The 5 best microlearning platforms for creating bite-sized content
6 minute read
Short, effective, and engaging, it’s no surprise microlearning has become the darling of corporate training. But to create it, you need the right authoring platform. Don’t get overwhelmed by the options. Instead, read our expert round-up of what to look for and the best microlearning platforms available.
Table of contents
What is microlearning and why use it?
Microlearning is simply learning that’s shorter than usual – a micro version, if you will. A good rule of thumb is that it takes no longer than 10 minutes.
Microlearning is popular for employee training, and for good reason:
- Fits around busy schedules: Bite-sized learning slots into even the smallest gaps for on-the-job performance support.
- Increased engagement: Attention fades fast when learning drags on. Microlearning maximizes focus and boosts knowledge retention with its ‘little and often’ approach.
- Quick to create: Less content means faster development, saving time, resources, and money.
What is a microlearning platform?
Ready to create microlearning content? You’ll need an authoring platform.
This is a tool that lets you build learning using customizable components, editing the look and feel to match your brand. For the best results, you’ll need to choose a platform that’s optimized for microlearning.
There are two types of authoring tool:
- Integrated platforms are built into a learning management system (LMS), letting you develop simple learning within the LMS itself.
- Standalone platforms are dedicated tools designed specifically to create digital learning content that can be hosted anywhere.
Integrated or standalone platform: Which is best?
While an integrated authoring platform within your LMS might seem convenient, these tools often fall short for creating effective microlearning.
Why? Integrated platforms are typically basic and limited, resulting in dull, repetitive, and often clunky learner experiences.
For high-quality microlearning, standalone platforms are your best bet. Unlike LMS add-ons, they’re purpose-built for creating digital learning. That means they offer richer features, greater scalability for larger teams, and a vastly improved learning experience. Plus, leading providers continuously improve their platforms.
That’s why, in this article, we’re focusing exclusively on standalone authoring platforms optimized for microlearning – giving you the insights you need to choose the best one.
How to choose the best microlearning platform
How do you choose the right authoring platform to create microlearning? Ask these five questions before you commit.
- How easy is it to use?
Microlearning platforms vary hugely in how user-friendly they are. Some are suitable for the complete newbie, while others require technical expertise. Consider your team’s skills and how quickly you need to produce microlearning.
- How customizable is the look and feel?
Some tools offer only basic branding options, like fonts and logos. Others give you ultimate design flexibility for serious visual flair. If you’re craving extra pizzazz, just make sure you won’t need a graphic design degree to pull it off.
- What components does it offer?
Most authoring platforms include standard components like text, images, and multiple-choice questions. Some go way further with advanced interactive features that let you truly customize how you present your microlearning.
- Does it facilitate collaboration and feedback?
Got multiple team members working on the same microlearning? How about stakeholders who need to review before launch? If so, collaboration features are crucial. Look for platforms with central asset sharing, version management, and review tools.
- Does it support mobile learning, accessibility, and translation?
For do-anywhere microlearning, seamless performance on mobile devices is a must, and most top platforms offer this by default. Accessibility and translation features can vary greatly though, so be sure to pick a platform that meets your learners’ needs.
The 5 best microlearning platforms
Lots to think about, right? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover the top five microlearning platforms and find your perfect match.
1. Elucidat
Summary: Elucidat strikes the perfect balance between ease of use and customization, making it an excellent all-rounder for creating slick microlearning.
Notable features: PowerPoint import, ready-to-use templates, free stock images, and an Auto-Translate feature make for a rapid authoring experience.
Pros: It’s quick and easy for anyone to create quality microlearning with Elucidat – even complete beginners. The plethora of component options prevents microlearning experiences from feeling repetitive, and visuals are highly customizable, with no graphic design expertise required. Built-in features make collaboration, reviews, accessibility, and translation a dream.
Cons: Elucidat is less cost-effective for small projects, making it better for producing content at scale. Some of Elucidat’s cooler features, like social learning, take time to master.
2. Articulate Rise
Summary: While Articulate Storyline gives advanced authors ultimate flexibility, its little sister tool Rise offers a beginner-friendly way to create basic microlearning.
Notable features: Pre-built course templates and an image library help streamline development.
Pros: If you already have an Articulate 360 license, Rise is included at no extra cost, making it a great go-to for simple, clean-looking microlearning. Its review and collaboration features keep development hassle-free.
Cons: Very limited visual design and component options can leave microlearning feeling repetitive. Rise also lacks strong translation and accessibility features.
3. EasyGenerator
Summary: The clue’s in the name. EasyGenerator makes developing microlearning straightforward while foregoing the frills offered by some other tools.
Notable features: Along with an image library and pre-built templates, there are built-in options to record video and an auto-translate feature.
Pros: For creators looking to build a small amount of simple microlearning, Easygenerator makes development, well, easy. Video and screen capture features are a bonus for creating multimedia microlearning.
Cons: Customization is limited, leaving content looking pretty similar, with more exciting interactions simply unavailable. An extra preview step slows down development. EasyGenerator isn’t optimized for managing large-scale content, so it’s not ideal for big teams.
4. Adapt Learning
Summary: Open-source platform Adapt offers the Adapt Learning tool. There’s one big advantage: it’s free! But to unlock the full potential of Adapt, you’ll need a developer’s help.
Notable features: An online community offers support instead of professional assistance.
Pros: Did we mention it’s free? Plus, Adapt Learning makes it reasonably easy for beginners to create microlearning. With access to a developer, you can dial into the full power of the Adapt framework, hugely increasing your options.
Cons: The authoring experience is somewhat clunky, with an extra preview step slowing things down. Without developer input, microlearning feels basic and repetitive. Adapt lacks any review or translation features, and there’s no support team if you get stuck.
5. Evolve
Summary: Evolve avoids the middle ground, instead catering to two groups: beginners creating basic microlearning and skilled creators seeking advanced features.
Notable features: Pre-built templates help novice authors, while advanced options include novel interactions not found in other tools.
Pros: It’s quick to create basic courses using Evolve’s templates, but customization is where the platform truly shines. Authors with enough time and the right skills can create tailored, highly interactive learning experiences that make microlearning feel different.
Cons: The features that set Evolve apart can be time-consuming and challenging for less experienced authors. Without the right skills, you’re restricted to very basic content creation. Evolve also lacks an image library, and its weak collaboration and translation features make it suited only to smaller teams.
Conclusion
Who says you can’t have it all? With the right authoring platform, anyone can create engaging, effective microlearning – minus the hassle.
Every microlearning platform has its pros and cons, so the best choice depends on your organization’s unique needs. Consider ease of use, customization, and scalability when deciding.
To get started, check out a versatile authoring platform like Elucidat. Book a demo and get a free trial to see microlearning creation for yourself.
Keen to see some microlearning examples that have been created in Elucidat? Check out these inspiring microlearning examples.
