Keep it Bite-Sized

It might sound counter-intuitive, but the right number of objectives for a learning module is one. So many times when we sit down to take an online course the list of learning objectives is extensive. It might even require two pages. This makes for a long module when the last thing we want is to spend a long time in training. Most of us just want an answer to the question we are researching.

When I was trying to learn a new subject, say JavaScript, I approached the topic like this: I would log into Lynda.com (now LinkedIn Learning) and find the training module on JavaScript that most suited my needs and fit my current level of understanding. Then I would start from the beginning and view the first couple of modules until I had determined what kind of sample I wanted to build to teach myself the skill. At that point I would skip around from subject to subject, dealing with the issues my project threw at me. I seldom completed the full 6 or more hours of training videos offered by the platform. I wanted to learn what I needed to use to continue, and I wanted to learn it now.

By keeping things small it is possible to build a comprehensive set of modules that can encompass an entire course without being bogged down in one particular area. Bite-sized learning allows learners to learn at their own pace, in the order that makes the most sense to them. Training can still cover all the topics but, since each module is small and self-contained, it's not as overwhelming and it is easy to get the information you need and then get back to work.