According to Deloitte, the typical modern learner has just 24 minutes a week to spend on training and development. It should come as no surprise, then, that microlearning is one of the biggest buzzwords in L&D.
Recent studies show that the rise of mobile devices, shorter attention spans, and time scarcity are some of the main drivers of microlearning, which is a method that increases engagement with a topic and improves knowledge retention.
One of the best use cases for microlearning is for franchise employee onboarding. New franchises need to onboard employees quickly and efficiently, and getting them all up to speed on the businesses’ operating procedures and brand guidelines is a priority when the pressure is on to turn a profit.
Before we dive into why and how to include microlearning modules in franchisee onboarding, let’s ensure we understand what it’s all about.
What is microlearning?
Microlearning modules are small units of content, aka bite-size content, typically designed to be between three and seven minutes long. They can cover any topic imaginable and are delivered in a variety of multi-sensory and multimodality formats, including videos, mobile flashcards, audio clips, infographics, quizzes, games, text-based job aids, micro-lessons, and interactive simulations.
Two features stand out about microlearning. For one, regardless of the format, a microlearning module will always be sharply focused on providing a focused answer to a single problem or question. And two, it should always be accessible on demand or at the point of need, making it a perfect solution for mobile learning and learning in the flow of work.
Microlearning for franchise onboarding
Traditional onboarding methods no longer suit the needs of distributed teams, which require flexible, scalable training solutions to quickly get up to speed on the essentials of joining a franchise. This is where microlearning excels as a smart tool for digital learning for franchises. Here are the top ten benefits:
- Microlearning for franchises supports just-in-time learning, where employees can access information and training when and how they need it without sacrificing training quality.
- Microlearning is ideal for distributing onboarding content that needs to be accessed frequently, such as compliance regulations or workplace safety.
- The eLearning Industry showed that organisations adopting microlearning see a 50% increase in course completion rates compared to traditional training methods. Learners also tend to finish courses or modules faster because they are more immersed.
- The compact nature of microlessons means microlearning is a great enabler of social learning (it’s easily shared and talked about) and real-time training (quick access on the job).
- Micro-content and micro-activities can be embedded in regular course material to reinforce important content or explain difficult topics in another way.
- Microlearning allows for quick ramp-up time. Employees quickly grasp company policies, procedures, and other essential documentation, which is critical in the fast-paced franchise world.
- Microlearning courses are easier and cheaper to develop, update, and distribute than traditional eLearning courses. Learning expert Ray Jimenez estimated that microlearning courses can be created in 300% less time and at 50% less cost.
- Microlearning modules can be easily updated or tailored to specific franchise needs without overhauling an entire training program. And no big or costly infrastructure changes are required when delivered through digital platforms like a mobile-friendly LMS.
- Microlearning is a powerful tool for knowledge retention. It operates within the learner’s working memory capacity and attention span, providing just enough information to achieve specific, actionable goals.
- Microlearning enables learning through scaffolding—a principle of cognitive science where information is presented progressively. Each microlearning unit begins with the easy stuff and gets more challenging as the learner progresses. This allows them to use the knowledge they learnt in the previous unit to learn the next, more complex one.
Integrate microlearning into your onboarding process
Considering all these plus points, we’re sure you’re excited to make microlearning a part of your franchise onboarding process. But where to start?
First, consider whether your LMS offers efficient onboarding for franchises and has the flexibility to support microlearning’s unique formats. Also, is it easy to update the content and integrate modules? And does it offer tools for tracking learner progress on micro-tasks?
Next, you’ll have to start creating the content, which is both an art and a science, to ensure it’s concise, engaging and educational. This content will then need to be organised into coherent learning paths within your LMS, which involves strategically sequencing content to build on previous knowledge and tailoring these paths to meet various learning objectives and profiles.
If all of this sounds a bit much, or you’re not convinced your LMS can handle integrated microlearning modules, contact New Leaf Technologies for a consultation or demo to see how microlearning can streamline onboarding across your franchise network. We’re experts in learning management systems for franchises as well as in developing scalable training solutions and creating content in a variety of formats. We look forward to helping you with your franchise employee onboarding and get you set up and training in no time.
