{"id":4349,"date":"2019-05-08T17:02:45","date_gmt":"2019-05-08T17:02:45","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2025-01-01T11:45:08","modified_gmt":"2025-01-01T11:45:08","slug":"12-microlearning-myths-and-why-theyre-wrong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/capytech.com\/en\/blog\/12-microlearning-myths-and-why-theyre-wrong\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Microlearning Myths and Why They’re Wrong"},"content":{"rendered":"

12 Microlearning Myths and Why They’re Wrong<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Microlearning is about presenting content in short bursts. Each burst of content is focused on a specific learning outcome, with each burst coming together collectively to make the whole.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s popular with a lot of professionals involved in corporate training, but there are also many myths about microlearning<\/a> that have developed over recent years. Here are 12 of the most common myths and why they are wrong.<\/p>\n

1. Microlearning Is All About Chunking, i.e. Breaking Content Up into Shorter Segments<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The term chunking is often used when referring to microlearning. A chunk is the short burst of content described above. It is not enough, however, to simply break up larger pieces of content into short chunks.<\/p>\n

In other words, while microlearning involves delivering content in chunks, chunks of content don\u2019t necessarily constitute microlearning. This is because it\u2019s equally important to focus on a specific area or topic in every chunk of content.<\/p>\n

In addition, each chunk should be self-contained and should focus on a learning objective.<\/p>\n

2. If the Content is Short, It’s Microlearning<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This follows on from the last point. Even when content is already short (so doesn\u2019t require the chunking of larger content pieces), it\u2019s length alone doesn\u2019t make it microlearning.<\/p>\n

3. Microlearning Is New<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In fact, the concept of microlearning has been around for some time. It\u2019s easier to apply it using modern technologies, but it’s not new. Instead, it\u2019s a well-established and accepted method of training, particularly in corporate environments.<\/p>\n

4. Microlearning Is Focused on Time<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While microlearning courses and their modules should be short, there is no specific time target per module or course. Instead, each module should be as short as possible but as long as it needs to be.<\/p>\n

5. Any Subject Area is Suitable for Microlearning<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This one isn\u2019t true either as there as some subject areas which achieve much better results when the length of content and the layout of the course is more standard. In addition, there are some learners who will respond better to a standard e-learning course than one developed using a microlearning strategy.<\/p>\n

6. Microlearning Should Replace All Other Forms of Learning in Your Organisation<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Following on from the previous points, you won\u2019t be able to replace all other forms of learning and all other teaching techniques with microlearning.<\/p>\n

Instead, microlearning works best when it supplements your other learning strategies including e-learning, blended learning<\/a>, synchronous learning, and more.<\/p>\n

7. Microlearning Is Only Suitable for Easy Topics<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While not all topics are suitable for microlearning, the divide between those that are suitable and those that aren\u2019t is not about the subject difficulty level. In fact, there are many topic areas that are difficult and challenging which work well as microlearning courses.<\/p>\n

When deciding this, you must look at the topic area, the type of people who will be completing the course, and their underlying knowledge.<\/p>\n

8. Microlearning is Only Suitable for Just-In-Time Strategies and Courses<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Microlearning is ideal for just-in-time learning strategies as it enables learners to grasp topics quickly (providing the topic is suitable for microlearning, of course).<\/p>\n

Microlearning is not restricted to just-in-time learning strategies, however. In fact, you can use it in a range of situations including onboarding training<\/a>, compliance training, new product training, and more.<\/p>\n

9. Microlearning Must Be Self-Directed Learning<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Self-directed learning is where the learner has autonomy over the direction they take through a course. This greater control over progress makes courses suitable to a wider audience as those with a good level of knowledge can skip or skim through certain modules while other learners can go through all the sections in more detail.<\/p>\n

Microlearning can help with self-directed learning courses. However, it\u2019s important to remember two points:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Self-directed learning doesn\u2019t have to be developed using a microlearning approach<\/li>\n
  2. Microlearning is suitable for compulsory learning (i.e. where learners must complete all sections of a course) as well as for self-directed learning<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    10. Microlearning is Only for Millennials<\/strong><\/p>\n

    One of the big selling points of microlearning in many situations is that it helps improve learning outcomes among people with short attention spans. Millennials often fall into this category.<\/p>\n

    In addition, microlearning is very technology driven. As millennials are tech-savvy, this doesn\u2019t present them with any problems.<\/p>\n

    That said, millennials are not the only people who can benefit from microlearning. Instead, it\u2019s possible to use microlearning for any type or age of learner.<\/p>\n

    11. Microlearning Modules Must Have Video, Gamification Elements, Or Other Types of Flashy Content<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Microlearning modules often use videos, animations, and gamification elements, not least because these elements are useful tools for presenting and explaining complex topics.<\/p>\n

    Microlearning doesn\u2019t have to have these elements, however. You can even have modules that are wholly or mostly text in a microlearning module.<\/p>\n

    12. Microlearning Courses Are Easy to Create<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    You can see from the previous 11 myths that microlearning is not just about making modules and content short. There is much more to the process than this to ensure you achieve your objectives for creating the course in the first place.<\/p>\n

    Therefore, it is usually advisable to work with a professional e-learning developer in Dubai when creating a new microlearning course. This will ensure:<\/p>\n