The 90-Second Secret to Training That Actually Works
Author: Ferik Ferizaj
Summary:
Microlearning has become the preferred learning method for modern workforces because it boosts retention, improves engagement, and delivers short, accessible content on any device. It fits today’s fast-paced work environments, where attention spans are short and learning needs are immediate.
In one of our Tech Talk events, when a parallel parking lesson was shared as long text, only 33% of participants remembered the fourth step — but when the same content was delivered as a short video, 71% answered correctly, showing how microlearning significantly enhances comprehension and retention.
This article explores the science behind why microlearning works, best practices for creating effective modules, and how integrated LMS tools can accelerate development and delivery at scale.
78% of Tech Talk attendees
said they already use microlearning.
Learners can retain 50% more information
75% of learners prefer video
to other content types.
80% say accessibility and engagement
are more important to them than the content itself.
These stats show that microlearning isn’t just a trend — it’s how employees actually want to learn.
What Are the Best Practices For Optimizing Microlearning?
The most effective microlearning content is focused, concise, and accessible. To ensure engagement and impact:
- Focus on one concept per module: If it doesn’t fit into a 90-second video, break it into multiple parts.
- Repurpose existing training: Split long sessions into shorter, modular lessons. Repurposing of existing content is a huge driver of microlearning.
- Make content easy to find: Use tagging and smart search tools in your LMS to help learners locate microlearning fast.
- Optimize for mobile: Ensure learning is consistent and seamless across devices.
- Keep quizzes short: Short assessments keep learners motivated and reinforce retention.
With an AI-powered LMS like ExpertusONE, admins can tag, recommend, and deliver microlearning efficiently, ensuring learners always find relevant content.
How Can Technology Speed Up Microlearning Creation And Delivery?
The best way to scale microlearning is to create and manage it directly within your LMS. Built-in authoring tools allow subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop xAPI-compliant modules quickly — no need for separate software or long onboarding.
One big benefit of this is a faster speed to value. Particularly in customer education. The faster you can get customers up to speed on your product, the more likely they are to continue buying your products.
With integrated creation tools:
- SMEs can rapidly produce interactive content.
- Admins gain real-time tracking through the LMS or Learning Record Store (LRS).
- Learners enjoy smooth bookmarking, progress tracking, and mobile access.
For example, ExpertusONE’s Interaction Studio lets creators enhance and upgrade existing content — like PDFs, videos, or slides — by adding quizzes, games, or interactive hotspots in just a few clicks. This keeps microlearning engaging and measurable from the start.
This also gives organizations the ability to quickly and efficiently turn content they already have into engaging and trackable microlearning content.
FAQs
Studies show learners retain 50% more information with microlearning compared to long-form courses. Short bursts of focused content align better with how the brain processes information.
Microlearning content should be reviewed and updated frequently—as often as monthly to quarterly—depending on the rate of change in your field. Platforms with built-in analytics can help flag when content becomes outdated.
Track key metrics like completion rates, quiz scores, and learner engagement. In one study, organizations using feedback mechanisms saw a 25% increase in knowledge retention and a 40% improvement in performance metrics.
Key Takeaways
Microlearning improves retention — 71% accuracy vs. 33% for traditional formats.
Short, focused lessons drive engagement and accessibility.
Integrated LMS tools streamline creation, delivery, and reporting.
AI and automation make scaling microlearning fast and efficient.
Interactive content turns passive learning into active engagement.
