What is microlearning? Here is a quick guide

If you are wondering what microlearning is and whether it’s worth trying, this article is a perfect read for you. It’s time you learned whether there is a definition of microlearning or just opinions.

Once we look more closely at how our brain learns, we see that effective learning requires robust mental models that connect new information to what we already know. This way, we move it from short-term working memory to long-term memory. Basically, it’s how we remember new things and then can use them when the time comes.

The basics of microlearning

“Microlearning is an instructional unit that provides a short engagement in an activity intentionally designed to elicit a specific outcome from the participant.” This is the definition of microlearning, which Karl Kapp and Robyn Defelice provide in their microlearning bible, Microlearning: Short and Sweet. Sounds complicated, doesn’t it? So, what is microlearning, after all?

First of all, microlearning is a chunk of a big learning system. It’s the minimal step we can take to achieve higher outcomes. Microlearning isn’t limited to a single form or medium. It’s not about spending hours in the library, but about studying for just 5–15 minutes.

Benefits and examples of microlearning

The benefits of microlearning are numerous, from the flexibility to learn on the go to solving practical problems and choosing your own study methods. Microlearning differs from macrolearning in terms of its length, content, and even the desired outcome. While macrolearning, we consume large pieces of information with complex issues. At the same time, microlearning provides small nuggets of data, including simple issues.

What does microlearning entail in real life? Here are some examples:

🎬 Short video tutorials on how to crop your image, fix a TV problem, or do fabulous makeup
📈 Infographics to help with understanding complex issues or learning the content of the book
🃏 Flashcards with one concept per card that you can memorize fast and effortlessly
🎧 Podcasts featuring simple steps to develop good money habits or improve your writing skills.

And we can continue this list with daily tips, interactive quizzes, spaced repetition, and, these days, AI.

Tips to start microlearning

If you want to incorporate microlearning as a part of your everyday learning, first, determine what you are trying to change with microlearning. As soon as you are ready with that, you will require some microlearning platforms, be it apps, websites, or YouTube videos. Create challenges for yourself or find apps that can provide you with everyday challenges and tests. Finally, remember microlearning must be interesting, so that you don’t give it up after the first day.

Tools to dive into microlearning

Among the best microlearning apps are:

KhanAcademy has amazing content on different topics from math to life skills. Want to know more about using AI or learn to advertise and sell? KhanAcademy is one of the best microlearning platforms that offers science-based knowledge in 2- to 10-minute chunks in video and text format.

Khan Academy app explore page with subjects like Math, Science, Economics, and Computing

Khan Academy Arts and humanities section showing history, civics, and art courses

Kinnu is another microlearning app with a charming design, a wide range of topics, and clear and fast explanations. The audio here is AI-generated, which makes it sound a bit artificial. The information is divided into digestible chunks with illustrations, retention quizzes, and a supporting system that encourages you to keep going.

Learning app onboarding screen with origami bird illustration

Kinnu app home screen showing colorful knowledge categories and Smart Session button

Western Literature learning pathway screen with progress tracker and lesson list

You can also try our book summary app, AdvanceMe, which offers a wide range of summaries on topics like relationships, science, business, personal development, and more. Our ever-growing library is regularly updated with bestsellers and new releases from renowned authors.

Try it out by learning from one of our summaries and see the value for yourself. For example, if you’d like to work on your knowledge of psychology, see our summary of Emotional Intelligence. Or, if you’re more interested in popular science, you should try reading the summary of Astrophysics for People in a Hurry.. Find what suits your learning needs and start your productive self-development.

Whether you are trying to get valuable knowledge and skills for your career or looking for ways to encourage your employees to learn and develop, microlearning is an excellent way to achieve both. You’ve already taken the first step by reading this article. Now, take the second one and apply the knowledge you have to start your microlearning journey.

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