Microlearning vs Bite Size – is there a difference?

It’s the latest industry buzz.  Everyone seems to be talking about it.

But is it really something new?

Microlearning is a way of teaching and delivering content to learners in small, very specific bursts. The learners are in control of what and when they’re learning.

So why is it so important?

By 2025, Millennials alone will make up 75 percent of the workforce and the average attention span of the Millennial generation is just 90 seconds.    Source: e-learning industry blogs

Add to that the Forgetting Curve that claims within one hour, people will have forgotten an average of 50 percent of the information presented. Within 24 hours, they have forgotten an average of 70 percent of new information, and within a week, forgetting claims an average of 90 percent.       Source: learning solutions magazine

So by adopting microlearning as part of your training strategy you will not only help staff to retain the information being taught, but also deliver it in such a way that engages the next generation of learners.

Advantages of using Microlearning

1. Improves knowledge retention.
2. Perfect for mobile learners.
3. Rapidly fills performance gaps.
4. More cost efficient.
5. Boosts learner motivation.

Five Microlearning Commandments – and where Bite Size Courses fit in

1. One learning objective per asset
   All Bite Size courses are divided up into single lessons concentrating on one learning objective so the learner can be focussed on just one new skill and learn it within 90 seconds.
2. Use Video
   Learners are given the choice of reading instructions or going straight to watch a video, both only take around 90 seconds.
3. Production Quality
   All content is written by qualified and experienced trainers, with a sense of humour who write the content in every day language.
4. Timing Matters
   Learners have the choice of taking a course or learning just a topic at the time of need 24/7. Search for the learning, just-in-time.
5. Prove learning took place
   All learning is tracked via our Bite Size Dashboard – for the learner and the stakeholder.  Though it’s not all about the number of lessons undertaken its more about the impact the learning has had – i.e. what can they do now they couldn’t before, where has it saved them time etc.

Bite Size have been delivering Microlearning for years:

1. Lessons are focussed on one topic so it’s quick and fast to learn a new skill.
2. Learners have the choice to learn by reading the instructions, watching a video or downloading an exercise all only taking a few minutes of valuable time.
3. Lessons are available 24/7 on all devices at the time of need.
4. Lessons can be undertaken in isolation or as part of a whole course.
5. Learner can fill their skill gaps with Personalised Courses.

If you haven’t seen our Bite Size lessons in action, you can view our sample lessons, or give us a call for a demonstration and free trial.

We believed in short nuggets of learning over 12 years ago. That’s when Bite Size was born.

Bite Size is a Training Organisation specialising in Microsoft Office training and committed to delivering a blended learning approach in today’s busy and diverse workplace. Our solutions cover an Online Digital Library, Face-to-Face Workshops and Virtual Classrooms, all tailored to the individual needs of your organisation. We are committed to growth, and always looking for new flexible solutions for our customers. That’s why we now deliver Personal Development and Microsoft Office courses together via our online learning library using the same micro-learning / bite size methodology.