Okay, let's delve into the world of microlearning platforms and what makes them tick.

What are Microlearning Platforms?

Microlearning platforms are online learning environments that deliver educational content in small, focused, and easily digestible "bites." These platforms move away from traditional long-form courses and lectures in favor of short, targeted lessons designed to improve knowledge retention and engagement.

Key Characteristics of Microlearning:

• Bite-sized Content: Lessons typically range from 2-10 minutes.


• Focus on a Single Objective: Each piece of content aims to teach a single, specific concept or skill.


• Engaging and Interactive: Uses varied media like videos, infographics, quizzes, games, and interactive simulations.


• Just-in-Time Learning: Available whenever and wherever learners need it, often accessible on mobile devices.


• Personalized Learning Paths: Many platforms offer tailored content based on individual needs and progress.


• Reinforcement and Repetition: Uses spaced repetition and quick quizzes to reinforce learning and improve retention.


• Actionable and Practical: Content is designed to be immediately applicable in the learner's work or life.


• Data-Driven: Tracks learner progress and provides insights to improve content and delivery.

• Improved Knowledge Retention: Shorter, focused lessons are easier to remember.


• Increased Engagement: Varied and interactive formats keep learners interested.


• Higher Completion Rates: Short time commitment makes it easier to finish lessons.


• Enhanced Accessibility: Mobile-friendly platforms allow learning on the go.


• Cost-Effective: Creating and delivering microlearning content can be more efficient than traditional training.


• Flexibility and Convenience: Learners can access content when and where they need it.


• Improved Performance: Practical, actionable content leads to better on-the-job performance.


• Addresses the Forgetting Curve: Reinforcement and spaced repetition combat the natural tendency to forget information over time.

• Videos: Short explainer videos, tutorials, or demonstrations.


• Infographics: Visually appealing summaries of key concepts.


• Quizzes and Polls: Interactive assessments to test knowledge.


• Games: Gamified learning experiences to make learning fun.


• Interactive Simulations: Opportunities to practice skills in a simulated environment.


• Articles and Blog Posts: Concise and informative written content.


• Podcasts: Audio lessons that can be listened to on the go.


• Checklists and Guides: Step-by-step instructions for specific tasks.


• Flashcards: For memorizing key terms and concepts.

• EdApp: Mobile-first platform for employee training.


• Grovo: Focuses on workplace skills and software training. (Acquired by Cornerstone OnDemand)


• Qstream: Uses spaced repetition to reinforce knowledge.


• OttoLearn: Adaptive microlearning platform.


• Arist: Microlearning via SMS and messaging apps.


• TalentCards: Creates gamified flashcards for mobile learning.


• LinkedIn Learning: Offers a mix of courses, including many shorter, focused lessons.


• Coursera (and other MOOC platforms): Increasingly offering shorter, "bite-sized" courses or modules.


• YouTube: A vast library of how-to videos and short educational content (though often not formally structured as a "platform").

• Employee Training: Onboarding, compliance training, product knowledge, sales skills.


• Software Training: Learning how to use new software applications.


• Customer Education: Providing customers with information about products and services.


• Personal Development: Learning new skills or improving existing ones.


• Academic Supplement: Reviewing concepts learned in traditional courses.


• Compliance Training: Quickly and efficiently updating employees on the most recent regulations.


• Leadership Development: Short focused modules to train managers in specific skills.

• Features: Does the platform offer the features you need, such as content creation tools, mobile accessibility, analytics, and personalization?


• Content Library: Does the platform have a library of pre-built content that you can use?


• Ease of Use: Is the platform easy to use for both learners and administrators?


• Integration: Does the platform integrate with your existing learning management system (LMS) or other tools?


• Pricing: How is the platform priced? Is it based on the number of users, the amount of content, or a subscription fee?


• Mobile-Friendliness: Is the platform optimized for mobile devices? Crucial for effective microlearning.


• Customization Options: Can you customize the content and branding to match your needs?


• Support: Does the platform offer adequate customer support?

• Start with a Clear Objective: Define what you want learners to achieve.


• Keep it Concise: Get to the point quickly and avoid unnecessary information.


• Use Visuals: Incorporate images, videos, and infographics to make the content more engaging.


• Make it Interactive: Add quizzes, polls, and games to encourage participation.


• Provide Context: Explain why the information is important and how it applies to the learner's work or life.


• Use a Conversational Tone: Write in a way that is easy to understand and relatable.


• Reinforce Learning: Include opportunities for learners to practice and apply what they have learned.


• Optimize for Mobile: Ensure that the content is easily accessible and viewable on mobile devices.


• Gather Feedback: Get feedback from learners and use it to improve your content.