Microlearning Tips

Question 1

Cut to the chase

Answer 1

Remove the history, background, and theories and deliver the “how to” right away to create a “just in time” solution.

Question 2

Think of these as retrieval cues

Answer 2

Use mixed forms of media to your advantage. Strategize on how you will be presenting the content: lecture, review video, lecture card decks, pop up VoiceThread discussions, emailed expert audio. Each time you deliver the same content using a different media you are generating a new retrieval cue for your students.

Question 3

The media you use does not matter

Answer 3

Do not get stuck if you are not comfortable creating a video. Use the examples provided above and start small. A simple expert Q&A recorded using your smartphone and shared with your cohort around the time they are reviewing a lengthy lecture is an effective, on-demand microlearn opportunity.

Question 4

Simple is always better

Answer 4

No elaboration needed.

Question 5

Trim the fat from your writing

Answer 5

For many of us this is the MOST challenging. We are much more comfortable writing when there is no limitation. Test your writing and communication skills and be brief.

Question 6

Make your artifact scanable

Answer 6

Headers, bullets, images, graphics… these are all your friends. Use them to capture the attention of your audience and allow them to scan quickly for the information they need.

Question 7

Repeat, repeat, repeat

Answer 7

Repeat words and phrases from earlier lessons refreshing the learners memory to the long-form of the content and testing their recall on that particular subject.

Question 8

Design a learning curve

Answer 8

If you are attempting to cover a complex subject do it slowly and over methodical time periods. This gives the learner time to wrap their head around the topic in stages. It also allows more experienced learners to jump in where it is relevant to them and matches their knowledge or skill level.