TikTok is a popular platform for creating and sharing short videos. But why are we mentioning TikTok in an article about workplace learning? What is the relationship between a social-media-heavy short video creator and e learning platform, microlearning, and online professional development? Here is the thing. The video production design of TikTok (and similar apps) limits users to 15 seconds to one minute of filming time. It enforces many users to give the most critical information in a short amount of time due to this.
With a 50 percent audience under the age of 34, 26 percent are between 18 and 24. The app is seeing a 5.5 times increase in older users in as many as 150 nations (Wallaroom Media, 2021). As a result, microlearning is available to a wide range of people.
Now, let’s see how the concept of microlearning with social media is applicable in the corporate world.
What is Microlearning?
Microlearning is an educational strategy in which learners get bite-sized, tiny learning units with just enough information to help them reach a goal. The utilization of short, fast movies that are jam-packed with content enables improved learner retention and engagement.
As more companies use microlearning for professional development, safety, and soft skill training, employers see increased engagement, retention, and efficiency. Learning in bite-sized chunks facilitates the transfer of knowledge from the classroom to the desk and increases student engagement. Microlearning has become an efficient approach to instruct adult learners because of its simplicity.
Microlearning With Social Media: A Detailed View
Every day, informal microlearning takes place on a variety of levels. Employees have become accustomed to gathering and consuming information in bursts due to the widespread use of smartphone technology and the influence of social media.
Microlearning is a pedagogy that fosters learning in brief bursts and with support from a variety of platforms. Many companies use microlearning in their classes because it connects employees with the subject matter and encourages them to relate it to their daily lives and the world around them, resulting in deep learning. Knowledge retention improves as a result of this.
How to Deploy Microlearning With Social Media in the Corporate Setting?
There are three aspects to social microlearning: technique, technology, and the corporate training platform. We must distinguish between social media technology and the application of microlearning techniques to social media. The methodology would be contradicted if social media platforms were used without assignments that supported microlearning. For microlearning to be effective, the content must be both brief and provided in the appropriate location.
The term micro in microlearning translates to the length of interaction with the learning activity or learning item, regardless of whether it is social. Microlearning objects, which are content items designed to provide direct instruction or foster analysis or reflection, may usually be consumed fast, in a single sitting, to enable participation in a burst.
The Whole-Part-Whole Learning Model
While microlearning is new, and social media platforms are new, educators may recognize the Whole-Part-Whole Learning Model as a related concept. By first teaching the complete scope of an idea, the Whole-Part-Whole Learning Model enables contextualized learning.
The knowledge is then split into sections to make the finer aspects apparent, and further education and practice opportunities are provided, often repeatedly. Finally, the lesson takes a step back to give the concept’s more comprehensive picture, complete with its constituent elements, giving context and allowing the student to consider how those parts support the notion as a whole.
How to Create Objects for Microlearning With Social Media?
Social media companies’ mobile-first designs encourage learning and interaction anywhere and at any time. We discovered that social media platforms are particularly well-suited to microlearning since they meet learners where they are already. Furthermore, social media provides learners with a tailored learning and social environment to control and expand.
Conclusion
When contemplating adopting Social Media as a Microlearning delivery medium, keep the following factors in mind. Because microlearning is based on small, targeted learning experiences, keep length in mind. Encouragement of contributions to the social environment also allows children to synthesis knowledge and apply higher-order thinking abilities.
Corporate learning microlearning into the lesson and promote fact-checking. Microlearning on social media platforms allows for a discussion of digital literacy and a review of fact-checking techniques. Students should be aware of their roles in developing ethical communications and the consequences of propagating false information.