Micro-learning vs. Macro-learning: Which Is Better?

Learning comes in many forms. Professional educators over the years have identified an array of learning styles: visual (watch and do), auditory (listening), and kinesthetic (experiential). They have also defined a number of teaching styles: lecture, demonstration, facilitation, and delegation. You can learn by reading a book or a user manual, listening to people talk, watching something being done, doing exercises, practicing, exploring, failing and trying again. Learning is not just restricted to a classroom. You learn on the job, at home, when you participate in hobbies and activities, as you travel, and so forth. You are a learning machine—wired to learn. If you attune yourself to the opportunities, you can be a continuous, life-long learner.

The first step in pivoting your career to a remote tech job is to acquire new skills through training. In recent years, educators have discussed the pros and cons of two seemingly diverse methods of learning, namely, micro-learning and macro-learning. In this article, we’ll explore these two learning paradigms and how, properly combined, they can be powerful strategies to impart knowledge and skills to help you prepare for a remote work career.

What is micro-learning?

Micro-learning is a highly efficient and effective way of enhancing learning and performance through short and easily accessible pieces of content. Learners can access these resources on-demand whenever they need them, without having to take time out of their busy schedules for longer, more traditional forms of training. Many individuals appreciate the benefits of micro-learning as it allows them to quickly consume information while performing their job.

While video is a popular and effective form of micro-learning, it is not the only option. Self-paced e-learning programs, games, blogs, podcasts, job aids, infographics, and other visual media can also serve as viable examples of micro-learning. With such a wide array of micro-learning options, you can choose the most appropriate media format based on your specific learning needs and situation.

What is macro-learning?

Since the beginning of civilization, macro-learning has been shown to be an effective approach for formal educational settings to achieve long-term learning outcomes. Training programs organized along macro-learning guidelines provide broad-based foundational instruction suitable for technology novices and place them on a clear learning path. As you progress in a macro-learning course, advanced next-stage learning is introduced to further enhance your skills and enable your to obtain advanced certifications. You continue to build your expertise and achieve mastery over the required skills.

Most classroom courses rely heavily on macro-learning methodologies. A typical macro-learning experience involves a syllabus or roadmap that identifies the steps through which you are expected to progress to achieve the objective of the course. The designers of the macro-learning course (typically the course instructors) give assigned readings, exercises, lectures, and other techniques, which they believe will impart necessary information to the students.

The value of micro-learning

In the current age of remote learning, micro-learning has emerged as a valuable tool to help students achieve their educational goals. By providing small, bite-sized pieces of information, micro-learning allows learners to absorb information more effectively and retain it longer. The flexibility of micro-learning also allows students to fit learning into their busy schedules and take advantage of spare moments throughout the day. It is particularly useful for remote learners who may face challenges like limited access to technology or inconsistent internet connectivity. With micro-learning, remote learners can easily access educational content that can be consumed in short bursts, allowing them to keep up with their studies and achieve their goals.

The value of macro-learning

Though micro-learning can be a fun and energizing way to learn, it is not a perfect solution. When you can pick and choose what you want to learn when you want to learn it, you may not get the structure of the overall knowledgebase. In other words, you may learn lots of details without comprehending how all those details fit together to create a larger whole. As you skip around a topic, you may miss essential information or skills.

Thus, macro-learning is essential for remote learners who require a more comprehensive approach to their education. Macro-learning provides you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to excel in your chosen tech career path. 

Remote learners in particular benefit greatly from macro-learning programs that offer a structured and guided approach to learning. Macro-learning provides you with the opportunity to deepen your understanding of topics and connect concepts across different disciplines. Macro-learning gives you the necessary structure and accountability to ensure you stay on track and achieve your learning goals.

Final Thoughts:

RemoteMode's approach to learning combines the best of both worlds—micro- and macro-learning techniques. By incorporating short, focused bursts of information as the building blocks of comprehensive, in-depth instruction, RemoteMode offers a learning experience that is both effective and engaging. Our expertly designed technical courses help you achieve mastery of the topics you study, whether you are a novice or an experienced professional. With RemoteMode, you have access to a wide range of courses that are tailored to your specific learning needs and designed to help you succeed in starting your remote tech career. So why wait? Talk to a RemoteMode career advisor today and take the first step towards achieving your career-changing goals!