Data from Google Trends continues to show an increase in searches relating to microlearning techniques as online education adapts to people needing shorter attention spans in addition to being consumed primarily on mobile devices.
Additionally, increased usage of how we communicate using digital content within the workplace, through educational mediums, and through our everyday use of technology has increased our need to learn using techniques such as microlearning.
The proliferation of streaming services, social media, and app-enabled education has led users to expect bite-sized, highly focused, and highly relevant content.
Microlearning is designed to operate within these constructs, hence the reason why there is an abundance of trending topics regarding utilizing microlearning as a speed-learning method for digital skills.
Digital Learning Platforms and Microlearning Adoption
As with other digital learning platforms, such as Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy; they have begun to emphasize the usage of smaller lessons and a module-based approach within the Digital Learning Vocabulary.
In addition, organizations like the World Economic Forum are now discussing microlearning in relation to increasing workforce agility by improving overall Digital Literacy.
This article explores the various types of microlearning content; with regard to the structural formats, channels of dissemination, and measurable trends in global search activity associated with these types of learning solutions, as a means of further understanding their growing popularity.
Microlearning and Short-Form Video Learning
Within microlearning, short-form video has developed into one of the most actively sought-after methods of instructional delivery.
Since video-based microlearning has been developed, it is no surprise that due to the proliferation of YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram; users have been trained to consume information in less than five minutes.
The growing popularity of video-based microlearning is being reflected by the increasing number of searches relating to video-based microlearning on the Internet.
Most micro-learning lessons cover one lesson or skill; the other components–the structure (made up of entertainment type material) and instructional content–serve as a medium through which to present micro-learning lessons.
There are many reasons why users are more likely to engage with video content than text-based materials when doing online searches.
Attention, Accessibility, and Video-Based Microlearning
Microlearning videos allow for immediate understanding and thus became a natural reaction to the changing nature of the way learners search for answers.
As digital content became more accessible, the average attention span was also reduced.
Organizations such as the Pew Research Center document this trend and indicate that as digital content continues to grow in popularity; therefore, microlearning videos eliminate any unnecessary content but still provide learners with a quick and easy way to find answers.
The growing use of Enterprise tools by organizations, such as Microsoft Learn and Google Skillshop, to support professional development, as well as their visibility, credibility and ability to provide global access to microlearning saved training resources through video, have resulted in increasing searches related to video-based microlearning.
Mobile-Based Microlearning and Search Trends
With most of the world’s population accessing the Internet through smartphones; as well as a significant number of online learning platforms optimized for mobile devices, mobile-oriented micro-learning has become a focus for academic as well as enterprise-oriented educational institutions, resulting in an increase in mobile-related searches for learning materials.
As a result of this growth, mobile-based micro-learning lessons tend to emphasize and promote convenience, rapid loading speed and high40-quality content.
Because mobile micro-learning experiences enable learners to quickly and easily locate education-related content during time off, this convenience and speed lead to continued growth in the demand for mobile-based educational courses and when mobile micro-learning methods appear in search trends.
According to data collected by organizations like GSMA, the usage of smartphones for learning continues to be a primary driver behind the increasing demand for short, independent lessons as opposed to long or extended, structured learning modes.
The Influencer of Mobile Design over the Search Trend
Major educational platforms such as Duolingo and Khan Academy focus on designing to make them the most accessible and usable on mobile.
Their design choices have contributed to the overall pattern of how people find resources on the internet by increasing the number of searches for resources geared towards micro-learning, which is optimised for use via mobile devices.
The Rise of Gamified Micro-Learning Formats
Gamified micro-learning formats have emerged as a significant growth area in global search trends as learners begin to associate learning with active participation instead of passive consumption.
This type of learning has a very effective way of combining short lessons with other game-like elements, including progress indicators, rewards, and immediate feedback.
As search data demonstrates, learners increasingly connect their use of gamified micro-learning formats to heightened motivation and ongoing engagement in online learning environments.
Understanding the Psychology of Engagement and Retention
Research conducted on behavioural engagement by academic institutions such as Stanford University demonstrates how small rewards and clear signals of progress positively impact an individual’s ability to focus and repeat a task or activity.
The principles of engagement and retention described above are used by gamified micro-learning formats when breaking content into small, manageable chunks that can be perceived as manageable.
This segmentation matches how individuals search for and prefer to learn about different topics via fast solutions rather than through comprehensive learning programs.
The Role of Gamification in the Growth of Online Learning
The growth of major platform providers such as Duolingo and SAP Learning Hub has contributed to increasing global search queries related to micro-learning methodologies.
Both of these providers incorporate gamified design elements into their digital learning platforms in order to develop ongoing, repeatable, and consistent usage.
The major characteristics influencing search behaviour are:
- Short Challenges instead of Long Lessons
- Visual Indicators of Progress
- Instant Feedback Systems
- Less Time Commitment for Each Session
Artificial Intelligence-Personalised Micro-Learning Paths
Another significant indicator of search behaviour is the discovery that individual users are increasingly interested in finding micro-learning formats that are able to be personalised based upon the user’s unique behaviours, past experiences and overall pace of learning via AI-enabled tools.
The growing demand for personalized content and digital services is one of the key factors increasing interest in microlearning across many different areas (for example, through e-commerce).
Customization of content using data analytics
Platforms are using Artificial Intelligence to provide an Adaptive Learning Model which customizes lesson difficulty, format and sequence based upon learner interactions.
Reports from organizations like McKinsey & Company indicate that Adaptive Learning systems have the unique capability to increase the relevance of content while not extending the amount of time required to learn it; this is directly linked to an increase of interest in using Microlearning type methods.
The reason personalization is driving global search growth
As companies like LinkedIn Learning and Google Skillshop implement AI to identify the most appropriate short and targeted lessons, both organizations benefit from their size and credibility in the market.
As a result, there is an increase in search activity around personalised microlearning models globally.
The most common features of personalized content being searched for globally include:
- Sequencing of lessons based upon learner needs
- Identifying specific skill gaps
- Recommending content based upon usage
- Creating a time efficient pathway to achieve skills
Skills-Based Microlearning and Workforce Demand
Bite-sized skills based learning modules
Skills-based microlearning continues as a consistent theme in search trends, due to the way learners are focusing on specific skill sets versus broad academic classes.
These modules provide an opportunity for learners to identify specific skills or tasks that they can quickly find, consume and implement within limited timeframes.
The transition to shorter course work versus a focus on competencies
Evidence collected from search related data illustrates a downward trend in the interest of long Certification programs compared to strong skill based search queries.
Research conducted on the future of jobs and skills by the World Economic Forum reinforces the trend toward Modular Learning as an answer to the constantly evolving requirements placed on employees by today’s job markets.
Consequently there is an upward trend in the interest in Micro Learning models to support employees develop the required skills to meet those needs.
Demand from Employers driving trends
Within the learning communities of businesses such as IBM and Amazon Web Services, there is a focus on short skill units, as the basis of their internal learning strategy.
Through their educational platforms, many organizations are enhancing their worldwide reach and helping to drive search volume related to niche-microlearning segments, providing global exposure using digital means with the ability to connect users through search.
Common microlearning formats that see high search volume include:
- Skill Demonstration
- How-to Guide Specific to Application
- Role-Specific Learning
- One-Time Skill Refresh
Microlearning Adoption in Corporate Learning Systems
The use of microlearning in the corporate environment has increased the amount of interest in Global Search around this topic.
Many organizations utilize microlearning as a way to deliver training that can be easily integrated into daily workflows rather than relying on traditional classroom-based learning sessions.
These trends also reflect the growing online education search volume and online enterprise searches related to Employee Learning.
Workforce Upskilling and Adoption by the Enterprise
Research by Deloitte shows that many organizations prefer to implement their continuous learning models via microlearning design frameworks, providing employees with a mechanism to easily access relevant information in a more timely manner based on how the modern employee behaves and searches.
Company Investment Effect on Global Search Volumes
Companies like Microsoft and Accenture have publicly referenced microlearning in their training and development processes, which not only provides a greater credibility factor but also helps generate a greater interest in Corporate Microlearning Methods.
Typical Content of Corporate Microlearning
Common Types of Corporate Microlearning include Compliance Refreshers, Product Updates, Tutorials on Process, Performance Support Tools, and more.
Social Media Microlearning
Social-Media Microlearning is the number-one driver of Global Search activity related to Microlearning.
Social-Media Learning has become intertwined with everyday Behaviour with the usage of the Internet and users using short educational content in numerous smaller sessions.
Many creators and educational organizations are now creating educational content to be published directly in social-media feeds and to be consumed by users in smaller frames of time as opposed to pursuing lengthy or course-structured information.
Social-Media Impact on Search Volume
The Social-Media Platforms such as YouTube Shorts and LinkedIn are increasing the reach of their educational offerings (micro-content) by creating greater visibility of Microlearning through Social Media.
As such, their reach continues to drive an increase in related search volume.
The growth of language / communication microlearning has continued to grow consistently based on global search data.
Searching for Microlearning Language/Communications
Learners are actively seeking for short, focused language lessons which are available during a limited timeframe.
This trend is indicative of trends toward flexible methods of online learning as well as the availability of more flexible, on-demand options.
The demand for the Language Upskilling Online
With the increase in global partnerships and remote working environments, there has been growth in desire for effective communication skills.
International organizations including The British Council® support The demand for Language Learning in addition to non-academic areas.
By offering vocabulary, pronunciation and grammatical structure in micro-units, Microlearning addresses The Language Upskilling Online
Tendencies for Search Related to Remote Collaboration
Web platforms including Duolingo® and BBC Learning English® create and publish micro-lessons specifically for short, frequent interactions.
By having a consistently high presence in search engines, they have assisted learners in developing proper search patterns that support the growth of Microlearning.
The most commonly searched on Micro-learning include:
- Everyday Vocabulary Lesson.
- Sound Practice/Micro-Clips.
- Short Grammar Reference.
- Sexual Communication Example.
Individually-Created On-Demand Libraries for Microlearning
On-demand, individually-created Microlearning Libraries represent a large component of rising search interest because they provide users with immediate access to a specific area of knowledge.
This immediate access allows users to quickly locate the area of information they need without following a consistency-based process through a pre-defined pathway.
Immediate Access to Knowledge Used in Search
Most of The data gathered from the Website on Overcoming Working through Finding Knowledge resources indicate the increased demand for knowledge (by way of search) instead of participation in set-course training programs.
Recent industry analysis performed by Harvard Business Publishing has also illustrated The popularity/growth rate of Just in Time Learning (JIT) both internally and externally.
Flexibility in Relation to Online Learning Trends
Websites including Khan Academy® and Coursera offer large numbers of short micro-learning lessons.They are seeing increased demand and global interest in the on-demand microlearning space as a result of their size and reputation.
Common library microlearning format types include:
- Topical explanatory content
- Quick refresher modules
- Conceptual video clips
- Reference learning cards
Data-Driven Microlearning Content Optimization
The increase in global search volume for microlearning has been significantly attributed to data-driven content optimization.
As online/digital learning platforms continue to develop new content and collect usage data, microlearning content is being continuously optimised based on learner engagement analytics.
The way people use search engines and search for high-quality, efficient online education formats closely corresponds to the way they seek out optimally-designed microlearning experiences.
Utilising analytics to inform microlearning unit revisions
Learning analytics platforms monitor lesson completion time, pause markers, and view frequency to gain insights into how learners are engaging with microlearning lessons.
Recent research, as referenced by MIT Open Learning, confirms that micro-content is most effectively utilised when it is consistently optimised based on learning analytics, rather than merely on assumptions.
How search behaviour can guide the design of microlearning
Through a transparent approach to course design, platforms such as Coursera and LinkedIn Learning have created increased awareness surrounding data-informed approaches to microlearning optimisation and, thus, increased global search activity for performance-based learning formats.
Key signals used to make decisions about designing optimally-sized microlearning lessons include:
- Total time required to complete a lesson
- Frequency of viewing
- The most commonly abandoned sections in the lesson
- Interaction/assessment data
Audio-based Microlearning
There has been a growing awareness of the international interest in audio-based microlearning through podcasts and the popularity of voice-assisted technology.Microlearner providing audio lessons are easier for learners to use while multitasking and therefore reflect the way in which many people consume information today.
Their ease of use has created increased interest and demand for audio learning via microlearning platforms.
The expansion of voice-first consumer engagement with learning
Smart speakers and mobile audio applications have created avenues for consumers to consume more spoken word information (not just music).
According to Edison Research, there is a significant increase in the number of consumers using voice-first audio applications for learning purposes, thus supporting audio microlearning within online education.
Examples of types of audio learning that support short-term learning behaviours include:
BBC and similar organizations have developed and provided audio segments for educational content that are designed to quickly convey information about a topic.
Some of the most frequently searched audio-based microlearning formats include:
- topic summaries of five minutes
- audio-based explanations of concepts
- pronunciation clips of words in different languages
- daily summaries of knowledge
The growth of global interest in searching for ways to learn via microlearning is evident, as search frequency and global reach for audio-based microlearning formats have increased dramatically in recent years.
Microlearning Embedded Within Tools Used to Complete Tasks.
Microlearning incorporated within workflows have become a major contributor to global search interest.
Microlearning integrated within workflows allows learners to have quick access to relevant learning opportunities while working without removing the learner from their tasks.
The way learners interact with learning content will continue to change.
Growth of Learning Tools Incorporated into Productivity Software.
According to a study by Gartner, the increasing adoption of learning tools embedded within software-based productivity tools is indicative of the continued expansion of microlearning content associated with workflows and the associated search interest.
As workflow-based learning tools continue to evolve in functionality and design, search activity will continue to grow as individuals will look for easily accessible, short-form learning opportunities embedded within their productivity software.
Some common elements of workflow-based microlearning include:
- contextual help prompts
- general task-specific tutorials
- in-app knowledge cards
- process clarification
Conclusions
The increase in global search interest in microlearning represents a broader shift in how people access, process and value information.
Online education platforms, enterprise software and public learning resources are increasingly aligning themselves with the new digital behaviours and learning preferences of many consumers.
Almost all search trends for learning content show that online learning formats are preferred by learners to long-form instructional formats.
The approaches discussed in this article demonstrate the structural and delivery influence on visibility within the global search community.
Trending topics often include short-form video, mobile-first design, gamification, personalised learning, and data-driven optimised learning based on the measurable changes in user attention, changes in device usage and the way in which individuals use different types of content.
Each of these topics is consistent with how learners consume new information in their daily lives.
As large corporations continue to reference microlearning as a key factor.
As large corporations continue to reference microlearning as a key factor in their research, product design and workforce development, their impact on the future and search activity for these models will also continue to grow.
Ultimately, search trends for microlearning reflect a growing correlation between the microlearning content and the digital behaviours of consumers.
As online education continues to adapt to the global behaviours of consumers, the microlearning model will remain a primary focus in global search activity.
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