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Does Micro Learning Make You Micro Smart?

The big trend in adult learning is micro learning. 

Small, very focused bursts of knowledge usually supported by video.  I love the concept but the term implies that it is somehow less then “real” learning and it’s not.   From my experience working with authors, speakers and thought leaders from around the globe, micro learning produces macro results.  If you haven’t experimented with or converted any of your work into micro learning here’s why you should:

  • It’s not a fad.
  • It’s not going away
  • It’s what the buyer wants (the enterprise)
  • It’s what the learner wants (think millennials)
  • It works
  • It’s cost effective
  • It allows you to be agile and flexible
  • It show’s that you are relevant and contemporary

I could add many other reasons to the list but what I find is that when I’m talking to my clients they often have some resistance to the concept.  Here’s what I hear and have observed first hand.

  • I don’t understand how it works
  • It’s different then what I’m used to
  • It’s not how I learned or am comfortable learning
  • There are technology issues that I don’t understand
  • I wouldn’t know where to start
  • What pieces of my content would best fit in a micro learning format?
  • My work is to complex to teach this way
  • Who buys it?
  • How do I market and sell it?

All of these are valid concerns however the market has spoken. It wants to see more and more state of the art content offered in state of the art formats. When the market speaks I tend to listen and I recommend to my clients that they do as well. If you’re work isn’t available in the formats the buyer is looking for you’ll miss out on opportunity, revenue and the ability to have your work impact more people in more ways. As a thought leader you are largely driven by your unique ability to create impactful content that makes a positive difference in the world. Micro learning is an effective vehicle to help you achieve that very noble objective. Embrace it!

Peter Winick has deep expertise in helping those with deep expertise. He is the CEO of Thought Leadership Leverage. Visit Peter on Twitter!

Comments (3)

  1. Hi Peter,

    Thanks for this.

    Would you agree that one problem is that this format can be difficult to get paid for (aka monitise) so can be more difficult to sustain?

    If so do you have any suggestions or solutions (and if you disagree why is that and how does it work),

    Thanks for your insights.

    Barry

  2. I think you need to design and deliver the content as an integrated solution. It’s hard to get paid for short one off videos and such but a series that connects to a measurable business outcome works well.

  3. Barry, you can’t monetize one micro learning, but a set of 10 delivered daily has some value. It could correspond to a micro payment or a recurring one. Also you can reach a different public, people with less time and willing to pay something they feel will be easier to learn. A micro learning a day could well be worth a long 1 hour video per week. Micro-learning is also not limited to short videos, there could be exercises, suggested quick applications, further resources. The whole thing could have a lasting effect beyond the time of the short video.

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