Virtual Instructor-Led Training: Microlearning

Topic

Microlearning for Image Consultants and Soft Skills Trainers

Audience

Members of Image Management Professionals Association, Hyderabad Chapter, Hyderabad, India

Needs Analysis

The audience comprised of certified image consultants and soft skills trainers. All participants were trained in delivery of instructor-led trainings and conducting one-on-one consultations with clients.

However, only two out of the eleven participants were mildly aware of the the (possible) application of microlearning principles or use of microlearning resources in delivering value to their clients.

As a result, it was necessary to first go through the fundamentals of microlearning before moving on to the opportunities, applications, and design of microlearning resources.

Learning Intervention

The two-hour session was designed to include the following topics:

What is microlearning and what it is NOT.
Various forms of microlearning.
Examples of microlearning.
Benefits of microlearning for learners, businesses and trainers.
Role of microlearning in the L&D process.
How businesses have implemented microlearning.
Microlearning opportunities in image consulting and soft skills training.
Principles and tools of designing microlearning.

Learning Outcomes

Describe microlearning.
Describe different forms of microlearning.
Identify opportunities for leveraging microlearning in image consulting and/or soft skills training.
Design microlearning for image consulting and/or soft skills training.

Instructional Design Models

Keller’s ARCS Model

The learners began the session by working through a sample scenario-based microlearning course on the topic of Cold Calling created using Articulate Rise 360. This activity was designed to show learners what a microlearning course looks like and how easy it is to navigate through one.

Microlearning's relevance to image consulting and soft skills training was demonstrated by illustrating how subjects from these two areas follow the meaning and character of microlearning.

Over twelve examples of microlearning in the fields of image consulting and soft skills were included in the session. The learners' confidence in the implementation and design of microlearning was boosted by seeing these examples and exploring more possibilities through discussion and a walk-through of the tools.

The most important step in convincing learners of the usefulness of microlearning in providing enhanced value was to establish a connection between theory and principles, and the opportunities for applying microlearning in image consulting and soft skills training.