NanoLearning in the Corporate World

What is Nanolearning?

Nano learning incorporates short-form learning content into the training plan. It aims to draw the attention of the learner through bite-sized formats. These content formats include videos and text messages. The concept of nano learning is used to create infographics and creating modules. Engaging strategies are used while creating them.

Nano learning allows learners to access information faster. It can be an alternative to long-form content that takes hours. The trainers are also curators. They curate learning content in bite-size format for nano learning. In an organization, the L&D team creates their nano learning course.

Features of Nano Learning

The following are some of the features of nano-learning:

• Fewer contents
• Flexible learning
• Different learning modes
• Learner-friendly

Nanolearning and Micro-Learning

Do microlearning and nanolearning sound similar to you? Are they different? Let’s find out!

Microlearning delivers bite-sized learning modules within 15 minutes with specific learning objectives, whereas nano learning delivers modules within 2 minutes focusing on teaching one skill within the learning objective.

Though they are different, they have  a few things in common:

1. Both methods satisfy the needs of present-day learners.
2. They effectively transfer knowledge.
3. They contribute towards budget-friendly learning options.

 Benefits of Nano Learning

1. Increases Productivity

• Nano learning requires a small amount of time to absorb information. There is a higher chance for the learners to be more attentive in a nano learning course as it consumes lesser time than other courses.
• Nano learning content is an effective way to both retain and receive information. Moreover, learners feel less overwhelmed as they can break down their learning goals in nano learning.

2. Less Screen Time

• Nano learning lessens the learner’s amount of time spent on education. Content that requires a long time to learn is broken down into short format content. Therefore, it demands more research, practice, and guidance to be effective.
• The employees are working online. They spent long hours in front of a screen. These extended hours of screen time cause eye strain and headaches. Screen time can be lessened using nano learning methods.

3. It keeps the learner engaged

• Nano learning includes content in the forms of videos, animations, illustrations, infographics, and more. They can keep the learners engaged.
• The attention span of learners is considered while designing a nanolearning course. Content is now broken down into smaller pieces that require less time to absorb.

4. Easier and Faster

• The learning content is accessed faster and easier in a nano learning course. Content creators and subject matter experts create the objectives of a nano learning course keeping in mind that they have to be short and effective.

Educational Implications of Nano Learning

1. Empower both learners and trainers to learn quickly and instruct effectively
2. Enhance accessibility to content
3. Bridges the gap between leading experts and highly effective communication and pedagogy
4. It helps in removing the learning gaps
5. Increases retention power of the students
6. Strengthen learning in a short time
7. It plays a complementary role to the traditional style of learning
8. Provides easy availability of the learning modules in a short time

Incorporating Nano Learning in your Organization’s Training

Here are some ideas on how you can incorporate nano learning into your course designs:

1. Know What Your Employees Need

• Nano learning isn’t for everyone. Therefore, understand what your employees prefer.
• Tell them the advantages of nano learning.
• Address their needs.

2. Keep Your Content Short

• Nano learning is about breaking a long format content into a short format.
• The course must be designed to grasp the whole concept, but the lesson is as short as possible.

Nano Learning Changes Learning and Development

To create a competitive employer brand, the organizations must appeal to the changing needs of the workforce. A strong learning culture at the workplace is required for this. Learning and development teams firmly believe that the traditional training methods have to be broken for this.

Traditional learning models do not meet the rising employee expectation. Generation Z has a different learning style. Also, the speed required to build evolving skill-sets in the present corporate world can not be met by the traditional learning methods.

The Future

Learning professionals are embracing new models that improve the experience for learners. Nano-learning is the future of learning. The following reasons can help you understand why:

1. Relevance

• The content becomes irrelevant when the delivery is not suitable. It is time to embrace the content consumption preferences of the new generation of the workforce.

2. Efficiency

• Traditional e-learning methods require much human time and financial resources.

3. Engagement

• Traditional learning methods are not easy to consume. They may not always keep the learner engaged. Nano learning includes a few seconds, sound bites, or sentences of valuable and relevant content.

4. Supports training

• Nano-learning speeds reskilling and upskilling. This speeding is because learning happens within the regular flow of work. The learning content is bite-sized.

5. Inclusive learning

• With remote business models comes the need for an e-learning culture with an inclusive culture.

Currently, learning professionals are building a more attractive learning culture while doing more with less. Nano-learning offers the opportunity to create more engaging learning experiences.

Shortcomings In Nano Learning

1. Individual feedback is not possible.
2. There is no face-to-face interaction in this type of learning. Therefore, there is a possibility that the learners may feel isolated.
3. Moreover, self-motivation and time management skills are required.
4. This learning method does not allow the learners to work in a team setting.
5. Under this, the learning focuses on theoretical aspects rather than the practical.
6. It does not cater to all the disciplines of the education system. For instance, when the learner has to gain hands-on experiences.

Infographics

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Nanolearning education?

Nano learning is short-form learning content. It draws the attention of the learner through bite-sized formats. These content formats include videos and text messages. The concept of nano learning is used to create infographics and creating modules.

What is Microlearning?

Microlearning improves learning and performance through short pieces of content. It is an eLearning course in miniature form. You can comprehend it in a short time.

Why should we learn bite-size?

The following are the reasons why bite-sized learning is essential:

• It increases learner retention.
• It is suitable for refresher training.
• It improves employee engagement.
• It provides transferable insights by providing job-specific knowledge.

What are the benefits of microlearning?

The following are the benefits of microlearning:

• Reduces cognitive overload
• Improves knowledge retention and recall
• Provides “moment of need” support
• Improves employee engagement and motivation
• It saves time and money