Short-Duration Learning Experiences 101

What are Short-Duration Learning Experiences (SDLE)?

While there are many definitions for short-duration learning experiences (SDLE), all short-duration learning is characterized by brevity.

These may be exemplified through:

• case studies,
• hackathons,
• seminars,
• conferences,
• competitions,
• bootcamps,
• flipped classrooms,
• problem-based learning,
• peer mentoring,
• design thinking,
• team-based learning,
• simulation-based learning,
• active learning,
• experiential learning,
• community engaged-education
• a myriad of other techniques.

Short-Duration Learning experiences cater content for learners to study in bite-sized chunks. This content can be made in many different formats, from text to interactive multimedia, but should always be intended to present information as concisely as possible.

Here are some examples of short-duration learning content:

• Text (phrases, short paragraphs)
• Images (photos, illustrations)
• Videos (short lessons)
• Audio (short snippets of speech or music)
• Games (e.g. simple single-screen challenges)

In this era of busy schedules and short attention spans, short-duration learning experiences are an effective model of teaching and learning, and they may be used for all kinds of training. Examples include skills training, leadership development, effective communication training and ideation.

What Are the Benefits of Short-Duration Learning Experiences?

Shorter Instruction Time

With bite-sized content instructors can have shorter course delivery times. With short-duration learning experiences instructors can create learning experiences with dozens of modules covering individual topics in an hour. This enables instructors to quickly adapt learning material to the needs of the students and new training requirements.

Cost-Effectiveness

Short-duration learning experiences are also very cost-effective to create. It requires fewer resources and needs fewer instructors.

It’s Flexible

As short-duration learning experience courses can cover any subject that regular eLearning courses can; just in a bite-sized way. You can create courses that give a broad overview of a subject or even create ones for complex topics.

Much More Engaging for Learners

Short-duration learning experiences can be a very engaging training delivery method, as they often require hands-on participation from the learners. Generally, in short-duration learning experiences, participants will work together to solve, create or accomplish a task as they learn about the content.

Improved Knowledge Retention

As everyone knows, when you study something repeatedly and revisit it when you are close to forgetting it, you improve your understanding and retention of the knowledge. Such repeated study fits nicely with SDLE units since they are small, self-contained, and easy to return to.

It Gives Learners More Freedom

Conventional training which uses text-heavy content is not the best material for short bursts of learning. Short-duration learning however, allows learners to enjoy casual learning whenever they have some spare time as it can also be self-paced. Furthermore, as training content is small, it’s also easy to follow-up and review later on.

Limitations of Short-Duration Learning

Short-duration learning experiences aren’t necessarily better or worse than conventional teaching strategies in all scenarios. It all depends on the subject matter.

It’s Not Ideal for Complex Concepts

Short-duration units are great for delivering simple information but are not necessarily the best fit for complex concepts. It’s still possible but will require more effort. For example, you will need to break down the concept into simple parts. A bite-sized course is a great way to provide a high-level overview of a subject.

Not Recommended for In-Depth Training

If you have a subject that requires in-depth study, short-duration learning experiences may not be the most effective technique.

Best Practices for Short-Duration Learning

Determine if SDLE can be appropriately applied in your situation

If the subject matter you are teaching is complex, requires in-depth study, or calls for in-person training, a short-duration learning experience may not be comprehensive enough for your situation. However, depending on the use case it may still be utilized as an effective teaching technique within your larger course structure.

Focus on the Important Bits

Write short and focused content which emphasizes the important points you want the students to absorb and remember.

Use Multimedia Creatively

Text can be a boring medium for many learners. Adding multimedia components such as videos, photos, illustrations, and animations can help sustain interest. Choose the multimedia carefully. It should add to your subject, not just make it look “pretty”.

Use Gamification to Improve Engagement

Try adding elements of gamification to your content. Gamification can be implemented through points, leaderboards, trivia games, prizes and other techniques. Gamification can be a strong booster of engagement!

Use Mini-Assessments to Gauge Progress

Mini-assessments are a great way to gauge the knowledge retention or output of your short-duration learning experience. Use mini tests, short quizzes or task completion to ensure your learners are progressing with their training goals.

Why We Use Short-Duration Learning at MacChangers

Although short-duration learning experiences are short for the participations, planning a short-duration learning experience still takes a lot of planning. This book covers examples of how to deliver content for short-duration learning experiences, preparatory notes for staff assisting in short-duration learning programs, and guides to some of the lessons we’ve learned while planning short-duration learning.