8 Surprising Ways to Use Microlearning Activities in Your Online Training Course

on screen trainer

Are you making the most of your microlearning online training resources? In this article, I’ll share 8 unexpected ways that you can use microlearning activities in your online training course.

How to Use Microlearning Activities in Online Training

Employees assimilate information more effectively when it’s in small doses. This helps prevent cognitive overload and allows them to focus on personal pursuits, such as bridging individual skill gaps. One of the most common applications of microlearning in the corporate world is performance support online training libraries. But there may be more to microlearning than meets the eye. Here are 8 surprising ways that you can use microlearning activities in your online training course.

1. Qualitative Self-Assessments

Simulations, branching scenarios, and other interactive online training tools also serve as great qualitative assessments. Employees can test their skills and task mastery autonomously. Thereby, identifying gaps that are holding them back and seek out timely interventions, such as online training courses or modules that improve their understanding of the topic. The secret is to make them micro to allow for quick and convenient evaluations. Encourage employees to conduct self-assessments periodically to gauge their progress. They can even use the ever-popular microlearning online training library to improve their performance based on their qualitative assessment results.

2. Task Performance Evaluations

Invite employees to participate in microlearning simulations that center on work-related tasks. Then provide immediate feedback to highlight areas for improvement, as well as personal strengths. This is a virtual alternative to traditional on-the-job evaluations. Instead of a manager observing and then evaluating the employee’s performance, the LMS analyzes every step of the process. It can also point them in the right direction based on their performance data. For example, suggest microlearning online training modules or infographics to improve their proficiency.

3. Skill-Boosting Serious Games

Serious games entertain employees, which enhances their motivation and engagement. These benefits are even more significant when the game is bite-sized and quick to consume. Focus on a specific skill, then create a storyline and memorable characters. Each level centers on related talents or abilities that help employees bridge skill gaps. Incorporate game mechanics like levels, badges, and points to give them an extra incentive.

4. Company Policy Infographics

Infographics are a must-have microlearning online training tool, as they provide a comprehensive overview of the topic or trend in a way that’s easy for employees to understand. They also cater to different learning preferences. Create company policy infographics that highlight various compliance uses, organizational protocols, and processes. For example, one infographic features the COI guidelines, blending images with statistics and facts to improve knowledge retention. Employees can use the graphic to refresh their memory or to brush up before a certification exam. These microlearning online training tools are ideal for onboarding, as well. New hires can focus on one policy, absorb the takeaways, then move onto the next without having to worry about cognitive overload.

5. Timed Decision-Making Branching Scenarios

Develop brief decision-making branching scenarios that test employees’ ability to handle work-related pressure. They must make the correct choice within the allotted time based on the information they’re given, as well as their professional experience. Just make sure that you don’t apply too much pressure. The goal is to gauge employees’ reactions when they’re up against the clock, not to stress them so much that they feel frustrated or defeated.

6. Employee-Produced Demo Videos

Give employees the chance to produce their own demo videos that feature products, tasks, or compliance issues. They can upload these videos to a learner-generated microlearning online training library that their peers can access anytime, anywhere. For best results, The people at https://www.forklifttrainingsystems.com/ suggest that you assign topics to each staff member to avoid redundancies or allow them to choose from a list that pertains to their job duties or positions. For instance, customer service associates have a separate list from warehouse employees. Thus, everyone is able to concentrate on their area of expertise and provide valuable information to co-workers.

7. Social Media Team Building Tips

Post social media tips to help improve the team dynamics and peer-to-peer collaboration. Offer insights on how employees can streamline their work processes and communicate more effectively in group settings or post links to videos, articles, and guides they may find beneficial. They can also post their own tricks and techniques to help co-workers navigate daily challenges and improve their understanding. You might consider separate social media groups for each department or online training course to make it even more convenient. As a result, employees can access the group that relates to their duties or gaps instead of searching the page for tips that pertain to them.

8. Micro Webinars

Webinars don’t have to be hour-long events that cover every aspect of your online training program. In fact, webinars are most effective when they are short and sweet, focusing on a targeted online training sub-topic, such as how to deal with a challenging customer or speed up the return process. Host micro webinars that are 10 to 15 minutes in length and then follow up with supplemental online training activities. For example, a social media discussion that explores the topic in greater detail and allows employees to exchange information. You can even invite employees to host their own mini-events to share their expertise.

The Golden Rule of Microlearning in Online Training

Every microlearning activity you integrate into your online training program must contain a complete learning unit. It needs to provide employees with a clear understanding of the topic or task in question instead of merely giving them fragments of information that create even more confusion. For example, a microlearning simulation should feature the task from start to finish. Employees must have the ability to use the skills and knowledge that tie into the task.

As you can see, microlearning has many uses that your organization may be overlooking. Just keep in mind that microlearning online training resources are usually intended for reinforcement and refreshers. In other words, there’s no substitute for comprehensive online training courses that build a solid foundation of professional expertise. Unless, of course, you piece together microlearning online training activities to create a more holistic online training path.

Do you want your microlearning online training to stick with your employees for a long time? Read the article 7 Tips To Create Memorable Microlearning Online Training to discover 7 tips to help you develop microlearning online training activities, multimedia, and modules that your corporate learners will never forget.

Christopher Pappas

Christopher Pappas is founder of The eLearning Industry’s Network, which is the largest online community of professionals involved in the eLearning Industry. Christopher holds an MBA, and an MEd (Learning Design) from BGSU. eLearning Blogger • EduTechpreneur • eLearning Analyst • Speaker • Social Media Addict TechSmith is thrilled to work with talented guest bloggers to bring valuable and interesting content to readers. Have a topic suggestion? Tweet us TechSmith

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