1. Why Microlearning is One of the Hottest Trends in Learning Design

Microlearning refers to bite-sized learning, which is often associated with short video clips but is not necessarily limited to video formats.

In the context of blended learning, learning content refers to any element that contributes to achieving learning outcomes, including:

• Videos
• Digital documents
• Articles
• Audio slides
• Infographics

Microlearning structures these content types into small, focused learning units of 5 to 10 minutes to create flexible and effective learning pathways.

Why is Microlearning Essential for Effective Content Development?

Several changes in the learning landscape have driven the demand for microlearning, including:
#1. Growing dissatisfaction with traditional learning methods
#2. Evolving learner expectations
#3. Increased demand for immediacy and efficiency in content creation
#4. Advancements in technology transforming learning environments

#1. Growing Dissatisfaction with Traditional Learning Methods

Traditional corporate training often involved employees sitting in front of a computer for an hour-long session.

However, companies have increasingly encountered challenges such as:
「Limited time available for training due to work constraints」
「Lack of direct relevance and applicability of training content」

Microlearning has emerged as a solution to these issues by making learning more compact and directly applicable to workplace needs.

#2. Evolving Learner Expectations

Learners today have shifted their preference from in-depth, long-form learning to quick and easily accessible learning experiences.
Short, engaging microlearning modules align perfectly with this change in learning behavior.

#3. Increased Demand for Immediacy and Efficiency in Content Creation

L&D professionals face challenges such as:
・Faster content aging, requiring frequent updates
・The need to rapidly develop and deliver learning materials

Microlearning, with its modular and adaptable structure, meets these demands by allowing quick content creation and updates.

#4. Advancements in Technology Transforming Learning Environments

With the widespread adoption of smartphones and tablets, learners can now access training content anytime, anywhere. This flexibility has accelerated the shift toward bite-sized learning, making microlearning an ideal approach.

2. Key Considerations for Implementing Microlearning

When designing microlearning experiences, consider the following four key aspects:

Let’s take a closer look at each key point.

#1. Break Down Topics into the Smallest Logical Units

A 2001 study by Richard Mayer (University of California, Santa Barbara) and Paul Chandler (University of Wollongong, Australia) found that learners who engaged with chunked content demonstrated deeper understanding than those exposed to large blocks of content.

Microlearning aims to provide personalized learning that is delivered at the right time, in the right format. The key is to break down learning content into clear, focused topics that match learners’ cognitive load capacity.

Many people wonder, “How small should chunked content be?”
However, it’s difficult to express the ideal size in terms of time or quantity.
This is because the true guideline is whether the content stays within the learner’s cognitive load—in other words, whether it can be understood without too much effort.
Since cognitive load varies among individuals, it’s hard to define a fixed number.

Content that tends to create high cognitive load typically has the following characteristics:
・Contains a lot of animations, audio, and dense text
・Covers unfamiliar or complex subject matter
・Includes excessively long explanations

However, when the content is simplified—using only images and text, for instance—learners can usually stay focused for up to around 10 minutes.
This means that even with the same length or topic, the cognitive load can be reduced, making the content effectively “chunked” and more digestible.

To help visualize what well-chunked content looks like, the following diagram provides some examples.

When we look at the example of “Strengthening Sales Skills” in the diagram above, we can see that the topic of “Hearing” is broken down further into more specific elements.
A good rule of thumb is to break each item down so that it can be explained in under five minutes.

Although it is difficult to precisely quantify how much content should be segmented, it’s helpful to remember that the key in microlearning design is to reduce each unit to a size that doesn’t overload our cognitive capacity.

#2. Utilize Multiple Learning Channels

Using multiple sensory channels enhances learning effectiveness. Studies show that combining visual and auditory inputs improves retention compared to using either modality alone.

Microlearning should incorporate various content types such as videos, images, text, and voice-over to create a more engaging and immersive experience.

#3. Personalize Content and Provide Clear Guidance

Maintaining learner engagement requires personalized and contextually relevant content. Strategies include:

・Addressing learners directly (e.g., using “you” statements)
・Providing clear next steps to guide learners through their journey

By designing content that speaks directly to the learner’s needs and challenges, engagement and motivation levels improve significantly.

#4. Incorporate Microcontent and Micropractice

One of the most critical elements of microlearning is balancing content delivery (input) with active practice (output).

Microlearning is often misunderstood as being purely content consumption (e.g., watching short videos). However, true learning happens when learners apply what they learn.

Effective microlearning strategies include:
・Encouraging learners to articulate their understanding (e.g., summarizing insights, answering discussion prompts)
・Interactive exercises such as quizzes and role-playing activities
・Practical assignments that require learners to submit outputs for review and feedback

Without practical application, learning remains passive and is less likely to result in behavioral change or skill acquisition.

3. Types of Content to Blend in a Blended Learning Approach

When blending content in a blended learning program, it is important to prepare each type of content in advance.

As explained in the previous section, the combination of input and output is essential for putting “learning” into practice.
In addition, assessment content that evaluates whether learners have practiced effectively is equally important.

For example, a training program incorporating three types of content might follow this flow:
①Learners watch a short video (around 5 minutes) to gain new knowledge or skills. (Input)
②Learners submit a file related to the topic. (Output)
③Learners provide peer feedback by commenting on each other’s submissions. (Output)
④A written test is conducted to assess the learner’s understanding. (Evaluation)
Effective learning cannot occur if any of the three—Input, Output, or Evaluation—is missing.

When designing a training program, it’s helpful to use these three types as a checklist to ensure that the learning experience is well-rounded.

4. Conclusion：Four Key Considerations for Effective Microlearning Implementation！