By Dr. Gina Anderson
Dr. Gina Anderson, a learning scientist and the CEO of Luma Brighter Learning, shared her insights in her TEDx talk “The Power of Presence.”
In an age of short attention spans and increasing demands on time, microlearning—delivering small, focused bursts of content—has become a frequently discussed educational strategy for truck and bus drivers. At its core, microlearning breaks down complex topics, such as safety protocols, regulations, and vehicle maintenance, into short, digestible lessons. Instead of overwhelming drivers with lengthy training sessions, microlearning meets them where they are: on the road, in a rest area, or between shifts. These bite-sized lessons are more accessible than long training sessions, reduce cognitive overload, and promote continuous learning over time.
Many people associate microlearning with short video content, but here is what most people miss: microlearning is more than just content. It must involve connection. When combined with human connection, microlearning can transform education across industries. This approach is especially impactful in transportation, where training must align compliance and safety with real-world applications.
Research shows that adults retain more information when they are invested in what they are learning. Many companies fail to ask learners what they want to learn and fail to connect the education to the learner’s why. Safety directors assume learners will retain the information because they must; if the training manager is looking into their eyes as they deliver the information, the learner will “get it.” But here’s the truth: if they’re passive recipients, people forget most of what they hear within the first hour of hearing it.
Of the five types of learning engagement, two are typically used with truck and bus drivers: learner-to-instructor and learner-to-content. However, instead of passively listening, learners need to actively engage in their education through learner-to-self and learner-to-learner interactions. For professional drivers, who often spend long hours alone, this sense of connection is not just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Integrating discussion prompts, real stories from peers, and opportunities for reflection turns microlearning from a solitary activity into a shared experience.
When drivers feel connected to the material and to one another, they’re more likely to apply what they’ve learned and take pride in doing their jobs safely and professionally. Microlearning helps keep lessons top of mind, while connection helps make them meaningful. This powerful combination encourages a culture of accountability, where learning doesn’t stop when the video ends but continues in conversations, mentoring, and daily on-the-job decision-making.
This blend of technology and human touch is shaping the future of workforce education. It ensures that learning isn’t something that happens once a year in a classroom, but every day in the cab, at the depot, and in conversation. As the transportation industry continues to evolve with new technologies, sustainability goals, and safety challenges, microlearning with connection will be the key to keeping drivers skilled, engaged, and motivated.
For those curious to delve deeper into how microlearning and connection can revolutionize the way we teach and learn, I invite you to watch “The Power of Presence.” Together, we can reimagine learning for an industry that keeps the world moving.