Microlearning means flexibility. With bite-sized chunks of information, you are in control of how you learn. Some people like to learn first thing in the morning, others in the afternoon.
What about you? Do you learn on the go? Are you an advocate of spaced repetition?
It’s important to understand that everyone learns differently. Therefore, the key to an effective training module is knowing your learners’ habits.
With the accessibility of data analytics, catered learning experiences are quickly becoming a reality.
Why Choose Microlearning?
First things first, let’s define microlearning. It is a learning technique that revolves around the delivery of small doses of training material.
Microlearning makes it easier to focus on specific parts of your training by dividing a subject into smaller topics. As a result, it works great for filling in knowledge gaps. It delivers only the information you need to know at that moment.
Additionally, its duration combats the issue of short attention spans and saves companies time and resources. It eliminates the hassle of training schedules.
It can also take different forms. Microlearning activities can include any of the following: watching videos, answering a short quiz (1-3 questions), an email with a short, informative text or even a group activity.
Corporate learning is not only embracing the benefits of microlearning but it is also looking at ways to enhance it. That’s where data analytics come in. Data has the power to take a company’s digital transformation to the next level in all areas, and learning is a big part of that.
Why Is Data Important?
When a learner goes through any type of eLearning content, you get data on their consumption. Besides their score on a test, there’s a lot of other information you can retrieve. For instance, how much time a learner spent on a particular piece, how many times they have tried to pass a quiz, which part of the module marked their slowest progress etc.
Think of it as the most detailed level of feedback you could get. Use it to improve and enhance your learning experience.
Every business uses data to improve its services. For instance, online retailers use data to understand and target customers. Supply chains use data to improve processes. Athletes use data to set goals and improve their results. Everyone is learning the key points of data analytics and applying them to their own industry.
Learning With Analytics
Here are some of the things you can do by harnessing the power of data:
1. Predict performances
Analytics can give you valuable insight that can help you predict how a learner will interact with your content. You can determine how likely it is for a learner to complete an assigned course, as well as how much time it might take them to do so.
2. Tailor the learning experience
If you notice that a lot of your learners have a difficult time during one specific part of your training module, revise it. It could be that the content was too vague or too difficult. Try to simplify it or provide your learners with additional help. Data can help you continuously improve your content where it matters.
3. Improve scores and retention rates
By customising the learning experience to fit each learner, you can make sure that they get the help they need in order to fill in their knowledge gaps. Learners that might otherwise get discouraged and drop out of a course will be more enticed to push through and complete the assignment if extra help is provided.
How To Stay On Top Of Data
Now that we know how data can impact your learning tools, let’s make sure we know how to manage data as well.
First of all, it is important to work with people who know how to interpret data. Every company is hiring data analysts who know how to contextualise data and get the most out of each report. You should build a strong team for this.
Secondly, it is crucial to take into account privacy engineering when it comes to data. Make sure your privacy policy is well-thought and that your users understand how their data will be used.
Lastly, make sure you have a strong security system to protect you from any data breaches. The last thing anyone needs is a data leak.
If you’re looking to transform your knowledge sharing by adopting a microlearning platform, look for one that is equipped to handle data. It will make it easier to store, analyse and interpret all the information you gain.
SmartUp x Analytics
SmartUp understands the value of data. As a result, we’ve recently unveiled an analytics feature that can help improve any learning experience.
In addition to being able to create your own microlearning content, you can now get data on:
- how members are opening and completing content and courses;
- how content and courses are published;
- quiz and poll questions (including who has read them and the answers given);
- the full leaderboard of learners and the points they have earned.
In conclusion, use data to your advantage. Help your users learn by learning from them. And remember, if you’re not catering to your learners, you’re not using microlearning to its full potential!
Do you want to see microlearning at work? Check out our free, public-access platform BeMoreSmartUp! You will gain access to a library of microlearning content on tech innovation, disruption and entrepreneurship.
If you prefer your content “to-go”, download the SmartUp Learn app, tap on ‘Browse All Communities’ and access Be More SmartUp on the left dashboard!
You can also see what we’re up to on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram!
