A primary focus of many associations is providing education and training opportunities to their members. And, similar to other industries, associations have also started to explore and experiment with the modality and length of these opportunities.

One such teaching method is microlearning, where content is delivered to the learner in small or “bite-sized” timeframes that are tied to a specific learning outcome. ASAE’s ForesightWorks initiative defines microlearning as small, specific bursts of information tied to immediate job demands, available at a time of one’s choosing—therefore, the learner is in charge of his or her learning.

Microlearning is an option for nontraditional learners and those who have different styles of learning. Plus, since it is focused and provides information that can be absorbed in a short period of time, it works well for our fast-paced, time-starved society. A 2015 survey by Microsoft concluded that the average attention span of adults had fallen to eight seconds, down from 12 seconds in 2000.

Modern technology enables microlearning to be delivered in formats that are interactive, online, and mobile. In addition, there are programs and tools available to enable the conversion or augmentation of existing content into microlearning material. While microlearning is seen as a positive innovation, there are aspects of it for associations to consider.

Microlearning is an option for nontraditional learners and those who have different styles of learning.

For example, as with other platforms, microlearning should be a part of the educational, strategic, or operational strategy for an association. The method deserves the same amount of planning as any other educational or training program produced by an association, and in some instances, may require additional steps in planning and developing integrated or interactive modalities.

There are also multiple questions to consider when developing and integrating microlearning into an association’s plan:

• Who is the target audience(s)?
• What content will be utilized?
• How will the learning be implemented?
• What resource(s) are necessary for implementation?
• What format(s) will be utilized?
• What is the timeline for it being implemented?
• How will microlearning be assessed for knowledge capture and participant satisfaction?

The Benefits of Microlearning in Healthcare Associations

While microlearning implementation and strategy requires work, it can assist associations in many ways. From a member perspective, microlearning provides an additional avenue to receive education and training from their association, and it expands the opportunities for learning outside of the traditional in-person meeting. It can also provide an opportunity for members to share their knowledge and experiences with others.

From an association perspective, microlearning provides many mechanisms to relay information to members. Microlearning modalities that are available include podcasts, shorter-than-traditional webinars, webcasts, infographics, active-learning case studies, and exercises. Microlearning also provides an opportunity to repackage or repurpose content. For example, a 60-minute session at an educational meeting could be repurposed into several short podcasts or a 20-minute webinar that is focused on the main ideas from that session. Microlearning can also serve as a nondues revenue opportunity or member recruitment tool.

One way healthcare associations can utilize microlearning is to provide continuing professional development that members may need for recertification or licensure renewal.  The American Board of Anesthesiology has instituted an interactive tool that replaces the decennial Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology (MOCA) Examination, which is one of the requirements needed to maintain certification.

The MOCA Minute consists of multiple-choice questions like those typically on the MOCA exam and allows diplomates of ABA to answer 30 questions per calendar quarter. This tool allows diplomates to assess their knowledge, fill knowledge gaps, and demonstrate their proficiency over time and promotes continuous learning and knowledge retention. 

In 2019, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy will be offering a series of 30-minute webinars on specific topics related to pharmacy education accreditation standards and professional practice issues. Not only will these webinars be shorter than most traditional webinars, but they will also have continuing pharmacy education (CPE) credit that pharmacists need for their professional license renewal.  These webinars will be recorded for those members not able to participate in the live webinar and the CPE credit option will be available.

ASAE ForesightWorks challenges associations to embrace their role in defining, developing, and delivering microlearning content. Microlearning is a viable option for associations to consider for providing new or enhanced educational alternatives for their members. It is advisable to start small with integrating, implementing and evaluating microlearning into association planning and educational efforts. Ultimately, microlearning can provide additional value to members and serve as an important source of information, education, and training.