Microlearning is one of the most notable and pervasive trends across the e-learning industry right now. But regardless of its popularity and usefulness, it does have some limitations. And you’ll want to know what those limitations are if you’re interested in implementing it properly.
Here are four limits to microlearning that you’ll want to consider.
1. Microlearning Is Primarily a Knowledge Reinforcement Tool
Unfortunately, microlearning tools and platforms will never be stand-alone solutions because they only provide learning materials in small bits and chunks at a time. Microlearning tools and platforms must be a part of a more comprehensive e-learning solution where more in-depth materials and strategies are housed; otherwise, they won’t be effective.
However, although they can’t be stand-alone options, microlearning tools and platforms offer the best avenues for knowledge reinforcement when it comes to e-learning.
Microlearning platforms usually work best, for instance, when learners take an e-learning course in a larger platform with more robust capabilities but then take mini quizzes or mini courses (via microlearning tools) that supplement and test the learners on information covered in the main e-learning course.
2. Microlearning Is Not Typically Good for Dense or Complex Material
Although it’s not impossible to do, it’s very challenging to cover dense subject matter or complex learning material via microlearning tools. Microlearning, by its very nature, is intended to be quick and to the point.
So, certain topics and learning material may not be ideal for microlearning avenues. For example, imagine explaining to a new hire how to safely operate a complex component in a machine in less than 5 minutes. Some things just take longer to learn and master than others.
3. Microlearning Content Must be Strategic and High Quality
Because microlearning content is always part of a larger whole, it must be strategically designed and developed. All pieces of microlearning content should be created with the full intention of supplementing or reinforcing other learning materials or initiatives because it will not be able to be effective on its own.
In addition, because microlearning content is distributed via mobile devices, all microlearning content must be optimized for mobile devices, it must be highly engaging so learners don’t lose interest while they’re on their phones with access to the Internet, and it must be easy to interact with and understand quickly.
4. Microlearning Relies on an Existing E-Learning Platform
Because microlearning tools and platforms can’t serve as stand-alone e-learning solutions, they rely on other technologies and platforms to be effective. So, if your organization doesn’t already have the right technology infrastructures and platforms in place to support it, implementing or supporting a microlearning solution could potentially cost a lot of money and time.
While microlearning is a force to be reckoned with in today’s e-learning environments, don’t forget some of its limitations listed above if you want it to work effectively for your organization.