The benefits of nano learning

The value of teacher professional development cannot be underestimated. Quality professional learning experience content incorporates the latest research and best practices in the field, helping teachers improve their knowledge, skills, and practices. Teacher professional development can also provide teachers with opportunities to reflect on their teaching practices, identify areas for improvement, and receive feedback from peers or mentors. This reflective process can lead to increased self-awareness, career growth, and job satisfaction.

While we understand that well-designed professional development experiences pay off, limited time and resources can sometimes lead to professional development fatigue for teachers. When content is ‘one size fits all’, addresses some but not all of the unique needs teachers face in the classroom, takes too much time to ‘get down to business’, and excludes the incorporation of currently used technology, Teachers can become apathetic towards what is offered as professional training. What is becoming an effective means of supporting professional development sessions? Nanolearning.

Nanolearning is a type of microlearning that involves short, focused, and highly specific learning modules that can be completed in a short period of time, typically 1-5 minutes. The goal of nanolearning is to provide just-in-time, bite-sized learning opportunities that can be easily integrated into a teacher’s busy schedule.

In the context of teacher professional development, nanolearning can be a very effective way of providing continuous training and support to teachers. By breaking complex topics down into small, easy-to-digest pieces, teachers can quickly gain new knowledge and skills that they can immediately apply in their classrooms.

Some examples of nanolearning for teacher professional development include short videos, interactive activities, informal assessments, virtual playgrounds, and one-on-one training sessions both online and in person. To maximize retention for classroom application, EOS Education employs nano learning to support ongoing professional development for teachers. What are some of the reasons why nano learning is the right choice for professional development?

1. Flexibility: Nano learning modules can be accessed anytime, anywhere, making them ideal for busy teachers who may have limited time for professional development. They can be completed in short intervals throughout the day.
2. Personalization: Nano learning allows teachers to select the specific topics and skills they want to learn or improve. This allows them to focus on their individual needs and interests and quickly acquire new knowledge and skills that they can immediately apply in their classrooms.
3. Commitment: Nano learning modules are generally designed to be interactive and engaging, with multimedia elements such as videos, quizzes, and games. This makes the learning experience more enjoyable and helps keep teachers motivated and engaged in their professional development.
4. Continuous learning: Nano learning provides continuous learning opportunities that can be easily integrated into a teacher’s daily routine. It enables teachers to continually develop their knowledge and skills over time, rather than relying on occasional one-off professional development events.

Nano learning It can be a very effective way of offering and supporting professional development for teachers because it provides fast, targeted and easily accessible learning opportunities that can be integrated into a teacher’s busy schedule. When teachers feel their time is valued, their willingness to participate in these timely, comprehensive, and personalized learning sessions increases. Ultimately, this can lead to better student achievement and school results.

EOS Education by Boxlight works with schools and districts to optimize the professional development learning experience. They work with school leadership and coordinators to identify key needs and goals to design personalized content that is impactful and effective. Its robust portfolio of high-quality content and services is developed by teachers for teachers. To explore what EOS Education can offer your school or district, click here: EOS Professional Development for Teachers.