0000016f-a5b8-d6db-ab7f-afb873660000-authorID

sue-iannone-cptd.jpg

Sue Iannone

Ask a Trainer: Understanding Microlearning

(Alexandria, VA), January 28, 2020—Hectic schedules and never-ending to-do lists combined with the need for more effective learning has increased the appeal of microlearning—a type of learning delivered in small, bite-sized units. Designing Microlearning (ATD Press) by Carla Torgerson and Sue Iannone is an extensive toolkit of how to assess training needs and create, promote, and evaluate effective microlearning.Today’s learners carry multiple devices, process information superficially, and are easily distracted. But most importantly, they have limited time for learning on the job. The evolution of the modern learner means talent development (TD) professionals need to take these factors into consideration when designing any learning resource.“Microlearning is learner centric,” says Torgerson. “Being learner centric is when you design your course materials with the learner, not the content, as your primary focus. It focuses on performance improvement over knowledge gain, and I believe microlearning does this very well.”Microlearning’s popularity has soared in the corporate learning environment. With formats such as text-based resources, e-learning modules, videos, infographics, and podcasts, organizations are embracing this learning method for learning reinforcement and how-to skill development.This book discusses what microlearning is, how to design it, how to implement it, how to evaluate the outcomes, and what TD professionals can do to prepare for the future of learning within their organizations. Each chapter ends with a list of thought-provoking questions that summarize the chapter’s content and guide topics of discussion that TD professionals and organizations should consider when journeying into microlearning. Job aids, templates, checklists, and other support materials are included.“When microlearning is focused on a single performance objective and is implemented at the right time through the right channel for your learners, it can be a very powerful business accelerator,” says Iannone.About Carla TorgersonCarla Torgerson is director of instructional design at Bull City Learning, a specialized e-learning agency that provides digital learning solutions for companies in a wide range of industries, as well as nonprofit organizations. She has more than 15 years of experience as an instructional designer and instructional strategist and has designed solutions ranging from $15,000 to more than $2 million.About Sue IannoneSue Iannone has 25 years of learning-leadership experience in the commercial pharmaceutical and biotech space. Since 2016 she has been the vice president and a partner of Bull City Blue, an end-to-end learning agency created to address the needs of training and talent development organizations within the life science industry. Having worked for small, medium, and large biotech companies in her career, Sue has led the design and development of numerous learning initiatives—including more than 20 product launches. She also has led multiple performance-consulting initiatives designed to increase the effectiveness of the learning organizations in which she served.About ATD and ATD PressThe Association for Talent Development (ATD) is the world’s largest association dedicated to those who develop talent in organizations. ATD’s members come from more than 120 countries and work in public and private organizations in every industry sector. ATD Press publications are written by industry thought leaders and offer anyone who works with adult learners the best practices, academic theory, and guidance necessary to move the profession forward. For more information, visit td.org/books.Designing MicrolearningISBN: 978-1-950496-12-9 | 240 Pages | Paperbackhttps://www.td.org/product/book--designing-microlearning/111919To order books from ATD Press, call 800.628.2783.To schedule an interview with Carla Torgerson or Sue Iannone, please contact Kay Hechler, ATD Press senior marketing manager, at khechler@td.org or 703.683.8178.

Microlearning Helps the Modern Learner

A confluence of factors is creating a situation where people are recognizing more than ever before the power of microlearning.