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Consider your learners and how long you can talk for – The length should be long enough, or short enough, to keep your students happy and engaged. As discussed in this article How long should an online course be? suggestions include:

  • 90-minute lessons – Some experts still agree that 90-minutes should be the maximum length, particularly for adult audiences, because it ensures comprehensive insight into a subject. They also suggest that learners might be more likely to prioritise a 90-minute entry in their calendar.
  • 15-30-minute lessons – Other experts consider this is a good length for an online lesson.
  • 10-minute lessons – Teachers should consider their own comfortable timespans – some can talk for ages; others might need a break after 10-minutes of speech.

2

Match the duration to the type of content – This article suggests that the most significant determining factor of the length of an online lesson is its purpose. For example, a pre-recorded video should be:

  • 2-5 minutes if the purpose of the video is to recap or review a subject matter
  • 6-10 minutes for guides, tutorials and video series
  • 15-20 minutes to introduce a new concept or content

3

Understand what microlearning is – ‘Microlearning’ is one of the latest top trends in the training industry and specifically involves breaking down knowledge into tiny pieces. Microlearning does not have to be delivered online, but it lends itself well to tech-enabled learning because the bite-sized chunks of knowledge tend to suit delivery methods such as video clips, slideshows, infographics and online quizzes. ‘E-learning’ (or online, digital, tech-enabled learning) simply refers to the learning that people do with the use of a computer or similar technology.

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Learn how to deliver effective microlearning – Once you have identified small pieces of knowledge that might suit a microlearning approach, follow these 25 Microlearning Best Practices to deliver them.

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Consider the CONS of microlearning – microlearning is not:

  • effective for tackling complex topics, in-depth training, or when combining elements to get one big picture
  • ideal if the lesson involves more than one objective, or the concept cannot be adequately explained in 7 minutes or less.

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Consider the PROS of microlearning – microlearning is:

  • quick and easy to create, deliver and learn (and therefore budget-friendly)
  • an easy way to track progress, enabling quick data and insights on learner behaviour
  • effective at reinforcing knowledge, engaging and helping learners retain a concept more easily, and providing tips to do a task better.

Related tips and tricks

How can I set up my online classes for success – there are several things you can do before your class even begins to set it up for optimal learning. Understanding your learners, preparing them for what’s to come and designing your class with your learners needs in mind creates a more effective learning experience.

Additional resources