Megatrend 2 - The Power of Nano Learning: Bite-Sized Education for Big Impact

Last week I wrote about the Megatrend of Mobile Learning and how 1.6 billion learners were thrust into the world of Digital learning by that Chief Strategy Officer also known as Covid-19. This effect has been compounded by another Megatrend - the rise of Nano Learning.

Poor Dall-E, loving the loop but can't get his head around words that make sense

Together, these two concepts form a feedback loop that are self-reinforcing.

In this loop, “Mobile First” emphasizes designing for mobile devices as a priority, while “Nano learning” focuses on delivering small, bite-sized educational content.

The two concepts reinforce each other, creating a continuous learning cycle. 🔄📱📚

Blurring not added, it's like that, seriously

Partly, this is because attention spans are shrinking. Digital technology proliferation means we are interrupted more, and are less focused.

In fact, in her seminal work Attention Span, psychologist Gloria Mark reveals we spend an average of just 47 seconds on any screen before shifting our attention. It takes 25 minutes to bring our attention back to a task after such an interruption.

Other insights from Marks' book include:

• Why multitasking hurts rather than helps productivity
  

• How social media and modern entertainment amplify our short attention spans
  

• What drains our mental resources and how to refuel them

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, a new trend is gaining momentum: nano learning. “Nanolearning (NL) is a promising approach to education and training as it delivers small, bite-sized chunks of learning content that can be easily consumed and retained by learners.” according to Yousef (2023) from whom I liberally borrowed the title of this post.

Nano learning is all about small, focused, and targeted learning experiences. Instead of lengthy courses or textbooks, nano learning delivers knowledge in tiny portions. Here’s why it matters:

1. Retention and Comprehension:

   1. Research from Vanderbilt University shows that providing students with small bits of information over short periods improves retention. When learners focus on specific concepts, they absorb them more effectively.

   2. Nano learning ensures that learners grasp essential content without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Attention and Engagement:

   1. Short attention spans are a reality in today’s fast-paced world. Nano learning caters to this by capturing students’ attention quickly (Corbeil et al. 2021).

   2. Micro-lessons keep learners engaged, preventing mental fatigue.

   3. Combining with gamified elements means that this engagement happens sooner, and endures for longer

3. Flexibility and Accessibility:

   1. Nano learning fits seamlessly into busy schedules. Whether it’s a quick video during a commute or a five-minute quiz during lunch, learners can access knowledge anytime, anywhere. “Quick learning – learning that takes minutes rather than hours, weeks, or months – is on the rise  … especially related to corporate skills training and essential skills” - Corbeil (2023).

   2. Even the British Council (2023) note that it’s perfect for lifelong learners, professionals, and students juggling multiple commitments. In the USA and UK especially, Nano-learning is increasingly being used to maintain professional credentials such as CPA and other accounting designations.

Last week I said Education providers need to cater to learners using a mobile-first platform. But this now needs to be upgraded: Education providers need to cater to mobile-first learners, who want shorter courses.

Next week I'll talk about the need for trans-disciplinary learning, and why Quitch.com is perfect for this.

References

1.Mark, G. (2023). Attention Span: Finding Focus for a Fulfilling Life.  HarperCollins

2.Yousef et al (2023). Small Bites, Big Impact: The Power of Nanolearning. In: Anutariya et al. (eds) Smart Learning for A Sustainable Society. ICSLE 2023. Lecture Notes in Educational Technology. Springer, Singapore.

3.Corbeil, J., Badrul, H., & Corbeil, M.E. [Eds.]. (2021). Microlearning in the digital age: The design and delivery of learning in snippets. Routledge.

4.Britishcouncil.org. (2023). How to create nano learning for rapid skill development | British Council. [online] Available at: https://corporate.britishcouncil.org/insights/how-create-nano-learning-rapid-skill-development.