Step by step guide for the implementation and assessment of NOOC
A Nano Open Online Course (NOOC) is a very short, highly focused, and typically open access online learning experience designed to develop a specific, granular competency or impart a precise piece of knowledge related to a particular topic, such as an aspect of AMR/AMS. Often described as “nano learning pills” or “knowledge pills,” NOOCs generally require a limited learning effort (e.g., 1 to 20 hours) and are characterized by their flexibility, accessibility, and concise content delivery. They can be standalone learning units or components of a larger MOOC or blended learning program, catering to learners needing quick, just-in-time knowledge or skill acquisition.
Table of contents
Planning a NOOC
The following steps should be taken into consideration when planning a NOOC on AMR/AMS:
- Identify Granular Learning Objective/Competency: Pinpoint a highly specific, single learning objective or “nano-skill” within the AMR/AMS domain that can be effectively taught and assessed in a short timeframe (e.g., “Correctly identify the five moments for hand hygiene in a clinical setting,” “Understand the mechanism of action of one specific class of antimicrobials,” “List three key communication points when counseling a patient about antibiotic non-adherence,” “How to interpret a specific result from an AMR diagnostic test”).
- Develop Concise and Focused Content: Create highly targeted learning materials that directly address the nano-objective. The content should be extremely concise and engaging. Common formats include short instructional videos (often under 5-10 minutes), brief targeted readings, interactive infographics for attractive and engaging presentation of small information chunks (Rutkauskiene et al., 2019), single interactive exercises, or very focused case snippets. (Alonso-Ramos et al., 2022, mention videos, readings, and quizzes as NOOC components; Álvarez Loyola and Córdova Esparza, 2023, note common use of videos and interactive activities).
- Platform Selection and Delivery: Deliver the NOOC via existing MOOC platforms (where NOOCs can act as building blocks), dedicated NOOC platforms, Learning Management Systems (LMS), mobile-learning applications, or even directly through websites or professional portals. Ensure easy and quick access, ideally optimized for mobile devices for on-the-go learning.
- Structure for Brevity and Clarity: Design the NOOC with a simple, intuitive structure. This might include a brief introduction outlining the single learning objective, the core content presentation (e.g., video, interactive element), a practical activity or reflective prompt if applicable, and a short concluding assessment or knowledge check.
- Emphasize Self-Paced Learning: NOOCs are typically designed for learners to complete at their own pace, fitting into short available time slots in their schedules. (Heller et al., 2017, describing similar short Open Online Courses, highlight their self-paced nature).
- Optional Minimal Interaction: While extensive interaction is not a primary feature, a very focused, optional mini-forum for specific Q&A or sharing a single reflection might be included. (Alonso-Ramos et al., 2022, and Guzmán González & Vesga Bravo, 2024, mention forums as potential NOOC components).
Defining roles in a NOOC
Facilitator’s role (Content Creator/Curator): The primary role is in the meticulous design and development of highly targeted, concise, and engaging AMR/AMS learning content suitable for the nano format. This includes ensuring the pedagogical soundness of the “knowledge pill” and the functionality of the delivery platform. Direct facilitation during the NOOC itself is often minimal or asynchronous (e.g., occasional monitoring of a Q&A forum) due to its brevity and self-contained nature.
Participant’s role: Access the NOOC for quick, focused learning on a very specific AMR/AMS topic or skill, often for just-in-time knowledge acquisition or to fill a precise learning gap. Engage with the concise content and complete any brief activities or assessments as required. A high degree of self-direction is expected for these short learning bursts.
Assessing a NOOC
Methods
- Embedded Knowledge Checks: Short, automated quizzes (e.g., 1-5 questions) or interactive knowledge checks directly linked to the specific learning objective of the NOOC. (Alonso-Ramos et al., 2022, and Ortega-Sanchez and Gomez-Trigueros, 2020, mention evaluation tests).
- Completion of a Single Focused Task: Successful completion of a very specific interactive exercise or a simple practical task that demonstrates mastery of the nano-skill.
- Self-Assessment Tools: Providing learners with a checklist or simple tool to self-assess their understanding of the specific competency covered.
- User Satisfaction and Usability Feedback: Collecting feedback on the clarity of the NOOC, its ease of use, the relevance of the content to the specific learning objective, and overall satisfaction with the nano-learning experience. (Alonso-Ramos et al., 2022, evaluated satisfaction and usability).
Tools
Platform-embedded quiz functionalities (e.g., multiple-choice, drag-and-drop). Simple interactive simulation tools. Systems for issuing digital badges or micro-credentials upon successful completion, signifying mastery of the specific nano-competency. Short satisfaction surveys or rating scales.
Suggested NOOC prototype
Target Audience: Food Producers, Prescribers, Dispensers, Clinical Profiles, Researchers, Educators.
Learning Objectives (for a single NOOC in the series, e.g., “Understanding Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE)”):
- Define Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) and state its clinical significance in AMR.
- List two key risk factors for CPE acquisition.
- Identify one critical infection prevention and control (IPC) measure to limit CPE spread in a healthcare setting.
Curriculum/Activities (for a single 15-20 minute NOOC on CPE):
- Introduction (1 minute video): Briefly outlines what CPE is and why it’s an important AMR threat. States the learning objective.
- Core Content (5-7 minute animated explainer video/interactive infographic): Clearly explains CPE, how it causes resistance, common species, and key risk factors for infection/colonization. Highlights its impact on treatment options.
- IPC Focus (3-5 minute video/interactive graphic): Demonstrates or explains one or two critical IPC measures specific to CPE (e.g., contact precautions, environmental cleaning focus).
- Knowledge Check (2-3 minutes): A 3-5 question multiple-choice quiz assessing understanding of the key points (definition, risk factors, one IPC measure). Immediate automated feedback provided.
- Summary and Further Resources (1 minute): A concise summary slide and links to detailed institutional/national guidelines on CPE management.
Evaluation of the Prototype’s Effectiveness:
- Tracking completion rates and scores on the end-of-NOOC knowledge check for each “AMR Alert.”
- Collection of user ratings (e.g., 1-5 stars) and brief optional feedback on the clarity, relevance, and usefulness of each NOOC. (Alonso-Ramos et al., 2022, assessed NOOC satisfaction and usefulness).
- Analysis of website/platform analytics to see which “AMR Alert” NOOCs are most frequently accessed, indicating areas of high interest or perceived need.
- If feasible, occasional broader surveys to regular users of the NOOC series to assess their overall perceived value in staying updated on AMR threats and specific IPC/stewardship points.
References
- Alonso-Ramos, M., Romero, J. J. H., Sanchez-Elvira, A., Molina, C. M. P., Martin, S., Ruiz, E. S. C., Loro, F. G., Murias, T. F., & Castro, M. (2022). Assessment of a group of 3 NOOCs on Nuclear Safety Culture. 2022 IEEE Learning with MOOCS (LWMOOCS), 67–71. https://doi.org/10.1109/lwmoocs53067.2022.9927887
- Álvarez Loyola, C. (2023). The NOOCs as a training strategy for teachers in the use of technological tools in primary education. Región Científica, 2(1), 202362. https://doi.org/10.58763/rc202362
- Álvarez Loyola, C., & Córdova Esparza, D. M. (2023). Los NOOC para el desarrollo de competencias digitales y formación virtual: Una revisión sistemática de la literatura. Edutec. Revista Electrónica de Tecnología Educativa, 85, 68–84. https://doi.org/10.21556/edutec.2023.85.2849
- Guzmán González, J. R., & Vesga Bravo, G. J. (2024). Evaluación de un NOOC orientado a la elaboración de contenidos educativos digitales desde el marco TPACK. Revista Interamericana de Investigación Educación y Pedagogía RIIEP, 17(2), 53–82. https://doi.org/10.15332/25005421.9994
- Heller, R. F., Zurynski, R., Barrett, A., Oaiya, O., & Madhok, R. (2017). Open Online Courses in Public Health: Experience from Peoples-uni. F1000Research, 6, 170. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.10728.1
- Lucchini, R. G., McDiarmid, M., van der Laan, G., Rosen, M., Placidi, D., Radon, K., Ruchirawat, M., Kurtz, L., & Landrigan, P. (2018). Education and Training: Key Factors in Global Occupational and Environmental Health. Annals of Global Health, 84(3), 436–441. https://doi.org/10.29024/aogh.2328
- Ortega-Sanchez, D., & Gomez-Trigueros, I. M. (2020). MOOCs and NOOCs in the Training of Future Geography and History Teachers: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study Based on the TPACK Model. IEEE Access, 8, 4035–4042. https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2019.2963314
- Pérez, L., Jordano, M., y Martín-Cuadrado, A. M. (2017). Los NOOC para la formación en competencias digitales del docente universitario. Una experiencia piloto de la Universidad Nacional de Educación a distancia (UNED). Revista de Educación a Distancia (RED), 55, 1. https://doi.org/10.6018/red/55/1
- Rutkauskiene, D., Gudoniene, D., Bartkute, R., & Volodzkaite, G. (2019). Smart Learning Objects for Online and Blended Learning Approach. In V. Uskov, R. Howlett, L. Jain, (eds). Smart Education and e-Learning 2019. Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies (pp. 189–199). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-8260-4_18
