How to Create Effective Bite-Sized Learning

Why use bite-sized, or microlearning?

It’s not always possible to sit at a desk for hours for workplace training. Bite-sized learning is an effective learning solution that fits neatly into the daily workflow without overwhelming learners. The key to successful microlearning is to give your employees only what they need in the moment—so they don’t waste time and can stay focused on the outcome they need right now. It’s an ideal style to teach a new skill in the flow of work—perfect for an updated safety protocol, a new product feature, or a revamped software process.

In this blog post, we’ll explore five tips for designing effective bite-sized learning, from single-focus modules to engaging, mobile-ready opportunities, and more.

How to create microlearning that works

Tip 1: Focus on one learning objective per course

Bite-sized learning and microlearning are often used interchangeably, as both refer to compact, focused modules built around a single, clear learning objective. That narrow focus is what makes microlearning so effective.

The goal of bite-sized courses is to make sure each course emphasizes just one thing a learner needs to know or do after completing it, rather than a list of objectives or an entire end-to-end process. Think: one process, one behavior, one skill. That’s how to achieve the most meaningful outcome.

Remember that your workers don’t come to training without competing priorities. They’re likely juggling multiple projects, responding to messages, and toggling between tasks. When they can learn what they need quickly and leave with a clear takeaway, it makes it easier for them to apply it.

Tip 2: Use multimedia strategically

Reading through giant blocks of text isn’t fun, and doesn’t support learning retention and understanding. Multimedia is a great way to avoid information overload. Visually dynamic bite-sized learning leads to greater clarity and engagement.

Multimedia elements such as short videos, infographics, and interactive activities break up text and make abstract concepts more concrete. Learners can visualize processes more easily, interpret tone and nuance through audio, and practice applying what they learn in simulated scenarios.

Choose multimedia that matches the concept you’re teaching. Here are a few examples of pairings that work well in bite-sized modules:

• Short demo videos are great for product updates or new workflows. Learners actually see the change, rather than just reading about it.
• Diagrams or infographics are ideal to simplify complex processes or policies.
• TikTok-style clips can model successful customer interactions and demonstrate nuance in tone and approach.
• Quick branching scenarios are perfect for practicing soft skills or decision-making skills.

When done well, multimedia gets people more invested in learning.

Tip 3: Make it mobile-friendly

A sales rep bouncing between client field meetings doesn’t have time to sift through a long training session on a laptop. It would be far more helpful to be able to grab a phone to brush up on the product pitch between meetings.

Bite-sized isn’t just about being short; it’s also about convenience. Good mobile-friendly learning makes learning on the go easy. Here are some tips to make bite-sized learning mobile-friendly:

• Design for small screens. Keep layouts clean and uncluttered. Use large, clickable buttons and concise text blocks. Preview learning in mobile view and look for ways to simplify the design before you launch.
• Prioritize load speed. Nobody likes to wait for sluggish modules to load. Optimize media files to load quickly by reducing excess file size, and choose modern course authoring and distribution tools.
• Prioritize responsive, adaptive design. Content authoring tools like Rise automatically adjust to different devices. Preview your course in different orientations to optimize for consistency across devices.
• Support touch-friendly navigation. Make buttons and interactive elements large enough to tap easily. Avoid requiring precise gestures or fine motor control, which may exclude learners.

Content designed to be accessible on any device empowers learners to engage on their own terms and at their own pace.

Tip 4: Reinforce learning with micro-assessments

Bite-sized learning can’t achieve its goals if learners don’t understand or retain it. Quick, low-stakes assessments prompt learners to pause, reflect, and demonstrate that they can apply what they have just learned. Assessments also provide course authors with valuable data about the course’s effectiveness.

Keep these tips in mind when creating micro-assessments:

Course assessments reflect learning retention

The assessment serves as a mini-mirror for the learner to gauge how clearly they understand the material. Assessments aren’t there to grade or penalize the learner. A short quiz, a drag-and-drop activity, or even a single reflection question offer learners a chance to test their understanding and build confidence.

Get creative with assessment timing

Rather than wait until the end of a course, try including a micro-assessment right after introducing a key concept. This strategy helps cement the idea before it has a chance to fade. It also lets learners know that this concept is important, prompting them to focus their attention on it.

Try a variety of quiz styles

You don’t have to rely on multiple choice questions. Try mixing up these options:

• A quick, realistic scenario with branching responses to practice their skills
• A fill-in-the-blank recap of important concepts to reinforce the idea in their own words
• A “what would you do in this situation?” reflection prompt to engage critical thinking

Use feedback to enhance learning

A simple “correct” or “incorrect” response is often not enough. Short explanations that reinforce why the answer was correct or explain where you were off-base can turn assessments into another learning moment rather than just a pass/no pass grade.

Remember, micro-assessments are a crucial part of the learning process. Not only do they keep learners engaged, but they also help them find their own mistakes and feel pride in their accomplishments.

Tip 5: Create a series for continuous learning

To compound learning, consider creating a series of related bite-sized courses. While standalone modules can quickly fade from memory, a series establishes a sense of progress and offers learners a chance to refresh their skills while building on them.

Here’s how you can design a series that keeps them coming back:

1. Start with a clear arc. Think about the larger journey you want learners to take. Whether it’s learning a new tool or improving a soft skill, map out the logical steps they’ll need to get there and create a sequence of modules that build on each other.
2. Make each module self-contained but also connected. Learners should be able to jump into any module and get what they need. But within those modules, they’ll see subtle clues, such as consistent visuals, recurring characters, or similar prompts, that create continuity.
3. Use spaced learning to your advantage. Deliver modules over time, rather than all at once. The spacing helps reinforce concepts and gives learners time to apply them before moving on to the next step.
4. Encourage reflection and revisiting. Include prompts that require learners to review previous modules. You can use some variation on phrasing that says, “Remember when we covered X concept?” This will help strengthen connections and understanding.
5. Build anticipation. Building on the idea of connected modules, be sure to tease what they can expect next. You can tee up lines like, “Up next: Mentoring do’s and don’ts” to keep them curious.

When part of a larger series, bite-sized modules can be stepping stones to larger learning outcomes. That’s where the real wins happen.

Tools and templates for microlearning

Creating bite-sized learning isn’t just about squeezing content into a smaller space. The key is giving it the proper structure. Articulate 360 includes tools designed to streamline the process and support a range of instructional needs.

Articulate’s responsive e-learning app, Rise offers a framework that’s conducive to modular design. You can build courses that automatically adapt to any screen size, embed multimedia, and structure content into digestible blocks without the need for advanced design skills. Storyline lets you create customized interactivity by layering in branching scenarios, drag-and-drop exercises, and more.

If you’re looking for an easy starting point, Articulate’s subscription includes a large content library of prebuilt courses for a variety of workplace training topics like onboarding, customer service, and soft skills development. These templates can be easily adapted to fit your audience and goals, allowing you to focus more on content rather than design.

Think small for a bigger impact

Bite-sized learning is an effective strategy for combating shrinking attention spans and packed schedules. When you focus on one thing at a time, add dynamic multimedia elements, and optimize it for mobile use, you’ll make it an effective and irresistible asset for busy employees in their time of need.

Eager to find out more about how learners absorb and retain information? Check out our post, Make Learning Stick With Smart Cognitive Load Management, to get strategies for more effective learning that doesn’t overwhelm your team.