e-Learning Blog

"Microlearning" is the name of a learning style that has gained attention since its introduction at the ATD International Conference & EXPO (ATD ICE).

The features of microlearning are:
・Learning can be completed in a short time (approximately 1-5 minutes).

This is an image of actual learning.

1. ・Learners can freely choose materials that they are interested in or materials that are necessary at the time.
2. ・Learn only the necessary information in a short amount of time at a convenient timing
3. ・Each material is independent and the learning order is flexible.

The provider prepares multiple materials and updates or adds them as needed. They also manage the learning environment, such as distribution and learning history.
Learners combine the materials they need at the time and proceed with self-directed learning.

Here is a specific example.
Let's say there are multiple materials available on the theme of "infection control".

Learners can freely choose the necessary materials or materials of interest by looking at the lineup of teaching materials and learn.
Because it can be freely combined, there are also aspects that can flexibly respond even if there are differences in the knowledge required for each learner, the level of knowledge at the start of learning, or the limited time available for learning.

The main benefits of microlearning are as follows:

1. ・Can learn during free time
2. ・Obtain only the necessary knowledge when necessary
3. ・Easy to retain knowledge as it is resistant to repeated learning
4. ・Can also motivate for practical application, leading to behavioral change

First of all, since it can be completed in a few minutes, you can learn during travel time or short breaks.
In addition, since the theme is clear, you can learn the necessary knowledge in a pinpoint manner.
Learners can complete their learning with the selected materials while maintaining their concentration. Furthermore, since it can be completed in a few minutes, it is less resistant to repeated learning and makes it easier for knowledge to be retained.

As shown in this figure, repeated learning is said to be an effective means of solidifying knowledge.

In addition, the teaching materials can serve as motivation for practical application, resulting in expected behavioral changes after learning.

There are also benefits for those who provide teaching materials.

1. - Easy to develop because the theme is clear and the content is narrowed down.
2. ・Easy to modify and revise due to small volume
3. ・Learning frequency and achievement rate are likely to increase
4. - By creating an environment where learning is easy, we can establish a "culture of learning" within the organization.

You can expect great results while keeping development costs low.

There are also disadvantages to microlearning.
First, there are some topics that are not suitable for microlearning. This is an important point.

This is an example of a topic that is considered unsuitable for microlearning.

1. ・Grammar, language, and technical acquisition require systematic learning.
2. - Requires a significant amount of learning and study time
3. ・Complex and time-consuming things that require understanding
4. ・For the purpose of obtaining or maintaining qualifications
5. ・Requires discussions and workshops

Microlearning materials must stand alone. Therefore, they are not suitable for curriculums that build upon the basics and aim to acquire applied knowledge.
In addition, explaining complex machinery and precision equipment in a short amount of time is not realistic, and it may be easier to understand when explained over a certain period of time.

Before starting to create microlearning materials, it is necessary to first analyze whether the subject is suitable for microlearning, and to analyze the learning theme and curriculum based on the above.

In addition, it is also possible to extract a part of the curriculum and turn it into microlearning materials.

For example, let's consider the case of providing education on customer service.
First, the common rules and basic knowledge that serve as the foundation of knowledge are learned through group training and regular e-learning materials.
After that, individual case studies and advanced content are prepared in multiple micro-learning materials for each job type, area, and sales floor, and employees are free to learn as needed.

(This type of learning, which combines multiple formats, is called "blended learning" or "blended learning".)

Microlearning materials are important because they allow you to quickly learn only the necessary knowledge.
Why not consider creating various benefits with microlearning materials?

The platform that manages microlearning is called an LMS (Learning Management System). It is important to carefully compare and consider when choosing a platform to avoid saying "it didn't work".
Here, we will explain the points to consider when choosing a microlearning platform.

Are there many types of learning?

Microlearning is suitable for platforms that offer a variety of learning methods such as quizzes and videos, as the learning time is short.

Management is easy

When delivering learning content, management is necessary.
The more user-friendly the platform is, such as individual progress and delivery systems, the more you can reduce the workload.

Is it multilingual?

If you want foreign employees to use microlearning, the platform needs to support multiple languages. Choose a platform that allows for operations and messaging in multiple languages, such as English.

Is it user-friendly for learners?

To actively engage in microlearning, it is important to consider the ease of use for learners. It is important to incorporate the learner's perspective, such as having a user-friendly interface and stress-free operation.

Pricing Plans and Usage Restrictions

The price varies depending on various conditions such as the number of learners and the type of server.
If you use a plan that allows for a large number of users even though you only have a small number of users, you will incur unnecessary costs. Also, depending on the price plan, the storage capacity for materials may differ. If you have a plan with a small storage capacity, you need to be aware that you may not be able to distribute a large number of materials such as images and videos, and it is also wasteful to choose a large storage capacity plan for a small number of users.
The key is to compare the number of learners, storage capacity, and plan details to select the appropriate platform.

Finally, here are some points to consider when choosing a company. As the number of companies selling LMS is increasing, it will be easier to introduce the platform if you check their case studies and confirm their track record.

One of the recommended platforms among many is Moodle.
Moodle is an open-source software that is used globally and supports multiple languages. It is currently used by over 200 million users as a learning management system (LMS).
Open-source software (OSS) is software whose source code is freely available for anyone to modify and redistribute. It has cost merits as there is no license fee, making it suitable for companies with high employee turnover, such as part-time and temporary workers.
In addition, it can be customized to fit the specific needs of a company, allowing for the addition of necessary features.
It is also suitable for microlearning, as it allows for a wide range of file uploads, making it possible to learn in a short amount of time.
Moodle has a group function, which allows for the creation of groups such as "this document for the sales department" or "this video for new employees", making it easy for administrators to share files with specific employees. This makes it user-friendly and suitable for large companies with a large amount of knowledge.
Furthermore, it has a dashboard where progress can be checked at any time, and it also has a reporting function, making it easy for administrators to manage and understand the level of understanding of learning through reports.

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Please see the cost here.
> Moodle Implementation and Operation Support Service Cost

Our company became an official Moodle partner in 2017, certified by the Australian Moodle headquarters. Official partners are only certified companies with expertise and experience in building and developing Moodle, and they exist all over the world. However, there are only a few companies in Japan, and our company is the number one in domestic achievements for schools and organizations.
As an official partner, you can access a dedicated website and obtain all the necessary information for implementing and operating Moodle.
You can also make requests to Moodle Head Quarter, which can be reflected in future Moodle developments, providing additional benefits.

At our company, we first listen to our customers' requirements for introduction, and then conduct design, construction, and lectures for use.
Furthermore, even after introduction, we provide support such as tuning and usage seminars, and aim to provide all necessary services to achieve our customers' goals.

In addition to Moodle, Human Science has an excellent track record in implementing microlearning such as e-learning and manuals. If you have any concerns about microlearning, please feel free to consult with Human Science.

> Moodle Implementation Support and Operation

Next time, we will focus on how to create actual microlearning materials.
How to Create Microlearning Materials ~ Human Science Method