3 Ways to Create Microlearning Content That Keeps People Engaged

Do you find it challenging to keep learners engaged when they have only a few minutes of content to digest at a time?

If so, you’re not alone.

Many e-learning designers struggle with keeping learners engaged in microlearning.

So what can you do to create engaging microlearning content that learners won’t want to skip or fast forward through?

The answer is simple: Keep it micro and keep it relevant. Here are some tips on how you can create engaging microlearning content in your next learner intervention.

KISS: keep It Simple and Stupid

Microlearning is defined as any learning experience that is short, focused, and applied. The shorter the content is, the more likely the learner is to pay attention and understand the message.

A good place to start is with a 5-6 minute micro-learning experience. If your content is longer than 15 minutes, you may want to consider breaking it down into smaller chunks.

Another way to make your microlearning content shorter is to use shorter words. Studies have shown that people retain 50% less information when it is written at an eighth-grade level than when it is written at a high-school level. When you’re writing for micro-learning, use shorter words and sentences.

Use images to reinforce the message

When creating microlearning content, keep in mind that visuals are more effective than words.

Visuals help learners retain information longer and process information faster.

While you can use traditional images, such as charts, graphs, or product images, you can also use memes and GIFs.

Memes and GIFs are shorter in length and can be used to convey a message that you want to quickly get across to your learners.

Add an element of surprise

When we are engaged, our brains release dopamine, which makes us feel good. When learners are engaged, they are more likely to retain the information they are learning and they’ll want to keep coming back for more.

How can you add an element of surprise to your microlearning content?

You can start by using humor.

You can also include an interactive puzzle or game that requires the learner to think critically.

When you create an element of surprise in your content, you’ll not only keep learners engaged, but you’ll also encourage them to share their experiences with others.

Try a game or Quiz to keep people engaged

You can turn your microlearning content into a game or Quiz.

You could also create a challenge that encourages learners to put what they are learning into practice.

You don’t want to create a game or Quiz that has a high degree of difficulty because the majority of learners won’t be able to complete it. Instead, you want to create something that the learner can easily complete but is still engaging.

When designing these types of interactive experiences, you want to make sure that you are using the correct platform. You don’t want to create your own game or Quiz from scratch because it will take a lot of time and you don’t want to create something that everyone can access.

Conclusion

When designing microlearning content, keep in mind that visuals are more effective than words.

Keep your content short and sweet, use shorter words and sentences, add an element of surprise, and try a game or Quiz that encourages the learner to put what they are learning into practice.