many learners will be consuming your videos on their smartphones or tablets. Ensure your videos are formatted correctly and render well on these devices.

To sum up, microlearning’s flexibility allows for targeted training on specific skills and its brief nature makes it ideal for corporate professionals. 

By incorporating microlearning into corporate training programs, organizations can ensure their workforce has the skills they need to succeed.

With an AI tool like ​​Steve AI, you can create microlearning videos that are informative, engaging, and leave a lasting impact on your learners.

Here’s what Steve AI can do for you:

• Focus on content, not editing: Steve AI handles the video creation, allowing you to script your message and let the platform do the rest.
• Save time and resources: Forget expensive, time-consuming video production. Steve AI simplifies the process.
• Create a variety of microlearning content: Explainer videos, step-by-step guides, and interactive quizzes are some of the popular microlearning module types that can be created with Steve AI 

From “Product knowledge for sales team” to “Company culture: A day in the life” videos, you can create a diverse set of videos with Steve AI

Ready to get started?

Here’s how you can create a microlearning video with Steve AI

Step 1: Go to Steve AI dashboard, you can choose any of the following based on your needs:

Text to GenAI video: This is a great option for creating narrated explainer videos with a human-like presenter. Example:  Break down how a new software program works for your employees.

Text to animation: Ideal for simplifying complex topics or procedures. For example, animation suits the Company policy microlearning module. Example: Showcase sales growth over the past quarter for your team.

Text to video: This feature uses live-action footage to create a video. This is a versatile option for product demos, training materials, or customer FAQs.  Example:  Create a quick tutorial on how to use a new feature on your company’s website.

Talking head video: You can record yourself on camera or use a talking head avatar to deliver the content. Example: Record a company update directly from the CEO.

Blog or voice to video: Convert existing blog content or a voice recording into a video. Example: Convert a popular blog post into a video for your social media channels.

All the above features can be used to create a microlearning video.

Step 2: In the next step, you need to enter your script or you can use AI to generate a script for you just by entering a prompt. Here I chose “Micro-lectures on topics like communication”

The generated script by AI is shown below:

Step 3: Here you can choose the template style for your video. You can play around and see which template you like.

Step 4: Your video is now ready, created in a few minutes. Now you can customize your video by adding transitions, changing color, adding logo, creating different backgrounds, changing the avatars and there are many other features which you can explore and try it out. Once you have edited the video, click “Publish”.

Step 5: Voila, your video is now ready for download. From 480p videos for your mobile to 4K ultra HD 2160p resolution, we have it all. Download your preferred format and share it with your audience.

See, just like that, you can create a video with Steve AI without breaking a sweat.

Steve AI helps create high-quality, bite-sized video content that’s tailored to your specific needs. 

Ready to jump in? Go to Steve AI and create your first microlearning video.

Get in touch with our product experts for any queries.