With the advancement in science and digital technology, revolutionary trends are emerging in learning and development. Microlearning and nano learning are innovative, evolving learning programmes that companies are starting to embrace to keep pace with the new trends.
Microlearning and Nanolearning – Concept and Approach Microlearning and Nanolearning are the new trends in learning and development that meet the ‘moment of need’ learning objective of modern learners. Both are short-term online learning methods that adopt a similar learning approach yet take on different core methodologies.
Microlearning is an online learning mechanism that entails the disintegration of huge information or content into smaller chunks for imparting instant learning to the learners in a short duration (e.g., 5-15 minutes). The content is engaging, accessible, easy to understand, and is conveniently used as an independent material for formal and informal learning. Nano learning, also an online learning mode, imparts highly focused knowledge to the learners on a specific subject matter in a very short time span (e.g., less than 5 minutes). The crisp study material aids in imparting informal or refresher learning to the learners. For example, microlearning is when a learner learns how to use a particular app (say, a cab-booking app) to fulfil the desired objective, and nano learning is learning how to use a specified feature of that app (e.g., sharing location or making payments). Essentially, nano learning is a part or sub-system of microlearning. Microlearning provides small pieces of information on a particular learning topic. Nano learning further disseminates every minute of information about the specific or focused learning areas of microlearning. Both the learning models extensively use multimedia tools (such as text, graphics, video, audio, and artwork) to impart flexible and interactive learning to learners. The two models differ in their scope and span of learning that they provide to the learners.
An Effective Learning Aid for Learners The two novel learning methods are making the transfer of learning more efficient and accessible for the learners who can effortlessly grasp and comprehend the bite-sized learning content, and that too at their own pace! Focusing only on relevant information broadens their attention span and makes the retention of content easier for them. The millennial or new-age learners prefer microlearning and nano learning as these models impart informal training that is designed as per their needs and is available on-demand. The format is flexible and interactive that facilitates them to multi-task between their varied activities or assignments, and clarifies their doubts on the spot. Focused Ideology Used by HR for Learning and Development Microlearning and nano learning modes are changing the paradigms of the Human Resource department of companies in charting the learning and development plans for their employees. The corporate training teams are conducting short programmes to provide on-the-job training to the new workforce using digital microlearning methods. Nano learning techniques provide ‘need-based’ and instant training to the employees to solve a specific problem without delay. Cost and time efficiency are the added advantages of these learning models. The new generation employees are always on a go-to explore digital platforms (using the Internet) to acquire new knowledge and skills. Microlearning and nanolearning are handy tools in the hands of HR to impart constructive knowledge to the employees of the millennial generation. The tailor-made, short and quick learning methods captivate the new-age learners and drive them to follow an innovative learning path. The present-day digital tools (such as artificial intelligence, animation, graphics, etc) used in these innovative learning models have replaced the monotonous training sessions and long training manuals used in the traditional learning methods. HR employs innovative microlearning tools (such as Gamified apps, tailor-made training materials, visual dashboards, multi-device learnings, online resource library) to train the new-age employees. These tools are radically influencing the employees and helping in increasing their work productivity and performance. The corporate L&D departments are now introducing microlearning and nanolearning models in their employee training programmes. This helps in realising the learning and development goals of the workforce. Training teams prepare short learning modules to provide crisp yet relevant information to the employees in an interactive manner. The learners can easily access these training modules from their smartphones, laptops, tablets, or any other device at any time. Conclusion Microlearning and nano learning are the next natural steps in the area of learning and development. The latest e-learning methods have introduced a new trend in corporate training systems. Companies use highly innovative and online learning methods to provide bite-sized information to their employees that best suits their immediate work requirements. The prudent utilisation of microlearning and nano learning models by the learners is defining the future of learning.
Source - ET HR