
Concept 1: Focus is Everything—The Single Objective
Rule
The most critical mistake when starting with microlearning is thinking it’s just about
time. While the content is short (typically 3-7 minutes), the defining factor is singular
focus. Every Microlearning Courses must be designed to achieve only one specific,
measurable, and actionable learning objective.
Simplified Action: The goal is not to teach an employee in Banking about an entire
regulatory framework. The goal is the action: "How to correctly identify the three key
warning signs of a phishing email." For a store associate in Retail, it's "The correct
procedure for activating a new loyalty card."
Preventing Overload: This clarity is rooted in cognitive science. By dedicating the
learner's full attention to mastering one task, you bypass cognitive overload,
maximize retention, and ensure the knowledge is instantly applicable on the job. A
robust Microlearning Platform is designed to manage this structure of focused,
single-objective modules.
Concept 2: Knowledge in the Flow of Work—The JIT
Advantage
Learning should not interrupt work; it should enable it. Microlearning’s effectiveness
comes from the principle of Just-in-Time (JIT) learning: delivering knowledge at the
precise moment of need.
Mobile Priority: To achieve JIT, the training must be accessible via a
high-performance Microlearning Application on any device. For a technician in
Mining needing to verify a safety procedure or a professional in Pharma checking a
drug protocol, immediate, mobile access is crucial.
The Resource: The microlearning system essentially becomes an instant
Microlearning Tool for performance support. By making the content searchable and
instantly retrievable, you empower employees to solve problems on their own,
reducing errors and downtime. This is where the true value of Microlearning
Platforms is realized.
Technology: The Enabler of Simplicity
While the concepts are simple, implementing them at scale requires smart
technology to handle the volume and complexity of a large organization's knowledge
base.
A. Automated Content Agility