With almost 80% of workers preferring Microlearning – according to a study by Nikola Roza – it has become an instructional approach to development. Educational or strategic content is delivered in small, specific bursts, where each learning unit typically lasts between 3 to 7 minutes. Microlearning is structured to provide focused, concise learning experiences, which are especially suited to the needs of the modern development practices and demands. In these brief sessions, complex topics are broken down into manageable segments, making it easier for learners to absorb and retain information. The concept of digital efficiency, particularly in digital development, revolves around the strategic use of digital resources to maximize productivity and effectiveness.
Microlearning is central to increasing digital efficiency within development teams. Building upon the need for continual learning and skill upgradation in reinforcing digital project management, microlearning is highly relevant for all employees working on the project in question. The bite-sized model of microlearning caters to the demanding schedules of professionals, helping them to integrate continuous learning into their busy routines without overwhelming them.
When and why to use Microlearning
Microlearning aids in rapidly equipping teams with the skills needed to adopt and leverage new and emerging technologies.
Adapting to company changes
Organizations and digital projects can change rapidly. If digital strategies or goals change from the existing plan, development teams and project managers need to be able to keep up and understand these new company changes. Microlearning can be pivotal in this as it prevents information saturation (where employees have been given too much information and struggle with retention) and helps employees understand the new requirements and goals placed in front of them.
Methodology changes
Project methodologies are not always set in stone. While it is often the case that major changes do not happen during development, project managers and development teams need to be prepared for the chance that they do. Should an organization change methodologies to approaches like Agile and DevOps, developers need to be able to adapt at speed. Microlearning gives staff the best chance to understand these changes while maintaining the quality of their work.
Enhanced productivity
Microlearning significantly boosts productivity by providing targeted, just-in-time knowledge that can be immediately applied to ongoing projects. This direct applicability of learning materials ensures that teams can rapidly adapt and apply new skills, leading to more efficient project execution.
Microlearning gives staff the best chance to understand changes while maintaining the quality of their work.
Staff retention
Catering to the inherent human desire for growth, microlearning development aids in retaining talent. It creates an engaging and fulfilling work environment, where continuous learning is not only encouraged but is also seamlessly integrated into the daily workflow.
A study by Nokila Roza shows that Microlearning is proven to boost staff retention rates by anywhere from 25% to 60%.
Adaptability to emerging technologies
Microlearning aids in rapidly equipping teams with the skills needed to adopt and leverage new and emerging technologies. This means development projects remain at the forefront of technological advancements, contributing to more innovative and cutting-edge solutions.
Reducing the need for new hires
By giving existing teams the new skills and knowledge, microlearning reduces the dependency on new hires. This not only leads to cost savings in recruitment and training but also creates a more cohesive and experienced team, well-versed in the company’s methodologies and culture.
Catering to the inherent human desire for growth, microlearning development aids in retaining talent.
Increased overall project development speed
Microlearning directly contributes to the acceleration of project development. By facilitating quick learning and implementation of new strategies and technologies, it significantly shortens the time-to-market for digital products.
Which organizations should make the change to Microlearning?
With its emphasis on concise, focused, learning interventions, microlearning is a powerful tool in the digital development arena. The system can be particularly advantageous for certain types of development teams and organizational styles, enhancing efficiency and adaptability.
Agile development teams
Teams employing Agile methodologies are prime candidates for microlearning. Agile’s iterative and incremental approach aligns well with microlearning’s quick, focused learning sessions.
Teams facing rapid technological changes
Organizations operating in domains where technological advancements occur rapidly can leverage microlearning to stay competitive. Teams dealing with emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, or IoT can use microlearning to quickly gain essential knowledge, helping them implement these technologies effectively within their projects.
Small to medium-sized development teams
Smaller teams, often with limited resources for extensive training programs, can benefit significantly from microlearning. It allows for cost-effective, time-efficient learning that can be tailored to the specific needs of the team, maximizing the impact of the training with minimal disruption to project timelines.
Organizations undergoing digital transformation
For companies transitioning from traditional to digital processes, microlearning can play a crucial role in upskilling employees. Facilitating a smoother transition by providing staff with the necessary skills in manageable, leads to achievable segments, thus mitigating the overwhelm often associated with learning new digital tools and methodologies.
How microlearning benefits development
Incorporating microlearning into development processes leads to increased overall project development speed, as teams can quickly learn and apply new skills. It also fosters adaptability, so teams can respond effectively to new challenges and technological shifts. Microlearning also reduces the need for new hires by equipping existing team members with the skills needed to tackle new development challenges.
