Although Microlearning-based training has grown exponentially over the last decade, organizations will continue to have Macrolearning needs, depending on the content to be delivered and the audience to whom it will be disseminated. I often get asked by my clients what is the difference between Microlearning and Macrolearning. This blog post will explore the key differences that distinguish these two forms of learning and discuss how Microlearning may be of benefit to your organization.
Microlearning may be all the latest rage in the eLearning industry; however, the concept of chunking learning concepts into small “bite-sized” pieces of information learners can review quickly is nothing new in instructional design circles. Small micro concepts can be strung together to form a module or an entire course. These building blocks are the foundation of any lesson.
In fact, I have been using “Just-in-Time” learning and “Just-for-You” delivered training terms to my clients for over two decades now. I think Microlearning is simply a repackaged way of saying the same thing as other terms have described: eLearning that delivers 3-6 minute lessons of key concepts to learners on any device who need to know a new piece of information right now.
Macrolearning is just that—a larger lesson that contains several concepts strung together to form a lesson with multiple objectives. Macrolearning looks at the bigger picture and involves longer lessons of 30-60 minutes typically. It is the gold-standard in the eLearning industry and applies for content that requires an in-depth multi-prong approach to being delivered.
For the remainder of this blog post I will focus on Microlearning since it is the hot topic about which everyone seems to be buzzing right now!
Microlearning Training Learner Attributes:
Microlearning Training Organizational Attributes:
Microlearning for Your eLearning Workplace
Here are some tips to effectively inculcate Microlearning into your workplace eLearning strategy:
Please contact us should you wish to explore using either type of learning approach for your eLearning product. A blended approach of the two may be just what is required. Let us help you decide the best path to take in order to achieve your desired learning goals.
We would love to quote on your next project, or just chat about what's on your mind.
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