How cloud-based microlearning platforms are revolutionising education

Cloud-based microlearning delivers short, targeted training modules through the cloud. It is perfect for today’s dynamic work settings and allows easy, flexible access to learning materials. This article will explore why cloud-based microlearning is valuable and review the best platforms to get you started.

Key takeaways

• Cloud-based microlearning delivers short, targeted educational content to enhance engagement and knowledge retention, which is especially suitable for remote workers.
• Key advantages include accessibility on multiple devices, cost-effectiveness and scalability, resulting in improved participant performance and increased training ROI.
• Emerging technologies like AI, VR, and xAPI are transforming microlearning, enabling personalised experiences and better tracking of learner progress across platforms.

Understanding cloud-based microlearning

Cloud-based microlearning is defined as a strategy of dividing topics into short-form, stand-alone units. This approach delivers educational content in concise, bite-sized modules, each targeting a specific learning objective. Microlearning tackles the issue of shrinking attention spans and boosts retention by focusing on single topics.

Key characteristics of cloud-based microlearning include accessible mobile learning, just-in-time knowledge acquisition and the use of varied media formats like videos and quizzes. This format is tailored to remote workers’ needs, making learning manageable and efficient. The trend of micro-credentialing in higher education emphasises the growing importance of short learning courses that align with workforce needs.

In today’s fast-paced digital age, this strategy supports continuous learning and prepares the workforce for rapid business changes. As organisations increasingly seek to adapt to remote work environments, cloud-based microlearning has gained relevance for its flexibility and effectiveness in global teams.

Key advantages of cloud-based microlearning

A major advantage of cloud-based microlearning is its accessibility. Learners can access microlearning content on various devices, which increases participation and course completion rates. The rise of cloud-based learning management systems (LMS) offers scalability, user-friendliness and cost-effectiveness. Microlearning provides a higher return on investment than traditional learning methods due to better skills retention and increased participation rates.

Microlearning enhances knowledge retention by leveraging the spacing effect and the forgetting curve, providing frequent, repeated exposure to content over time. Studies have shown that microlearning can enhance retention and performance by up to 20%. This leads to more effective learning experiences and improved performance outcomes.

Moreover, cloud-based microlearning provides accessibility from any location, scalability and cost-effectiveness. These key advantages make it an ideal solution for modern training needs, providing organisations with the tools to create impactful learning modules and programmes using a cloud-based authoring tool.

Leading cloud-based microlearning platforms

Several leading cloud-based microlearning platforms cater to modern training material needs. Platforms like TalentLMS, Seismic Learning, and Edapp are tailored to support organisations to enhance their learning and development initiatives effectively.

These platforms offer a range of features, including course creation, user management and reporting tools. Pricing information can often be obtained by contacting the sales teams or booking demos.

Headway

Headway is an innovative cloud-based microlearning platform designed to help busy professionals and lifelong learners acquire new skills and knowledge through bite-sized content. The app offers a vast library of summaries from bestselling non-fiction books, allowing users to grasp key insights in just 15 minutes. This makes it an ideal tool for those looking to stay informed and continuously improve without dedicating extensive time to reading full-length books.

One of Headway’s standout features is its personalised learning paths. The app uses artificial intelligence to recommend book summaries based on the user’s interests and learning goals. This tailored approach ensures that users receive relevant content that aligns with their professional and personal development objectives. Additionally, Headway incorporates gamification elements, such as progress tracking and achievement badges that keep users motivated and engaged in their learning journey.

Accessibility is another key advantage of Headway. The app is available on multiple devices including smartphones and tablets, making it easy for users to learn on the go. Whether commuting, taking a break at work or relaxing at home, users can access a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips. This flexibility, combined with the app’s user-friendly interface, makes Headway a valuable resource for anyone looking to make the most of their time and enhance their skills efficiently.

Spekit

Spekit is just-in-time enablement software that helps employees learn inside the tools they use daily. Providing contextual training content directly in these tools, Spekit promotes effective just-in-time learning and enhances technical skills. This approach is particularly beneficial for sales teams aiming to enhance performance and quickly access necessary training materials.

While specific pricing information for Spekit is not provided, interested users may need to contact the sales team for details. Spekit’s focus on bite-sized knowledge and interactive features ensures that employees can learn at their own pace and in their spare time, making it a versatile tool for various organisational needs.

Axonify

Axonify serves as a workforce enablement solution, focusing on improving employee performance through targeted learning. It utilises gamification and personalised learning paths to enhance user knowledge retention and engagement. This approach ensures that learning is effective and enjoyable, fostering a more engaged and skilled workforce.

With interactive features and seamless content access, Axonify helps organisations create a dynamic and effective learning environment. This results in improved employee performance and a better alignment of training with organisational goals.

EduMe

EduMe is a mobile-based microlearning platform designed for global companies, catering primarily to on-the-go workers. It supports a variety of content formats. These include video, clickable prototypes and other interactive virtual experiences. This versatility ensures that learning is engaging and accessible, regardless of the learner’s location or schedule.

EduMe integrates microlearning modules into existing workflows, ensuring training is accessible through SMS, email and other platforms. This integration allows for seamless learning experiences that are both effective and convenient, supporting continuous skill development and knowledge retention.

Transforming learning experiences

Microlearning enhances knowledge retention and can help improve knowledge retention by breaking down complex information into small, manageable pieces. This bite-sized content increases engagement significantly compared to traditional training methods. For instance, implementing microlearning at American Tire Distributors led to a significant increase in knowledge retention, with evaluations showing high levels of understanding after training.

The microlearning format is expected to adapt further, meeting the needs of learners with shorter attention spans and enabling convenient access on mobile devices. This adaptability fosters a culture of continuous learning, allowing employees to access information anytime and providing just-in-time learning.

Incorporating interactive elements and social learning opportunities, microlearning transforms traditional learning into a more engaging and effective process. This transformation improves knowledge retention and enhances overall learner engagement and satisfaction.

Practical implementation tips

Successfully integrating cloud-based microlearning into existing training programmes requires a thorough assessment of the resources available and budget needed. Integrating effectively with existing systems is crucial for seamless data management and user experience. Selecting an LMS compatible with microlearning formats is essential for smooth implementation.

Engagement can be enhanced by integrating mobile-friendly microlearning content that learners can access anytime. Utilising interactive tools such as simulations can effectively convey specific training topics in microlearning. A microlearning campaign can streamline onboarding by providing consistent messages around company culture and job expectations.

Shorter training modules save time and resources, so boosting productivity. Microlearning can also be a valuable tool for HR departments, helping quickly deliver updates and skill development aligned with changing organisational needs.

Overcoming adoption challenges

Organisations adopting cloud-based microlearning may encounter data privacy and security concerns that require careful evaluation of the platform’s security measures. As data security becomes a priority, LMS providers are enhancing their security measures to protect sensitive learner information.

Resistance to change is another significant barrier, necessitating clear communication about the benefits and alignment of the new system with organisational goals. Strategies to overcome these challenges include selecting the right platform and ensuring proper staff training.

Aligning microlearning with organisational goals

Microlearning should support broader organisational objectives, such as improving employee retention and enhancing remote work integration. Implementing microlearning can help HR leaders adapt to evolving workforce challenges while aligning learning strategies with company goals. Establishing metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) is essential for measuring the impact of cloud-based microlearning platforms on employee development.

LMS platforms increasingly provide advanced analytics and reporting tools to measure the effectiveness of training programs. A learning management system encourages microlearning, promoting spaced repetition, reinforcing key concepts and enhancing knowledge retention.

Personalisation in microlearning allows users to choose content that aligns with their interests, boosting motivation and satisfaction.

Emerging trends and innovations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being integrated into LMS platforms to enhance personalisation, automate tasks and provide intelligent content recommendations. Personalising learning experiences by assessing individual knowledge gaps can enhance the effectiveness of microlearning in computer science. The integration of AI will allow for the creation of personalised learning paths, tailoring educational content to individual preferences and performance.

The Experience API (xAPI) facility is gaining traction, enabling the tracking of learning experiences across multiple devices and platforms for a comprehensive view of learner progress. There is also a growing emphasis on mobile learning, with LMS platforms being optimised for access on mobile devices to support learning on-the-go.

Immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will enhance microlearning by providing practical experiences and simulations for learners.

Case studies and success stories

American Tire Distributors adopted Axonify’s microlearning platform to enhance its sales training, focusing on just-in-time learning rather than traditional classroom techniques. This approach led to significant improvements in knowledge retention and job performance. The company plans to monetise its microlearning training by offering a for-pay Spark model to retail customers, creating a new revenue stream.

Engaged employees who benefit from effective onboarding through microlearning significantly improve commitment and job performance. These success stories highlight the transformative potential of cloud-based microlearning in various organisational contexts.

Future of cloud-based microlearning

Cloud-based microlearning represents a fundamental shift in education and training delivery. Emerging trends in technology and learning methodologies are expected to continue revolutionising education and training in the coming years.

As new technologies like AI, VR, and blockchain continue to evolve, they will further enhance the capabilities of microlearning platforms. This evolution promises to make learning more personalised, engaging and effective, ensuring that organisations can continuously develop their workforce in a dynamic and ever-changing environment.

Summary

Cloud-based microlearning offers numerous benefits, including improved knowledge retention, increased engagement and cost-effectiveness. By leveraging leading platforms like Spekit, Axonify, and EduMe, organisations can transform their learning experiences and align training with organisational goals. As emerging trends continue to shape the future of microlearning, now is the perfect time to explore these platforms and harness their potential for your organisation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cloud-based microlearning?

Cloud-based microlearning is an effective strategy that involves breaking down complex topics into concise, standalone units, making learning more accessible and engaging through cloud-based platforms. This approach enhances retention and allows for flexible learning opportunities.

How does cloud-based microlearning enhance knowledge retention?

Cloud-based microlearning enhances knowledge retention by utilising the spacing effect and the forgetting curve, offering frequent and repeated exposure to content, which can improve retention by up to 20%.

What are the key advantages of cloud-based microlearning?

The key advantages of cloud-based microlearning are accessibility and scalability, which enhance learner engagement and retention while being cost-effective. This approach allows for a more flexible and efficient learning experience.

Which are some leading cloud-based microlearning platforms?

Spekit, Axonify, and EduMe are leading cloud-based microlearning platforms, each providing distinct features to meet various training requirements effectively.

What are the emerging trends in cloud-based microlearning?

Emerging trends in cloud-based microlearning encompass AI-driven personalisation, the integration of VR and AR for immersive experiences and the use of blockchain technology for secure credentialing. These innovations are shaping a more engaging and secure learning landscape.