Key Take-Aways
- Nanolearning delivers educational content in extremely short, focused bursts, fitting into busy work schedules and aligning with current trends of short-format media consumption on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
- The concept of nanolearning involves providing learning materials in concise formats, such as chat-based modules or quick videos, which are designed to fit into the briefest of available times, like a wait at the bus stop.
- While both microlearning and nanolearning break down information into small, digestible pieces, nanolearning sessions are even shorter, often ranging from 70 seconds to 2.5 minutes.
- Nanolearning platforms like eggheads enhance learning by utilizing AI to generate chat-based learning modules from existing materials, facilitating quick and cost-effective employee training.
- Nanolearning is ideal for straightforward topics and serves various functions, including refreshers, skill reinforcement, and introductions to new subjects, but it may not be suitable for complex topics requiring deep understanding.
At a recent event, a veteran in digital learning said that 20 years ago their e-learning courses took a whopping 20 hours. Fast forward to today, some sessions are now as brief as 27 seconds, according to the same expert.
This duration is in line with one in four of the best-performing videos on TikTok, which range between 21 to 34 seconds (source). Other platforms, such as Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, have similarly adopted this short video trend.
It’s clear: short content is king, whether on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram.
Yet, this trend isn’t limited to just Social Media or one generation. Tools like ChatGPT show the demand for concise information as they (and many specialized apps, add-ons, and tools) allow to summarize long-form content.
As a result, workplaces are exploring Nanolearning to keep up with these trends.
A Nano Definition of Nanolearning
Nanolearning is all about quick 1-2 minute sessions containing concentrated and engaging bursts of knowledge.
Think of it like this: you’ve probably heard of microlearning, which is short training sessions in businesses (you might have even heard about conversational microlearning. If not, read our blogpost about it).
What if we made Microlearning even shorter? That’s nanolearning. Data from eggheads shows that chats between 70 seconds and 2.5 minutes create the highest engagement.
Imagine getting a chat-based learning nugget in Microsoft Teams or a helpful infographic or a quick video tutorial during your day. These lessons are super short and easy to understand. Some might even joke, if microlearning is bite-sized, is nanolearning just a crumb?
The idea is to make learning fit into small breaks, like when you’re waiting for a bus.
Difference between Microlearning and Nanolearning
Let’s not overcomplicate things. Microlearning and nanolearning both offer lessons in quick, easy-to-understand pieces. The main difference is how long these lessons take. Some might call a two-minute lesson microlearning, while others might call it nano learning.
What an AI-enhanced Nanolearning Platform does for you
A nanolearning platform helps you from start to finish with learning. You can make lessons, share them with your team, and see how they work. Some platforms even offer ready-made lessons – just like our micro-courses.
With eggheads, to not only make the learning experience nano, AI supports you (among other things) in the creation of chat-based learning nuggets. Enter your existing material and within seconds you get chat-based nano learning modules that explain (tutorials) or assess knowledge (quizzes). These you can share with your staff. It’s like making tiny, chat-based employee training.
That’s what we call nano e-learning authoring.
Benefits of Nanolearning
The shift of businesses to nanolearning for quick and efficient training is similar to moving from old-school educational TV shows to TikToks, Shorts, or Reels. Here’s why:
When lessons are concise, people remember them better. Nanolearning achieves this by presenting information in small sections, allowing employees to learn faster. Incorporating fun game-like features and playful elements such as Emojis or Gifs in chats makes the learning process even more engaging, attracting more employees to participate.
This approach is also cost-effective for businesses. They can scale training and reach numerous employees without incurring significant expenses. For those constantly on the move or working from home or remotely, nanolearning is a perfect fit. They have the flexibility to decide when and where to learn.
Downsides of Nanolearning
Nanolearning has its pros and cons. It’s a quick way to learn, but it doesn’t always dive deep (enough). As lessons become shorter, we might skip crucial details. Subjects that need thorough understanding may not be best suited for nanolearning. It’s more about getting a basic idea or a quick refresher.
Remembering what we learn in a short time can be tricky. It’s like watching a brief video and then forgetting its content shortly after.
And not all topics fit this format. Imagine trying to learn guitar or surgery from a one-minute video. It just doesn’t work.
To sum it up, while nanolearning is handy for quick learning, it’s not the answer to everything. Depending on what we want to train, we should choose the best method.
Nanolearning Use Cases and Topics
Nanolearning is flexible. It helps both experts who need a quick reminder and beginners who want a basic idea. Given its concise nature, nanolearning is ideal for straightforward, singular topics or skills. Think of things like quick software tips, safety procedures, or basic language phrases.
Imagine a doctor learning about a new medicine, a salesperson getting to know a product, or someone learning a few words in a new language. Nanolearning helps with all of this.
Here are some use cases where a nanolearning platform delivers tangible benefits:
Refresher Courses
For individuals who already have prior knowledge about a topic, nanolearning can serve as a quick refresher, jogging their memory on key concepts.
Skill Reinforcement
For tasks or skills that people already know but need regular reminders to execute correctly, such as safety protocols or software shortcuts.
Introduction to Topics
Nanolearning can provide an overview or a teaser of a subject, helping learners decide if they want to delve deeper.
On-the-Go Learning
For busy professionals who have limited time, nanolearning can provide valuable insights during commutes, breaks, or between meetings.
Updates and Changes
In rapidly changing fields, like technology or regulations, nanolearning can be used to quickly inform professionals about the latest changes or updates.
Procedure and Process Overviews
Quick run-throughs of standard procedures or processes (SOPs), such as basic troubleshooting steps or customer service guidelines.
Language Learning
While not comprehensive, nanolearning can be used for learning common phrases or vocabulary in a new language.
Soft Skills Training
Bite-sized lessons on topics like communication, time management, or conflict resolution can provide actionable tips.
Trivia and Fun Facts
For casual learning or general knowledge enhancement, quick facts and trivia are ideal for nanolearning formats.
Product Overviews
With a nanolearning platform, you create brief introductions to products or services, especially in sales or marketing contexts, can be effectively delivered through nanolearning.
Nanolearning Platform Integrations
Chances are high, that you already use many tools like an HRIS system, an LMS or LXP, and communication apps. Any new tool, like a nanolearning platform, must work well with these.
The overall goal should be to remove friction in the creation of nano learning content, sharing it with employees, accessing it and gaining insights from activity and engagement data.
You want to reach people where they already are. Work today just happens to a significant part in a communication and collaboration platform like Microsoft Teams. Even the intranet or the LMS/LXP are not visited and looked up that frequently.
With eggheads, you can send chat-based nanolearning directly to employees in Teams, where they can directly access it – and learn. So there’s no need for extra logins or searching. Or, you can add these chats to other platforms like an LMS or LXP with a simple link or iframe (given, these platforms support iframes or the embedding of weblinks).
The goal is to make learning fit seamlessly into your team’s routine.
A Nanolearning Platform: The Missing Piece in your L&D Tech Stack?
Using AI in a nanolearning platform is changing the way we share knowledge at the workplace. These platforms break down big topics into small, easy-to-learn pieces, making it easier for employees to remember and use the information. This is especially helpful now, as many of us work from different places and need to fit learning into our busy schedules. Nanolearning isn’t perfect for everything, but it’s great for quick learning. It helps companies train their teams effectively without spending a lot of time or money. As we move forward, it’s clear that nanolearning with AI will be key in helping workers keep their skills sharp and businesses stay competitive.