University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
Microlearning Short and Sweet
Book

Microlearning Short and Sweet

Karl M. Kapp and Robyn A. Defelice
ATD, 2019
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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • Well Structured
  • For Beginners

Recommendation

This pocket guide to microlearning delivers what its subtitle promises: The text is short because the authors include only the most important elements of the topic; it’s sweet because they summarize key take-aways at the end of each chapter and offer useful case studies and clear examples throughout to illustrate important themes. Readers will gain an understanding of what microlearning is and isn’t, when to use it (and when not to), what to include and what common pitfalls to avoid. Those new to microlearning planning, design, implementation and evaluation won’t find a better introduction to the topic.

Summary

Microlearning is an old concept, but new tools and techniques – including delivery by mobile phones – make it more broadly applicable.

Whether using a mobile app or old-fashioned flash cards, design microlearning with the goal of transferring knowledge and encouraging retention by the most efficient means possible.

For example, if you make microlearning units accessible remotely, salespeople can use the few minutes they have waiting in the lobby for a prospect meeting to refresh their memory of specific product capabilities or differentiators. Graduate students studying for final exams might use a digital flash card app on their smartphones. Customer service reps might learn how to interpret callers’ emotions using a games-based microlearning segment, while competing for points on the leader board each time they answer a question.

Microlearning delivers brief and engaging learning content, ideally, in the flow of a person’s work. Microlearning is grounded in the neuroscience of learning; its aim is to help the learner remember the material and lead to positive behavior change.

When designing a microlearning unit or segment, include...

About the Authors

Karl M. Kapp and Robyn A. Defelice teach learning design and instructional technology at Bloomsburg University.

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