(Alexandria, VA), September 24, 2019—In Microlearning: Short and Sweet, authors and learning experts Karl M. Kapp and Robyn A. Defelice introduce the first comprehensive guidebook to demystify microlearning. In this concise, straightforward volume, they offer learning theories and research behind microlearning and present an actionable road map for planning, implementing, designing, and evaluating its effectiveness.
Providing a universal definition of microlearning using rich examples, the authors delve not only into what microlearning is but also into what it is not.
Microlearning:
· Is both new and old, with its origins dating back hundreds of years, if not more.
· Is a short, focused learning event but is not based on an arbitrary time limit.
· Must be part of a larger learning structure or strategy to optimize its effectiveness.
· Is used for performance measures as well as general knowledge recall.
· Should be active and engaging and encourage participation from the user.
· Is not always the best solution for learning needs because not all of what individuals need to know to be successful can be taught through microlearning strategies.
Kapp and Defelice discuss the trending popularity of microlearning, and they provide a framework that classifies six primary use types of microlearning: pensive, performance-based, persuasive, post-instruction, practice-based, preparatory/preparation. They offer guidance for creating a strategy to determine if microlearning is the right approach in any given context.
“Microlearning is specific in the sense that only one or two objectives are being achieved. Having prompts assists developers in determining the vision of microlearning to the larger learning framework allowing designers to confidently design meaningful and engaging microlearning products,” explains Defelice.
Kapp and Defelice also point out that microlearning is growing with the use of new-wave technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). For example, through VR, learners can be instantly immersed into 3-D environments. With AR, layers of images and instructions can be imposed on car windshields and eyeglasses.
About the Authors
Karl M. Kapp is an international speaker, scholar, writer, and expert on the convergence of learning, technology, and business, with a focus on game-thinking, games, and gamification for learning. An award-winning professor of instructional technology at Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, he serves as the director of the university’s Institute for Interactive Technologies. He is the author or many books including the bestselling The Gamification of Learning and Instruction and Play to Learn.
Founder of the consulting and game development firm the Wisdom Learning Group, Kapp consults internationally with Fortune 100 companies, government entities, and not-for-profits. He is the recipient of the ATD Distinguished Contribution to Talent Development award. He was named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Education in 2017 and received the eLearning Guild’s honor of Guild Master in 2018.
Robyn A. Defelice has served as a strategist and consultant in the learning and performance arena for more than 19 years and directs training initiatives for Revolve Solutions, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business. She specializes in organizational learning management and convergence of decentralized training functions, reshaping learning organizations and operational frameworks for efficient, cost-effective sustainment of learning solutions.
A former adjunct professor with LaSalle University, Defelice enjoys volunteering and mentoring emerging TD professionals from Bloomsburg University’s instructional technology program, of which she is a proud alum. Her portfolio includes a range of industries and sectors, including major health and insurance systems and pharmaceutical sales, research, and manufacturing. She has also assisted multiple startups, higher education departments, and state and government agencies and programs.
About ATD and ATD Press
The 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.
Microlearning: Short and Sweet
ISBN: 978-1-949036-73-2 | 200 Pages | Paperback | September 2019
Read a sample chapter at TD.org/books/microlearning
To order books from ATD Press, call 800.628.2783
To schedule an interview with Karl M. Kapp or Robyn A. Defelice, please contact Kay Hechler, ATD Press senior marketing manager, at [email protected] or at 703.683.8178.
