According to Education Technology Insights, Microlearning and Nano learning are among the four global education trends for 2024, highlighting their importance for the future of education (www.Educationtechnologyinsights.com). Micro learning has become one of the most effective and popular approaches for 21st-century learners. This method involves delivering educational content in small, focused segments, making it an engaging way to teach and learn. It features short, fine-grained, interconnected, and loosely coupled learning activities centered around micro-content. Key dimensions of microlearning include content, time, curriculum, process, modality, and learning type. Traditional learning systems often leave learners feeling stuck due to a lack of creative approaches, which hinders skill development. In contrast, micro-learning provides a modern teaching strategy by breaking information into manageable chunks and delivering it effectively (Singh& Banathia, 2019).
From a theoretical perspective, microlearning is grounded in Hermann Ebbinghaus’ forgetting curve, which posits that the retention of newly acquired information declines over time when individuals are exposed to substantial amounts of information simultaneously. By dividing content into smaller, manageable units and encouraging periodic recall, this approach enhances both knowledge retention and productivity. It facilitates on-demand and in-between learning through concise modules, empowering learners to control what and when they learn. This method supports individuals in staying current and adaptable within the rapidly evolving demands of today’s knowledge-driven society. Microlearning represents an engaging and learner-centered educational approach, utilizing online content such as video tutorials, audio podcasts, presentations, scenarios, and assessments. While it shares similarities with traditional instructional methods, microlearning focuses on condensing and optimizing these lessons for delivery in brief, focused sessions. This approach is particularly effective in providing just-in-time training across multiple devices, enhancing accessibility and adaptability in modern learning environments (Nikkhoo et al., 2023)
On the other hand, nano learning as an approach takes this step further, focusing on ultra-short lessons under two minutes that convey a single concept or skill. Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram Reels have popularized this format. One significant challenge in microlearning and nano learning lies in the assessment of deep understanding. Due to the brevity of content and activities, evaluating learners' comprehensive grasp of complex concepts can be difficult, as such understanding typically requires time for planning and reflection. This necessitates the development of innovative approaches to assessment.
To sum up, the integration of emerging technologies is poised to transform the landscape of microlearning and nano learning. First, artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to personalize learning experiences by tailoring modules to individual learners' preferences and progress. Second, the incorporation of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) could enhance engagement by creating immersive and interactive learning environments. Finally, advancements in data analytics will enable platforms to improve content delivery and evaluate learning outcomes by leveraging insights from learner performance and behavior. These innovations are positioned to address existing limitations and enhance the effectiveness and appeal of microlearning and nanolearning methodologies.
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