Matching your content to this time frame will improve learning engagement and knowledge retention. It's also better suited to mobile devices and curation on learning experience platforms.
However, does microlearning help support corporate compliance? We think it does - so here are some strategies to help you add it to your compliance toolkit.
What is microlearning?
Microlearning is a type of e-learning that delivers information in small, bite-sized chunks. Each microlearning module is typically no more than 10 minutes long and focuses on a single topic or skill.
Microlearning is designed to be easy to digest and can be completed on the go, making it a convenient and effective way for learners to stay up-to-date on new information or skills.
How do you combat the forgetting curve?
The “forgetting curve” is a concept coined by Herman Ebbinghaus that describes the rate at which we forget things we’ve learned over time. The more time that passes, the more we forget. And according to Ebbinghaus's theory, we forget more than 80 per cent of what we learnt 30 days ago.
Ebbinghaus also argued that our ability to retain information decays very quickly at first and then more slowly as time passes. So after just one hour, most people forget about half of all the material they learn. That’s a scary thought! This is why supplementing training with microlearning can be so powerful.
Why is microlearning valuable?
Microlearning can halt the progression of the “forgetting curve”, helping employees remember more of what they’ve learnt. In addition to this, microlearning helps:
- engage staff as there's a greater opportunity to fit training into their work schedule
- address emerging compliance issues faster
- make compliance more interactive
Ideally, you want a compliance programme incorporating a steady stream of education throughout the year to reinforce key compliance concepts between annual training and minimise knowledge gaps.
Is push or pull learning the better approach?
There is a shift in the compliance function from reactive to proactive. Naturally, this leads to the conversation of push versus pull learning. Push learning and pull learning are two different approaches to learning.
Push learning is the more traditional approach where the instructor or learning provider determines the objectives and activities. In contrast, pull learning is more self-driven and lends itself to what the learner wants to learn and when they want to learn it.
Pull learning is an approach that can benefit learners who want to consume content at their own pace. Push learning also has its benefits. With a shift in the compliance function to being more proactive, it's possible to target certain groups of people who might need training to be more structured.
Microlearning works for both learning styles and can be easily incorporated into the learning path. Essentially, the best approach to learning depends on the individual's needs and preferences.
What are some examples of microlearning assets?
Compliance Bites are a collection of concise and engaging videos that delve into various compliance topics. Our Compliance Bites library covers a range of key topics, including bribery prevention, AML, risk, GDPR and modern slavery.
These videos aim to engage and inform staff about each topic. The topic is brought to life in a few minutes with animation and engaging scenarios. This makes this format quicker to deliver than traditional e-learning and helps to improve employee knowledge retention.
There are many engaging and compelling microlearning formats we can invest in to help supplement our annual compliance training. Most are suitable for all types of devices and can be made accessible to everyone. Here are some of the ways you could include microlearning in your compliance training.
- Short videos: Used to construct visual scenarios or give overviews, short videos help staff visualise the appropriate action and consolidate training. Our Compliance Bites are an example of this form of microlearning.
- Mobile apps: Apps make it easy for employees to access compliance content anytime, anywhere, and can be gamified for engaging learning experiences.
- Interactive videos: Test employees' ability to act in certain scenarios and explore steps and skills in a compliant environment.
- Kinetic text animations: Animated text makes learning engaging and easy to follow, perfect for explaining difficult concepts.
- Serious games and quizzes: Drive behavioural change and improve knowledge retention while adding an element of competition.
- Infographics: Present information in an easy-to-digest format with minimal text and appealing visuals.
- Cause-and-effect case studies: Show the significance of rules and regulations by demonstrating the consequences of violations.
- Checklists, tips, factsheets, and posters: Serve as takeaways and make policies and procedures visible in the working environment.
Next steps
All of the abovementioned formats can be great assets to supplement annual compliance training and remind staff of key compliance concepts on a daily basis.
But your microlearning modules need to be designed with the audience in mind. Consider what core concepts your staff needs to know, the complex topics that could benefit from being broken down into an infographic or compliance bite, and when and where they might need access to this content.
These modules also need to be designed with accessibility in mind. Will everyone be able to access them? A PDF isn't a viable alternative if you are committed to providing innovative and engaging compliance e-learning content for all.
If you have any questions, please get in touch. We are happy to help.
Key workplace learning theories
Microlearning is just one of six of the most well-established learning theories we've examined to help improve your outcomes.
Looking for more compliance insights?
We have created a series of comprehensive roadmaps to help you navigate the compliance landscape, supported by e-learning in our Essentials Library.
We also have 100+ free compliance training aids, including assessments, best practice guides, checklists, desk aids, eBooks, games, posters, training presentations and even e-learning modules!
Finally, the SkillcastConnect community provides a unique opportunity to network with other compliance professionals in a vendor-free environment, priority access to our free online learning portal and other exclusive benefits.
