Ever feel like you don’t have enough time to learn new things? I know I do. Working full-time, raising children, and deciding what’s for dinner every day is exhausting.
Carving out dedicated time to learn things in the traditional way is challenging. But what if you could learn new skills and knowledge on your own schedule, in bite-sized chunks?
That’s where microlearning apps come in. Never heard of microlearning before?
Stay here to explore microlearning, its advantages, and growing demand; get the ultimate list of apps for enhanced learning in 2024.
Microlearning: The Game-Changer
The world seems to be moving at a lightning pace. As soon as we master something it is already becoming obsolete.
Like when I master all the features on my cell phone, and then a new model is released.
The sheer volume of information you need to absorb to go to school, perform your job, or start a new business is overwhelming. Enter microlearning, the quick solution to a fast-paced world.
Microlearning is an approach that breaks down complex topics into bite-sized, manageable pieces. This technique makes learning not only efficient but also more retainable.
Think about it: when you are eating a steak or biting into a sandwich, you don’t stuff the entire thing into your mouth. We cut up the steak, or bite of the sandwich so we can chew and digest those smaller bites.
But It’s not just about cutting content into smaller chunks; it’s also about delivering focused, concise learning experiences that cater to our ever-shortening attention spans.
Why Microlearning is Gaining Momentum
Raise your hand if you have the luxury of time. Most people don’t, there never seems to be enough hours in the day to get everything done.
If you are craving information that’s quick, and to the point, then microlearning may be for you.
You can learn while drinking your coffee, one of my favorites. Or, on your commute.
The benefits? Improved retention, flexible learning paths, and the ability to apply knowledge almost instantly.
Microlearning Apps: Your Partner in the Journey of Lifelong Learning
As 2023 comes to a close, and 2024 approaches, the landscape of microlearning apps is more exciting than ever.
They offer personalized experiences, a wide array of topics, and learning at your own pace.
But with so many options, which ones truly stand out? Let’s explore the top microlearning apps that are making waves, helping you stay ahead in a world where time is precious and learning is limitless.
What’s the 411 on Microlearning
Human attention spans are decreasing. An example of a short attention span can be found in the music industry.
Gauvin, 2017, stated the average time before the listener would hear the vocals on any radio song was 23 seconds. Today, the average intro is just 5s long.
Gausby (2015) conducted a study for Microsoft and discovered that the average human attention span has decreased from 12 seconds to 8 seconds, which is shorter than a goldfish.
Try to wrap your mind around that.
With microlearning, 70% of learners recall key information taught, according to Axonify (2023). Additionally, 60% of learners from the same study also reported feeling more motivated to learn.
The numbers speak for themselves. Now, let’s take a look at the best microlearning apps for 2024!
1. Duolingo
Whether you’re starting from scratch or brushing up on a language you studied years ago, Duolingo offers a range of languages.
Available languages range from commonly spoken ones like Spanish and French to less common ones like Gaelic and Esperanto.
The app breaks down languages into bite-sized lessons that feel more like a game than a classroom exercise.
The lessons are designed to be engaging and practical, focusing on phrases you’re likely to use in real-life conversations.
Features
- Wide Range of Languages
- Gamified Learning Experience
- Ideal for beginners
- Flexible Learning
- Regular Updates and Improvements
- Pricing: Free basic version; Duolingo Plus for an ad-free experience
2. Memrise
Memrise is all about bringing the language to life. It immerses you in the language of choice using real-life language usage.
Through video clips, the learner gets to experience how the language is used in everyday situations by native speakers.
Clips show native speakers in their natural environments, using colloquial speech – it’s almost like taking a virtual trip to the country itself!
The app uses spaced repetition and mnemonic techniques to help you memorize new words and phrases more effectively.
It’s like having a personal tutor who knows exactly when to review previous lessons to reinforce your learning.
Features
- Real-world language use in everyday situations
- Video-based learning
- Adapts to your learning style and pace
- Uses mnemonic devices and spaced repetition for effective learning and retention
- Cultural Immersion
- Offline Access
- Pricing: Offers both free and premium subscription options
3. Blinkist
Have you ever bought a book, and it sat on your desk and collected dust? I always say to myself, “If only I had the time”?
Meet Blinkist, an app designed for curious minds who want to learn but are pressed for time.
Blinkist distills the key insights from top non-fiction books into manageable 15-minute summaries.
With Blinkist, you can grasp the essence of any book, be it business, psychology, or history, in just a few minutes.
Features
- Condenses non-fiction books into 15-minute summaries
- Great for those who want to get critical ideas from books quickly
- Perfect for Busy professionals, avid readers, and lifelong learners
- Pricing: Primarily subscription-based with different tiers
4. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers a wide range of courses across various fields, including business, technology, and creative skills.
It’s designed for professionals who want to enhance their skills or learn new ones to advance their careers.
Expert-led courses are not only informative but also practical and up-to-date with industry trends.
LinkedIn Learning is known for its integration with the LinkedIn network, offering a unique advantage for professional development and networking.
Features
- Offers a range of courses in business, technology, and creative skills
- Integrated with the LinkedIn network, enhancing professional development
- Professionals seeking to upskill or reskill
- Pricing: Monthly or annual subscription, with access to LinkedIn Premium features
5. Udemy
Udemy is an online learning platform that offers an array of courses covering a wide range of topics. From programming and data science to personal development and art.
Courses are taught by industry experts and experienced instructors. Classes can be taken at your own pace.
The library offers courses on various subjects, from programming to personal development, all of which can be taken at a learner’s own pace.
Features
The platform operates on a pay-per-course basis
- Industry experts and community members create courses
- Anyone looking to learn new skills or deepen existing ones
- Pricing: Pay-per-course model, with frequent discounts and promotions
6. Coursera
Coursera partners with top universities and organizations to offer courses, specializations, and degrees.
Students are offered the opportunity to pursue higher education, including accredited degree programs and certification courses at the university level.
Coursera is ideal for those looking to further their education, acquire new skills, or pursue career advancement.
Coursera makes higher education accessible and flexible, allowing learners to study at their own pace and on their own schedule.
Features
- Collaborates with universities and organizations to offer courses, specializations, and degrees
- Offers accredited certificates and degree programs
- Those seeking formal education and certification in various fields
- Pricing: Free courses available; paid options for certifications and degrees
7. EdApp
Can microlearning be both effective and efficient? Well, EdApp thinks the answer is yes.
EdApp is a microlearning platform that’s redefining corporate training and personal development through bite-sized, interactive lessons.
It is a tool that enables fast-paced, engaging, and easily digestible learning, making it ideal for those seeking to boost their skills.
They offer a free plan that allows users to create unlimited lessons using AI-generated content, with access to over 1,000 editable courses in their library.
For those looking for more advanced features, EdApp offers a “Do it yourself” plan at $2.95 per active user per month.
This plan includes everything in the free plan, plus additional features like API integration, AI translation, group-based enrollment, spaced repetition features, advanced analytics, and customized certificates.
Features
- Microlearning Format offering concise, focused lessons that fit into busy schedules
- Incorporates quizzes and leaderboards, to make learning interactive and fun
- Covers various topics, from business and management to health and safety, catering to diverse learning needs
- Allows businesses to create tailored training Interactive activities
- Trackable Progress using analytics and reporting tools
- Encourages social learning through features like discussion forums and peer-to-peer interactions
- Pricing: EdApp offers flexible pricing options ranging from a free plan to paid plans starting at $2.95 per active user per month. More advanced, paid tiers, catering to small teams, and large enterprises are also available.
Embrace the Future of Learning with Microlearning Apps
Digital learning is diverse and dynamic. From Duolingo to Blinkist, apps offer unique gateways to knowledge and skill development.
LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and Coursera expand your horizons further, catering to professional and personal growth across a wide spectrum of subjects.
Microlearning platforms are flexible and accessible, allowing us to learn on our own terms, at our own pace, and in ways that suit our individual learning styles.
Now it’s up to you. Try these microlearning apps to boost your knowledge and skills. Happy learning!
FAQs
What exactly is microlearning, and how do microlearning apps work?
Microlearning is a modern approach to learning that involves short, focused segments of content, delivered through engaging and interactive apps designed to fit into busy schedules.
Can microlearning apps replace traditional learning methods?
Microlearning apps complement traditional learning methods and are ideal for quick on-the-go education, skill enhancement, and information retention. However, for comprehensive education, more in-depth study might be required.
How effective are microlearning apps for long-term knowledge retention?
Microlearning apps break down complex topics into smaller parts, making it easier to remember and retain information. Frequent repetition and reinforcement of concepts in these apps further enhance memory retention.
