When I first heard the term “nano course,” I thought maybe someone was finally offering a course in how to program tiny robots. But no, this is something even smaller. . .a course smaller than a micro course. If micro courses were bite-sized, nano courses are the educational equivalent of a Tic Tac.
We’ve come a long way from when “online learning” meant getting a CD-ROM in the mail and installing something that took three tries to launch. Back then, a 56k modem was a big deal and watching a video online meant a trip to the kitchen while it buffered. Then came online courses, and then micro courses, and now—well, we’re here. At nano.
So, what exactly is a nano course?
It’s Tiny. On Purpose. A nano course delivers one ultra-targeted learning outcome in 5–15 minutes, maybe even smaller depending on the situation. Not a module. Not a chapter. One concept. One skill. One “aha” moment. In some cases, someone will need to come by and close your mouth that sits wide open in amazement of the concept covered. That’s it.
Think:
– How to use the SUMIF function in Excel. (I use these all the time!!)
– The Rule of 72 in finance (in plain English)
– What to say when a customer asks for a refund
– The best type of pen for taking notes in your notebook (there is a right answer!)
Like our breath mint analogy, a nano course is not meant to be the whole enchilada. You didn’t come for a meal. . .you just needed to freshen up your knowledge.
It’s Built for Just-in-Time Learning. Nano courses aren’t for a massive study of an entire field. They’re for when you’re on deadline, your brain is fried, and you just need the answer. . .NOW! These little learning packages are designed to be pulled up between tasks or during your lunch break (while scrolling Facebook…yes, I know…I admit it, I have doom scrolled through many a social media post, video, etc. late into the evening when I have exhausted what I want to watch on MeTV).
It’s Simple. Not Simplistic. A nano course isn’t “dumbed down.” It’s laser-focused. That means:
– One idea or skill
– One format (video, short article, interactive scenario)
– One takeaway
And sometimes, one tiny quiz question (just enough to say, “Yes, I got it”).
It’s Stackable (If You Want). Now here’s where it gets fun. String together five nano courses on related topics, and you’ve got a micro course. Stack a few micro courses, and now you’re talking about a credential. For the higher education institution, this is really a great option to reinvent itself and be more relevant to the businesses in its area and, yet, keep the end-goal of educating its student base in mind.
But the beauty is: you don’t have to wait. Learners can get in, get what they need, and get out—with no guilt and no enrollment form.
It’s Perfect for Today’s Learners. Short attention spans? Check. Busy schedules? Check. Smartphones always in hand? You better believe it. The modern learner doesn’t want fluff. They want frictionless, accessible, and meaningful content—right now.
Real-World Uses of Nano Courses
You’ll see them in:
– Healthcare: Hand hygiene refresher
– Business: How to run a pivot table
– Education: Quick grammar reminders for students
– Leadership: One-minute coaching prompts
Nano courses meet learners where they are—on their phones, between meetings, in the moment.
So, What Does This Mean for You? If your institution, business, or program is still thinking that content has to be long to be meaningful, it’s time to re-evaluate. A nano course isn’t a replacement for deep learning, but it is a powerful tool in the learning ecosystem.
After all, sometimes all we really need is a spark to get going. Nano courses offer that spark.
Need help getting started with nano, micro, or online learning? I’ve been helping organizations build smart systems for years and I’d be glad to help you too. Contact me at jfischer@progressusco.com or 918-895-1185.
How small can your next big learning idea be?
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