Microlearning refers to learning in short micro-sized pieces. The information online is generally broken down into small pieces and bits that are easily searchable, shareable, and visualize such as Google, Twitter or Facebook, and YouTube respectively.
Just like an information cafeteria where users can choose and pick exactly what attracts them and consume as little or as much content as they want. Microlearning makes use of this approach for learning lessons and like the internet that is available on your mobile phone.
Learn more here!Generation Z comprises the individuals born between 1995 and 2010 and this Gen Z is supposed to inhabit 36% of the workforce worldwide by 2020. The members of Gen Z are the true digital generations. The digital generations are already predicted to turn out to be the most diverse, and educated generation of employees till now.
Generation Z and millennials are both termed as digital generations. How they learn content reveals reality. Consuming information through modern technologies like microlearning that is provided through smartphone or machine learning can engage the learners in the same way that they are adapted to consuming information.
The members of Gen Z don’t think of life without smartphones. They know how to use a touch screen smartphone at a very young age. In their childhood, they had social media accounts and have an intuitive relationship with modern technology. All of these are the characteristics of digital generations and the children growing up by using digital technology are very common now.
Digital generations have profound implications for learning and development. The comfort and reliance on technology are the ultimate traits of Gen Z’ers. Moving and progressing with the latest trends in the instructional design industry, Gen Z’ers may favor online learning, social media learning, and microlearning models.
Digital generations want an on-demand and customized system of learning. Generation Z is not only technically savvy but also assumes technology to be merged into how they learn and how they work. Millennials may recall their early school days with little access to computers, while Gen Z only sees life with infinite content available with a single tap of a finger on smartphones.
Due to interwoven technology in their lives, Gen Z expects to access the knowledge wherever and whenever they want it. Such expectations of Gen Z line up with the modern trends in the industry of developing content on smartphone applications like MyLearnie.com.
The content must not only be mobile friendly but also visually engaging and fully functional on any device which learners choose for reaching the information. Microlearning is the latest trend that helps with the mobile-centric approach of the members of generation Z by providing small bite-sized learning opportunities. Learners and educators can find and take up information from platforms like Google, YouTube, and Facebook, etc.
Why consider microlearning to teach Generation Z?
As we have learned from the above section that the Gen Z nourishes on a staple diet of Facebook stories and Snapchat videos. Therefore, it is necessary to develop such training strategies that attract them toward learning. What could be a better learning strategy than a bite-sized learning approach in the form of microlearning units? We will discuss some reasons showing how microlearning can improve the engagement of Gen Z learners.
Accommodates mobile-centric attention spans of Generation Z
Gen Z assumes technology to be the dynamic component of learning and development. The technology can’t be imagined without a smartphone or other cool devices. According to the IBM report, more than 75% of members of Gen Z favor the use of smartphones over other devices. Therefore, a mobile-centered training approach will best fit the interests of Gen Z learners.
Allow on-demand learning at any time
In this advanced age of immediate gratification, it is not surprising to know that Generation Z requires access to information on demand. We know that they raised with Netflix and YouTube, and in the same way, they want to approach learning.
Learners among Gen Z always got the solutions to their queries with few clicks on their smartphones. This approach made them self-sufficient and they want the same support while learning at their workplace. For Gen Z, learning means on-demand access to learning therefore they can gain information at their point of need.
Encourages informal learning practices
Many members of Generation Z wants to learn something interesting and new, something that is not present on the internet. That’s why they will be happy to have chances for professional development at the workplace. Such learning opportunities can be both formal and informal.
Don’t think that this formal way of learning involves prolonged classroom lectures or online manuals available on smartphones. This is not the thing, Gen Z would be happy and satisfied with. Mentoring or coaching is something that can make them happy and excited to learn new things.
The members of Generation Z would love the informal learning opportunities and they will like to collaborate, share knowledge, and strive for constant improvement. Gen Z learners would appreciate the learning experience where they can actively participate in the learning process especially if it is powered by technology.
Supports practical and realistic learning
It would be a great challenge to teach members of Gen Z for the organizations that only believe in traditional classroom strategy and do not have arrangements to allow the mixing of technology in training.
Similar to other generations, Gen Z also wants relevant and practical content in their training program. But there is a difference, Gen Z wants it instantly, they want it engaging, customized, and technically innovative. That is why many members of Gen Z give preference to handy learning activities and social learning.
Microlearning offers an excellent opportunity for learners of Gen Z to study in the flow of work. When they are in need, they can quickly find up and look for these modules. Nothing is more convenient than getting information from bite-sized modules that offer rapid performance support like an infographic that summarizes a process or a short video that describes the process.
So microlearning is a great tool for the modern age and Gen Z members when everyone has a smartphone and many people have lots of dead time like long commutes to work.
Learnie
Microlearning is one of the key principles behind the app Learnie. There were other influences but offering a tool that helps teachers and students capitalize on these concepts that have been successfully used in the corporate world for some time was intentionally part of the design.
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Reference: uniquely Generation Z – IBM report: https://www.ibm.com/downloads/cas/9PPL5YOX