What is Just-in-Time Learning? Definition and Examples

In your workplace, do you have instant access to learning materials whenever you need them? Rather than having to wait for a specific training event, which could be weeks or even months away, do you receive the relevant learning materials and activities immediately?

If so, your employer is providing Just-in-Time Learning or JITL to its employees.

This type of learning is more commonly seen in the workplace than in schools, universities, or formal educational settings.

Just-in-time learning is a type of microlearning, where the learning material is delivered in snippets, often referred to as modules. It is easier for learners to get the information they need without having to go through a long learning process if it comes in small modules.

Proponents of just-in-time learning argue that learners aren’t overloaded with information, activities, or skills they don’t need immediately or in the near future.

The following definition comes from eLearning Industry:

“So, what is Just-In-Time training in the workplace? Think of it as on-demand learning at the point of need. As the name suggests, there’s some level of urgency involved. For this reason, Just-In-Time resources are usually bite-sized for easy consumption and available on mobile devices for instant access.”

A Brief History of Just-in-Time Learning

The idea behind just-in-time learning comes from the concept of Just-in-Time (JIT) manufacturing, which originated in Japan in the 1950s.

Japanese car company Toyota used this approach to make their production system more efficient by delivering parts only when they were needed. This cut down on waste and having to keep large inventories of things.

In a previous article, we wrote the following about ‘Just-in-Time’ in manufacturing:

“With ‘just in time,’ a company holds virtually no stocks. Instead, it relies on the prompt deliveries of components and raw materials. They must arrive the moment the company requests them. Rather than occasional major deliveries to a warehouse, in a just in time system supplies arrive only when the company asks for them.”

At the end of the last century, as technology and the Internet grew, people began to see that the JIT idea could apply to learning.

Training experts saw that employees could benefit from getting information or skills only when needed, instead of taking in lots of information at once. Companies soon found that this approach helped them train employees more effectively, cost-effectively, and promptly. They also discovered it boosted productivity.

The term just-in-time learning became popular in the early 2000s with the rise of e-learning and digital resources.

Image showing 8 characteristics of Just-in-Time Learning.
Just-in-Time Learning is more common in the workplace than in schools or colleges.

JITL’s Relevance in Today’s Fast-Paced Workplace

In today’s fast-evolving industries, from technology to healthcare, employees need up-to-date skills and knowledge immediately.

Just-in-time learning meets this need by delivering essential information exactly when employees need it.

For companies, JITL boosts productivity and efficiency, allowing employees to quickly apply new skills to current tasks. This approach helps employees and their employers keep pace with today’s rapidly changing marketplace.

The Key Principles of Just-in-Time Learning

  • Contextual Relevance

Learning is most effective when it directly applies to what you are working on at this very moment.

JITL focuses on providing information that helps you solve current tasks or challenges, making it more meaningful and easier to remember.

  • On-Demand Access

For JITL to work, you need to have access to learning materials at all times, that is, whenever and wherever you need them.

This means having resources available online or through apps, so you can find answers or learn new skills on the spot, without delay.

  • Efficiency

JITL is designed to be quick and focused. Instead of spending hours in a classroom or on lengthy courses, you get short, relevant learning sessions.

This saves time and ensures you get only the information you need to handle your immediate tasks.

  • Self-Directed Learning

In this type of learning, you are in control – what you learn is up to you. This means taking the initiative to recognize what you need to learn and seeking out the information when necessary.

It encourages independence and builds confidence in solving problems as they come up.

How Just-in-Time Learning Works

  • Microlearning: Bite-Sized Lessons

As mentioned earlier, JITL is a type of microlearning. You access short modules or videos that quickly teach you what you need to know. In most cases, these bite-sized pieces are digital, making it easy to learn on the go.

  • E-Learning Platforms and Apps

Most of your learning happens through e-learning platforms, mobile apps, or other digital resources. This means you can access information anytime, whether you’re at work, at school, or even on your phone. These tools put the knowledge you need right at your fingertips.

You could even access your learning materials while sitting on a train on your way to or from work.

  • Real-Time Feedback and Flexibility

Many platforms provide real-time feedback, so you know right away if you’re on the right track.

This adaptability helps make sure that you get the most relevant information to solve your current challenges.

  • A Practical Example

Imagine you’re at work and encounter a problem you don’t know how to solve. Instead of waiting for a formal training session, you use JITL to look up a quick video or tutorial that explains the solution.

Now, imagine you work in a warehouse, and a new type of forklift truck is arriving next week. It’s different from the vehicles you currently use. You open your learning app and search for driver instructions on how to operate the new forklift. After reviewing the instructions, you’re prepared to use the new equipment. Problem solved, and you’re ready to go!

A man looking at a bite-sized snack while another looks at a huge meal - analogy of Just-in-Time Learnings vs traditional learning
Just-in-Time Learning: Like bite-sized snacks, it delivers targeted, essential information—unlike traditional long lessons, which can overwhelm with unnecessary content.

Benefits of Just-in-Time Learning

JITL offers many benefits. Let’s take a quick look at some of them:

  • Increased Retention

Learning what you need, when you need it, makes information stick better. Applying knowledge right away helps you remember it for longer.

You are less likely to remember a relevant piece of information well if it is delivered to you with lots of other irrelevant information. This does not happen in JITL.

  • Improved Productivity and Motivation

This keeps you efficient, productive, and motivated to keep learning and improving.

  • Enhanced Flexibility

If you can learn anytime and anywhere, it makes it easier to fit learning into your schedule.

  • Customization

Learning content is tailored to your specific tasks, ensuring you get the most relevant information for your job.

  • Cost-Effectiveness

JITL saves costs by focusing on essential learning, eliminating the need for lengthy training sessions that may not be useful.

  • Promotes a Positive Learning Culture

Employees are more likely to engage in learning when their employers use a JITL approach.

  • Boosts Confidence

Having the right information at your fingertips boosts your confidence, empowering you to tackle tasks independently.

Just-in-Time Learning list of pros and cons.
The pros definitely outweigh the cons; otherwise, JITL wouldn’t be as popular as it is today.

Challenges and Limitations of Just-in-Time Learning

Like all things in life, JITL comes with its own set of challenges. Below, you can see some of them:

Over-Reliance on Digital Access

With JITL, you rely heavily on technology and digital tools. If your modem stops working or you lose Internet connection for some reason, you cannot access the information you need.

This dependence on digital access can sometimes limit the flexibility that this type of learning promises.

  • Narrow Focus

The main goal of JITL is to provide information on specific tasks, but this may come at the expense of learning about the bigger picture.

This narrow focus means you might miss out on broader knowledge that could help you with more complex problems.

While JITL is great for quick answers, it might not fully prepare you for deeper, more detailed tasks.

  • Self-Discipline Requirement

With this learning approach, you study under your own steam. This requires a certain amount of self-discipline. Are you a self-motivated type of person? If so, this is probably not a problem.

However, if you struggle with motivation or need regular supervision, this approach might be challenging.

  • Content Quality Control

Since JITL resources are quick and on-demand, it’s crucial to ensure that the information is accurate and trustworthy. Not all resources are reliable, so you may need to double-check facts or choose content carefully to avoid mistakes.

This is only a disadvantage if the learning material that you receive is not of the highest quality and up to date.

Just-in-Time Learning in the Workplace

  • Examples of JITL in Various Industries

Just-in-time learning is widely used across industries. In healthcare, a nurse might review a procedure before treating a patient. In IT, it could involve watching a quick tutorial to fix a software issue. For customer service, it may mean accessing a guide to handle customer inquiries.

In manufacturing, it might involve checking a quick guide on machinery setup right before starting production. In retail, employees could review a short video on new product features before assisting customers.

  • Role of Learning and Development (L&D) Departments

The Learning and Development team helps make JITL possible by creating useful resources for you.

They design quick guides, videos, and instructions that are relevant to your job, making sure you can easily access learning materials when you need them.

  • Best Practices for JIT Learning

To get the most from JITL, companies often set up a resource library with videos, articles, and guides organized by topic.

If your workplace has a well-maintained library, you’ll find it easier to get answers quickly and keep up with your tasks.

If you work in a small company, they may not have the resources for a library or dedicated learning center. In that case, you might rely on freely available resources, peer support, or online platforms.

  • Tools and Technologies Supporting Just-in-Time Learning

Here are some tools and technologies that help make learning faster and more accessible, right when you need it:

In the world of JITL, having the right tools can make all the difference.

Mobile Apps are great for quick, on-the-go learning, allowing you to access resources whenever and wherever you need them.

Learning Management Systems like Moodle or Google Classroom provide structured access to materials, assignments, and quizzes, so that you can keep track of what you’re learning.

Online Tutorials, whether through websites or video platforms, give you instant access to a wide range of topics. These tools help make learning fast, flexible, and convenient for you.

  • Role of Artificial Intelligence in Personalized Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a powerful part of JITL by creating personalized learning experiences.

AI can track your learning progress and suggest resources that fit your level and interests. Imagine an app that recommends specific tutorials based on what you already know and what you need to improve—AI makes this possible.

Learning is becoming much better targeted toward each individual learner, thanks to AI. It helps you focus on areas where you need the most help.

  • Impact of Video Platforms, Interactive Content, and VR for JITL

How we learn is being transformed by virtual reality (VR), interactive content, and video platforms.

YouTube and Vimeo, two well-known video platforms, offer countless tutorials on virtually every topic.

Interactive content like quizzes, simulations, and games helps you actively engage with the material, making it easier to remember.

VR takes learning even further by creating realistic environments where you can practice skills as if you were doing them in real life.

Apart from being fantastic learning tools, they are also more engaging, practical, immersive, and fun.

Strategies for Implementing Just-in-Time Learning

Implementing JITL requires thoughtful planning to make learning quick, accessible, and effective. Here are four key strategies:

  • Conduct Needs Assessments

First, determine the specific areas where JITL would be most beneficial.

A needs assessment can help with this by analyzing tasks and skills to identify the types of learning resources that would be most helpful for you and your team.

This ensures that JITL resources are targeted to meet real, immediate needs.

  • Create Easily Accessible Content Formats

JITL is only effective if you can access the learning information quickly. That is why it is best to use formats like short videos, infographics, and micro-courses that deliver information concisely.

These formats are easy to access on mobile devices, so you can quickly review them anytime you need a recap or a quick guide on a specific topic.

  • Encourage a Culture of Continuous, Self-Directed Learning

You need to encourage your staff to adopt a positive learning culture for JITL to work well.

You and your employees or colleagues need to feel motivated to seek out information independently.

This helps you all to stay proactive in learning new skills as you need them, rather than waiting for formal training sessions.

  • Measure Effectiveness through KPIs and Feedback Loops

You will only know whether JITL is working if you track its effectiveness. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and feedback loops can help measure how well this approach is meeting learning goals.

Regular feedback from learners like you ensures that the resources are helpful and allows adjustments to improve their relevance and usefulness.

Future of Just-in-Time Learning

The future of JITL is filled with exciting possibilities, driven mainly by new technologies. Let’s take a look at some of them:

  • Emerging Trends

Real-Time AI assistance could soon become a common feature, providing instant help as you work on tasks. Imagine an AI that quickly offers relevant tips or instructions just when you need them.

Smart Content Recommendations could also make JITL more effective by suggesting materials based on your current task or skill level, saving you time and making learning more focused.

  • Increased Personalization in Training Modules

Training modules are set to become tailored even more closely to your individual learning needs and pace as technology advances.

This means that you’ll have access to resources specifically designed to strengthen your weak areas or build on what you already know, making learning more relevant and engaging for you.

  • Integration with Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

AR and VR are likely to play a bigger role in JITL in the future. With Augmented Reality, you could view digital information overlaid on real-world objects, making it easier to understand complex tasks.

With VR, you will be able to practice skills in a safe, controlled environment in realistic simulations.

These technologies allow you to gain hands-on experience without the dangers and risks that exist in a real workplace setting.

Final Thoughts

Let’s recap. Just-in-time learning is ideal for today’s fast-paced workplaces. It provides employees with immediate, relevant learning materials whenever and wherever they need them.

Inspired by Toyota’s Just-in-Time Manufacturing, JITL delivers small, targeted lessons exactly when they’re needed.

This microlearning approach helps improve productivity, retention, and flexibility, especially through digital tools like mobile apps and e-learning platforms.

While this learning approach supports rapid skill-building, it requires self-discipline, self-motivation, and reliable digital access.

Looking ahead, advancements in AI, augmented reality, and virtual reality promise to make JITL even more personalized and immersive.

As technology advances and industries evolve, JITL is set to become an even more vital tool for workplace learning and development than it is today.