There are many advantages of using micro learning to complement or even replace classroom and web-based training.

1. 1
​Micro learning takes information about complex subjects
and breaks it down into easy-to-digest bits or chunks. Then
those bits of information are presented as learning content
that can be viewed on-demand and integrated into the
normal business routines by the target audiences. This
supports learning opportunities that may take place
anywhere and anytime. Think of micro learning as self-
directed, just-in-time learning—bit by bit.
​A powerful advantage of micro learning is that it may be
delivered to audiences by mobile phone, tablet or laptop
computer because the content is in small chunks.
​Generally, micro learning is characterized by
“low time commitment, small chunks, short
effort and narrow topics—but complex as a
whole.” (Hug & Friesen; 2009)
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2. THE 70/20/10 FORMULA
According to this research, people learn 70 percent from
real life and on-the-job experiences, tasks and problem
solving; 20 percent from feedback and from observing and
working with role models; 10 percent from formal training.
Micro learning fits in that 70 percent category of informal
experiential type learning.
In traditional training, 80 percent of what employees learn
is forgotten within 30 days if the training is not reinforced
and incorporated into daily work habits.
Evidence points to micro learning as an ideal method for
activating knowledge (prompts), summarizing content
(reminders/messages), recalling or reactivating knowledge
(practice/rehearsal/active learning), providing application
opportunities (experiential), and supporting just-in-time
search support (on demand).
Have you heard of the 70/20/10 concept of how individuals learn, developed by the Center for
Creative Leadership?
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3. WHY MICRO LEARNING?
​Push and pull of micro content
promotes active learning. For example,
prompts may be used to remind
learners to review information in a
central knowledgebase. Conversely,
small pieces of information may be
“pushed” to the audience to serve as
action items.
​Plus, micro learning is easily designed
to include assessments, such as brief
​quizzes, required responses or
participation recognition, for immediate
feedback and measurement.
​Further, micro learning provides
substantial cost savings for on-going
training efforts that do not require
workforce travel and interruption of
normal work activities.
MICRO LEARNING FOR EFFECTIVE TRAINING
There are many advantages of using micro learning to complement or even replace classroom
and web-based training
www.viadelivers.com
For example, chunked information is easily and quickly
viewed and better understood. Plus, it provides more options
for how to package or present content enabling managers to
match a variety of learning styles: visual, auditory and
kinesthetic/tactile.

4. MICRO LEARNING EXAMPLE
Other examples of micro learning content include:
• Short chunks of text
• Short video
• Brief audio message
• Short podcast
• Single screen view
• PowerPoint type slide
• Question and answer
• Prompt with a desired action or to
spark collaboration
• Brief scenario with a desired response
• Simple game
• Quick Learning Modules
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Example1
A new media
company sends a
customer service tip
each day to its call
center employees via
email.
Example2
A company delivers
new product details
converting information
to text, video clips and
animation, then
delivers the
information in a
sequenced fashion to
the salesforce via
smartphones.
Example3
A company uses
weekly podcasts to
communicate
executive messages
then follows up with
short assessments for
gathering feedback.

5. LITTLE CHUNKS BIG CONCEPTS
​A key challenge with micro learning is
the proper chunking of content, as
opposed to shredding content. In other
words, content must be carefully
selected and designed for micro
learning delivery, not just splitting up
collections of information to “feed the
platform.”
​Use of some interactive
content is highly desirable in
micro learning. The challenge
is to devise engaging
interaction so it’s not limited
to assessments like quizzes.
​Because micro learning content is
typically distributed as a series of
chunks, it may be necessary to
package it with a compelling theme or
story to engage learners. Alerts,
prompts and reminders often are
thematically packaged. This way,
learners immediately recognize the
category of information being
distributed to provide a sense of
organization or structure.
​This means that existing training may
not be well suited to micro learning
without significant re-development and
re-writing. This also requires limiting
the amount of content per chunk and
per series of chunks to prevent
information overload often associated
with traditional training.
With a bit more creativity, micro learning
can employ brief exercises, activities,
tasks and prompt-response actions to
increase interest and retention of content.
MICRO LEARNING FOR EFFECTIVE TRAINING
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Content

6. INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN CHALLENGES
Producing content for multiple devices provides
advantages and challenges. The greatest challenge is
designing content presentation to be usable by the “lowest
common denominator” level device, such as a smartphone
with a small display, slow data transfer rate and limited
interactive capability. Advanced micro learning design and
delivery systems/products address this challenge, making
the instructional design process manageable.
These factors must be balanced with the need to present
content in a compelling manner, often a task that demands
creative instructional design and programming.
That noted, smartphones are the platforms of highest
interest for delivery of micro learning due to their market
penetration, ease of use and mobility.
Design and delivery
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DEVICE CONSIDERATIONS
Desktop/laptop
computer
Most easily accommodates rich media
and graphics via a large visual
landscape. Network or connection
speed and access are the most
common challenges.
Tablet
Usually accommodates rich media and
graphics via a mid-size visual
landscape. Network or connection
speed and Internet access are the most
common challenges. The amount of
content per screen view may be more
limited than with full-function computers.
With touch screens interactive
capabilities are enhanced.
Mobile/
smartphone
Best accommodates limited graphic rich
media, very small bits of information per
viewable screen and limited video or
animation due to varied phone transfer
rates and the small display.

7. BLENDED IS BEST WITH MICRO LEARNING
There are an ever increasing number of information
sources and units used for learning. As part of blended
training, micro learning complements webinars, classroom
training and full online courses.
Self-directed micro learning allows learners to view or use
the content when and where they prefer, thereby matching
the needs of a mobile work force. Where rapid change is
constant, micro learning makes an ideal format to manage
training and communication due to the modular like ability
to update small chunks and re-sequenced pieces of
training.
Many learners today are expecting to access and reinforce learning through modern technology
– including mobile, games and social sharing.
MICRO LEARNING FOR EFFECTIVE TRAINING
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8. MICRO LEARNING BENEFITS
• Offers on-demand delivery of content so it
addresses the hurdle of “making time for training”
by ensuring that it’s easily available anywhere,
anytime
• Supplies a powerful training tool for a dispersed
workforce using varied communications devices
• Reduces information overload by presenting
content in a more granular method over a period
of time
• Tracks and measures results
• Yields multiple use and reuse of content,
including employment of templates to reduce
development costs
• Repurposes existing content from presentations
or training for use as micro learning content
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• Provides performance support for training,
reinforcing training with compelling presentation
of content
• Allows for convenient scheduling and sequenced
deployment for timely content
broadcast/distribution
• Delivers simple customization and updating of
content, so it’s flexible and adaptable for
dynamic or evolving content
• Supports interactive elements with exercises and
content presentations to engage audiences
beyond just “announcing” or “telling them”
information
• Encourages decision-making, acquisition of
specific skills, on-demand knowledge and
continuous learning

9. ​Micro learning is an effective part of a blended learning strategy,
as the on-demand or just-in-time learning component provides bits
of information across a workforce. The capability to use compelling
media such as video, animation, graphics, narration and
interactive elements makes micro learning an attractive, cost-
effective tool. Moreover, it can lead to higher retention and
engagement rates than traditional longer eLearning courses.
​Micro learning often is considered a type of performance support
due to its common applications, such as to communicate
reminders, prompts, review content, updates, quizzes, etc. This
way, micro learning content may be used for new initiatives,
compliance, news, alerts, training, collaborative initiatives, and
links to rich content or other performance support materials.
IS MICRO LEARNING RIGHT FOR YOU?
About VIA
VIA is a leader in web and mobile micro learning programs for
companies around the globe.
Contact Us
To learn more about VIA Learning solutions or how
VIA can help your organization achieve improved
training results, contact us at 1-800-737-8481 or
visit us online at www.viadelivers.com.
MICRO LEARNING FOR EFFECTIVE TRAINING