Microlearning: Short and Sweet

by Karl M Kapp, Robyn A DeFelice

Your Microlearning Primer Microlearning. Is it a text message or a video? Does it need to be shorter than five minutes? Do you just "chunk" a longer course into smaller pieces? Find the answers to these and other questions in this concise, comprehensive, and first-of-its-kind resource that will accommodate the most- and least-informed about microlearning. Gleaning insights from research, theory, and practice, authors Karl M. Kapp and Robyn A. Defelice debunk the myths around microlearning and present their universal definition. In Microlearning: Short and Sweet, they go beyond the hypothetical and offer tips on putting microlearning into action. Recognizing what makes microlearning effective is critical to avoiding costly, wasteful investments in the latest learning trend or newest shiny object. Only by understanding the nuances behind it can you decide what format and style suits your needs. Whether you are creating an individual product or a series of learning solutions, you need to follow a well-designed plan. This book guides readers through how, when, and why to design, develop, implement, and evaluate microlearning. Case studies punctuate what works and what doesn't. User-friendly and highly accessible, this book is a must-have for instructional designers and anyone interested in microlearning.

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Design

200 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2019

Reviews

[Dalia Abbas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! As an instructional designer, I'm always looking for texts that spiral my learning with concepts I'm familiar with and refresh my understanding with concepts I have yet to learn. This book is that perfect mix! I especially loved the practically grounded chapters that provided specific guidance on tips and tricks for effective micro learning. I also loved the end of chapter summaries: a great example of effective micro learning brought to life!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A colleague recommended this, and the timing was perfect as I was hearing about microlearning in a lot of space. This was a really good, quick overview of what microlearning is and isn't. It does a good job of providing definitions and foundations, while also providing examples and applications. It really helped me get a grasp on the concept, so I could easily teach and explain it to others. It was a quick read and one I anticipate I'll reference often.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book for professional development because it is short, sweet and to the point. Lots of great, applicable ideas although some of them seem to be a bit too broad or repetitive. I will admit that I go back and forth in my reading of the book for tips, ideas and hints so perhaps my reading is too chopped up.

Nonetheless, I believe it is a valuable resource!

[Alexis Lamarre · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is good if you have no experience in course design. It also covers the basic training theories which is important.

I felt like I knew most of the stuff in that book. The 3 star rating is because of that. I did learn a few minor tricks to enhance the design of my courses.

[James D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to the world of microlearning for someone who has no concept of what it entails or how to implement it. If you are in the field and actively working on microlearning in an organization, you might find some of the content redundant.

[Ryan Panzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting analysis of how learning theory applies in a micro format, though a bit too reliant on "It depends" as practical advice on microlearning.

[Paiman Chen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humans forget what they learn very quickly unless that learning is frequently reinforced.

[Michael Wolcott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet, like it suggests. But more so broad about short interactions of learning. Not particularly useful.

[kimGknits · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does a great job of asking you to reconsider what you define as training, while walking through common processes for building training.

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really handy quick guide to Microlearning. The case studies and analogies for how microlearning fits into other kinds of learning really helped me better understand the topic.

[Carol Krueger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Next step - start microlearning & utilizing those skills at the work place.

[Daniel Guglielmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reference for I/O psychologists.

[Marla · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did a lot of skimming and skipping with this one. I'll go back to it when I have specific questions or need specific information possibly (which is the only reason the book gets two stars instead of my typical 1 for books that I do not finish).

The authors like big words and theories. I'm tempted to go through the entire book and count how many times they used the word, panacea.

In what was seemingly meant to be a short and easily digestable book about microlearning, I felt immediately bogged down and unable to really grasp what I wanted from this text.

I enjoyed the first chapter of the first section, WHAT IS MICROLEARNING as it shed new light and ideals onto the term that I hadn't previously thought about. After that, the skimming began and before I reached section two, I was skipping. Then, shortly into section two I decided I was done and would put the text aside to call upon later IF I believe it may be helpful, but can promise it will not be the first text I call upon or consider.