Last updated on July 16, 2024 at 01:42 pm

Wondering what is a microlearning platform? How can it benefit your organization?

What are the best microlearning platforms and solutions for employee training and mentoring?

Let us find answers to all these questions here!

Today, companies strive to capitalize on technological advancements. The need of the hour is to find the most efficient and effective employee training solutions. This is where microlearning steps in. Frontline employees are a company’s greatest asset as they directly interact with customers. Therefore, training frontline employees is crucial for closing performance gaps and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Training frontline employees can be challenging because of their time-sensitive roles. Research shows that 59% of employees get stressed because of the massive and complicated information in traditional training courses.

An effective employee training strategy is required to affordably onboard new employees and transform them into highly skilled staff. Modern learning and development strategies must maximize efficiency without compromising quality, which leads us to microlearning.

What Is Microlearning in the Workplace?

Microlearning delivers training content in small and easily digestible content structures. This content is under ten minutes in length. This approach fits into the busy schedules of frontline employees and allows them to learn on the go.

Microlearning is 17% more effective than traditional methods and is accessible through mobile devices. It effectively addresses the challenge of short attention spans and helps break down complex and lengthy topics into short, insightful segments.

Also Read: Microlearning vs. Traditional Training: Which Works Best for Frontline Teams?

Why Is Microlearning an Important Platform for Frontline Employees?

• Microlearning modules are concise and focus on specific learning objectives. This helps employees retain information better.
• According to a study, learners forget 90% of new information within a week. Microlearning refreshes knowledge and improves practical application.
• Since microlearning content is often mobile-friendly, employees can access it anytime, anywhere.
• Microlearning is cost-effective, which contributes to job satisfaction and career growth.

Types of Microlearning Content

Microlearning content should always be brief and to the point. Examples include:

• Images
• Brief Text
• Short Videos
• Audio
• Tests and Quizzes
• Gamification
• Case Studies

About 90% of modern organizations rely on the services of frontline workers, which makes it crucial to provide them with the best microlearning platforms. These powerful tools address their training and development needs effectively.

Challenges of Training Frontline Employees

Frontline employees face unique challenges using traditional training sources like:

1. Time Constraints – Frontline employees often have demanding schedules and little time for lengthy training sessions. Microlearning offers brief modules that fit into their busy lives.
2. Diverse Learning Styles – Employees have different learning preferences, and microlearning can accommodate these styles through varied content formats.
3. Geographically Dispersed Teams – Frontline employees are often spread across multiple locations, and microlearning can be accessible via mobile devices.

Also Read: 9 Microlearning Best Practices for Your Business

Key Features to Consider in Top Microlearning Platforms

Here are some key features to consider when choosing the best microlearning platform:

1. Content Creation and Delivery

A microlearning platform simplifies the creation of engaging microlearning modules in various content formats. Such formats include videos, quizzes, and interactive elements. You must look for a mobile-friendly platform for learning anytime, anywhere. Here are key considerations:

• Optimal Content Length – Effective microlearning content should last between 2 to 7 minutes.
• Relatable Examples – Use real-world scenarios relevant to the learners’ experiences to enhance knowledge retention and application.
• Engaging Tone and Format – Use a conversational, active tone to improve relatability.
• User-Friendly Interface – A straightforward microlearning platform should come with quick and easy content creation for all users.
• Cloud-Based Accessibility – Cloud-based microlearning platforms allow content access from any internet-connected device.
• Easy Content Maintenance – The best microlearning platforms should allow easy updates to content over time.

2. Learning Management and Analytics

A microlearning platform should be able to assign and track learner progress effectively. It becomes easy for leaders to measure knowledge retention and assess training effectiveness through integrated analytics. Here are some features:

• Choose a platform that integrates with a Learning Content Management System (LCMS) to create and manage bite-sized content chunks efficiently.
• It should possess inbuilt analytics that can provide actionable insights into learner performance.
• It should also have a progress dashboard that offers real-time views of learners’ activities.

3. Cost and Scalability

The top microlearning platforms come with free or affordable pricing models that suit different organization sizes. Before you choose one, ensure the platform can scale to accommodate a growing number of learners. Microlearning reduces development costs by 50% and increases development speed by 300%. Here are some considerations:

• The best microlearning platforms should allow employees to quickly apply new knowledge and skills.
• Content can be accessed from any location on various devices.
• It should be easily scalable to update and add new content as needed.
• You should be able to personalize content to meet the specific needs of each employee or department.

Also Read: Our 5 Favorite Types of Employee Engagement Tools

Top 5 Microlearning Platforms for Frontline Employees

Let us now look at the 5 best microlearning platforms for frontline employees:

1. TheEMPLOYEEapp

TheEMPLOYEEapp is a mobile communications platform designed for corporate communicators and HR leaders. It recently introduced a free Microlearning Platform to provide vital training in short, engaging segments. It is a top-ranking microlearning platform that meets employer expectations and brings out the best in frontline employees.

Key Features:

• Customizable calendar of over 200 short video topics, including safety protocols and workplace harassment.
• Flexible access for both office and frontline employees.
• Audience segmentation to tailor content delivery.
• Analytics on video engagement and duration.

Pricing: It is one of the top free microlearning platforms for frontline employees. For more information, contact theEMPLOYEEapp for pricing details.

G2 Rating: 4.2/5

2. EdApp

EdApp is a free microlearning platform with an integrated authoring tool. It emphasizes engagement through gamification, rewards, and social learning features.

Key Features:

• Mobile-first design with a user-friendly interface.
• Rapid content creation and distribution.
• Offline access and push notifications for reminders.
• Analytics dashboard for tracking learner performance.

Pricing:

• Free
• DIY: $2.95 per active user/month
• Managed: $2.95-$5.95 per user/month
• Enterprise: Contact EdApp for details.

G2 Rating: 4.7/5

3. 7taps

7taps specializes in creating and delivering engaging micro-courses quickly. It is designed to provide “just-in-time” guides and instructions to improve learner performance.

Key Features:

• A mobile-first platform for quick and efficient training.
• Push notifications and offline access.
• Pre-designed canvas for creating microlearning experiences.
• Analytics dashboard for performance tracking.

Pricing:

• Free
• Pro: $99/month
• Enterprise: Contact 7taps for details.

G2 Rating: 4.8/5

4. iSpring Learn

iSpring Learn offers a cloud-based microlearning solution that allows organizations to launch and track training programs easily. It supports creating responsive courses from existing content.

Key Features:

• Built-in authoring tool for creating interactive courses.
• SCORM compliance for compatibility with various content.
• Real-time tracking and analytics.
• Mobile app for on-the-go learning.

Pricing:

• iSpring Suite: $770 per author/year
• iSpring Suite Max: $970 per author/year
• iSpring Suite Premium: $1,970 per author/year

G2 Rating: 4.6/5

5. TalentCards

TalentCards is a mobile training platform for frontline workers that uses a flashcard approach for bite-sized learning modules.

Key Features:

• Digital flashcards for quick retention.
• Gamification elements for interactive training.
• Offline access to training cards.
• Rapid content creation and distribution.

Pricing:

• Free
• Standard: $50/month
• Premium: $75/month

G2 Rating: 4.7/5

Choosing the Right Microlearning Platform for Your Needs

When selecting a micro-learning platform, consider the following:

• Consider your specific training goals and target audience – Define what you want to achieve and ensure the platform caters to your specific audience.
• Evaluate platform features – Check if the platform integrates with your existing systems and choose a platform with robust analytics to track and improve learner engagement. Look for key features like accessibility integration, content creation, etc., when selecting the right platform.
• Explore free trials or demos offered by some platforms – Consider your budget and find the best value for your needs. Make the most of free microlearning platforms before you pay for subscription models.

Also Read: Strategies to Encourage Feedback From Deskless Workers

Conclusion

Microlearning is an effective employee training method, particularly for frontline employees. It offers focused content that improves knowledge retention. This strategy fits into busy schedules and ensures that frontline employees are well-trained and capable of providing excellent customer service.

When selecting a microlearning solution, you must look for top microlearning platforms with built-in authoring tools to quickly create content. Look for the best platforms that facilitate knowledge sharing and enhance the learning experience.

By adopting the best microlearning platforms for frontline employees like theEMPLOYEEapp, organizations can ensure their frontline workforce is well-equipped, motivated, and capable of delivering exceptional service.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kinds of microlearning platforms and formats work best for frontline staff training? 

Effective formats include short videos, interactive infographics, mobile apps, and gamified simulations. Choose formats that match your team’s preferences and learning styles.

2. How can I integrate microlearning into existing training programs for frontline staff? 

Identify specific topics or skills that need reinforcement or updating. Design microlearning modules to supplement existing materials, integrating them into a structured training schedule for easy access.

3. Can microlearning address specific challenges faced by frontline staff?

Yes, microlearning can target specific challenges such as customer service scenarios, product knowledge gaps, or compliance requirements, providing focused and digestible modules to equip frontline teams with the necessary skills.

4. How to develop microlearning content?

To develop effective microlearning content:

• Know your learners.
• Set a single learning outcome.
• Keep content brief.
• Use relatable examples.
• Maintain an active and engaging tone.
• Ensure it is engaging.

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