Bite-Sized Learning
Professional Development for the Super Busy
Summary
Bite-sized learning, also known as microlearning, is an approach to learning that breaks content into small, manageable chunks or modules. Instead of consuming long-form content, bite-sized learning offers concise, focused content that can be consumed quickly and easily.
Bite-sized learning can be an effective strategy for professional development. This article will define bite-sized learning, address its pros and cons, and review the potential to serve members not just as learners, but as active participants in an ongoing, thriving community of practice.
I lead the product community, which is a product development learning community designed specifically for associations.
What is Bite-Sized Learning?
“The stars we are given, the constellations we make.”
Rebecca Solnit
Bite-sized learning refers to the delivery of learning content in short, self-contained units or modules. These bites of information are typically focused on a single learning objective or a specific part of a larger topic. The content is designed to be consumed in a matter of minutes, making it convenient for learners to fit into their busy schedules.
A caveat: we’re bombarded by information so simply adding more to the pile (no matter the length) doesn’t work. Effectively designed, focused, and delivered, bite-sized learning should help alleviate this overload. Members desire connection and cohesion; they desire learning pathways to inform their professional development journeys. Therefore, bite-sized learning should provide plenty of options, but ultimately guide learners to quality content, good relationships, and relevant community.
Moreover, bite-sized learning should be driven by a coherent, member-centric learning strategy. This strategy is designed to meet the entire spectrum of learner needs: i.e. courses, events, long-form learning, cohorts, webinars, podcasts, etc. To succeed, associations need a culture and a framework whereby the bite-sized learning is designed for use and applied in ways that make sense for the learner. In this way, bite-sized learning is not just more information, it’s puzzle pieces to solve problems or to achieve a particular aim.
Bite-sized learning can take various forms, such as:
Short videos (2-5 minutes)
Interactive quizzes or assessments
Infographics or visual aids
Podcasts or audio clips
Social media posts or micro-blogs
Gamified learning experiences
Animated explainer videos
These bite-sized modules can be delivered through various channels, including learning management systems (LMS), mobile apps, social media platforms, or dedicated microlearning platforms. As I discussed in a previous article (“Stackable Experiences”), learning is much more than content delivery or formal programming. It’s embedded in experiences, relationships, and communities. Here are some pros and cons to bite-sized learning.
Pros of Bite-Sized Learning
Increased engagement – Shorter, more focused modules are easier for learners to digest, making them more likely to engage with the content.
Flexibility and convenience – Learners can access bite-sized content anytime, anywhere, fitting it into their busy schedules.
Improved retention – Breaking down complex topics into smaller chunks can aid in better understanding and knowledge retention.
Personalized learning – Bite-sized modules allow learners to pick and choose the specific topics or skills they want to focus on.
Cost-effective – Developing bite-sized content is generally less resource-intensive than creating extensive training programs or courses.
Cons of Bite-Sized Learning
Potential for fragmentation – Presenting information in small chunks may lead to a fragmented understanding of the overall topic or subject matter.
Lack of depth – While bite-sized modules are great for introducing concepts or reinforcing knowledge, they may not provide the depth required for mastering complex topics.
Organizational challenges – Managing and organizing a large number of bite-sized modules can be challenging, especially when trying to maintain a coherent learning path or curriculum.
Limited interaction – Some bite-sized formats, such as videos or infographics, may lack opportunities for interactive learning or collaboration.
Attention span issues – Despite their brevity, bite-sized modules still require learners to maintain focus and attention, which can be challenging in today's distracting digital environment.
Bite-sized learning can be an effective strategy for associations to deliver relevant, engaging, and accessible educational content to their members. However, it's important to strike a balance between the convenience and the need for developing and delivering comprehensive, in-depth learning programs underscored by a sound strategy.
Fitting It In: Four Practical Examples
“A good idea is one that turns you on rather than shuts you off. It keeps generating more ideas and they improve on one another.”
Twyla Tharp
I’d now like to provide a couple of examples of how a fictitious member from a fictitious association learns via bite-sized learning. Let’s say the member is a busy physician who is a member of the Society of Health Professions.
On the Train – In Open Spaces. The physician accesses bite-sized learning through a mobile app or a microlearning platform provided by the association. During her commute on the train, she could watch short video tutorials or listen to podcasts covering the latest medical guidelines, best practices, or case studies relevant to her specialty. For example, a 3-minute animated video explaining the updated protocols for managing hypertension or a 5-minute podcast interview with an expert discussing recent advancements in cancer treatment.
At the Bedside – At Point of Need. In situations where the physician needs to quickly refresh her knowledge or access reference materials while attending to patients, bite-sized learning could be delivered through a mobile-friendly platform or a dedicated app. For instance, when faced with an uncommon condition, she could quickly access a concise infographic or a short video clip that summarizes the key diagnostic criteria, treatment options, and potential complications. This just-in-time learning could be facilitated by QR codes or voice-activated search within the app.
During Breaks – Catching up on Trends. During short breaks between patient consultations or during lunch, the physician could engage with bite-sized learning modules through social media channels or micro-blogging platforms. The association could share concise updates, industry news, or curated articles on emerging trends in healthcare through platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn. For example, a thread of tweets highlighting the key takeaways from a recent medical conference or an infographic showcasing the latest statistics on a particular disease.
Part of Morning Routine – Delivered to Inbox. As part of her morning routine, the physician could receive bite-sized learning nuggets directly in her email inbox. The association could send out a daily or weekly email digest containing short, interactive quizzes, case study summaries, or quick tips related to her area of practice. For instance, a morning email could include a 10-question quiz testing her knowledge of new drug interactions or a brief case study highlighting an uncommon presentation of a common condition.
These examples illustrate how bite-sized learning can be integrated into various scenarios and contexts, making it easier for busy professionals like physicians to continuously learn and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field.
By providing accessible, on-demand, and concise learning resources, the Society of Health Professions can support its members' professional development and knowledge acquisition in a convenient and flexible manner.
A Cohesive Learning Journey
“An experiment is just a beginning in a long path of discovery.”
Jerome Groopman, MD
Lifelong learning takes a lot of forms. Despite the emphasis on immediate access, short-form content, the true benefit of bite-sized is cumulative and takes time to play out.
Well-designed bite-sized learning serves learning journeys that are perpetual and ongoing. Over time, progress and momentum contribute to dot connecting, peer engagement, and community building.
Coupled with a sound learning strategy, investing in bite-sized learning provides an opportunity to build what members want (delivered in the way they want it). This not only helps members create personalized journeys, it can be a boon to creating new products (as bite-sized content is ideal for pathways, bundles, or adjacent programming).
The overall benefit comes back to culture. Creating a learning culture helps associations think creatively about enhancing engagement, scaling membership, and growing revenue.
I lead the product community; we are a learning community because we believe great relationships help us create the value our members want. Remember, product-led growth fuels connection. Join the product community and flip your destiny.
About the Author
James Young is founder and chief learning officer of the product community®. Jim is an engaging trainer and leading thinker in the worlds of associations, learning communities, and product development. Prior to starting the product community®, Jim served as Chief Learning Officer at both the American College of Chest Physicians and the Society of College and University Planning. Please contact me for a conversation: james@productcommunity.us