Why online training works
Jorn Are L.
Founder | L&D strategist, Enterprise Account Director, Senior Relationship Manager
In a recent article by Josh Bersin, it is mentioned that the future of corporate learning will look like TV. Learning using video in a TV format are here to stay.
Acknowledging that everyone learns differently is just one step in a learning solution that is adaptable to each person who needs to learn new skills.
A study conducted by Edgar Dale in 1946 showed that our retention improves as we combine the different ways we take in and process information. Using our different senses, and practising and repeating a skill results in much stronger and effective learning.
In the book Brain Rules, Dr John Medina describes a set of rules based on what scientists know today about how our brain works, and how they help us to learn and retain information.
Every brain is wired differently
Everyone learns differently, so people needs to have a choice of how to learn. There is no right or wrong way in how to view an online course. The learner must be in the driving seat being able to control the speed of playback, the size of the window, whether or not to view closed captions, and whether or not to watch a whole course or segments of many to learn specific topics on demand. The library must be simple straightforward searchable and the video clip selections allow learners to determine the order and the amount that they learn.
We don’t pay attention to boring thing
Most people lose attention after ten minutes, which is why it is so important that the individual videos are shorter. Recommended length are around four minutes long. Include visual images, motion graphics, charts, and animations. This will make learning more engaging, memorable and more enjoyable.
Repeat to remember
To increase the retention span, the learner must be able to stop, rewind, replay, fast-forward and bookmark topics for future reference. You need to be able to come back to the same lesson anytime.
Stimulate multiple senses
The video courses must be constructed in a way that gives the learner maximum outcome. Seeing the instructor, watching real demonstrations including supporting visuals while hearing the voice and reading the text transcripts will improve the learning experience. Together with working along with the instructor on your own files stimulates more senses than reading books or manuals.
Vision trumps all other senses
Videos can include visual software demonstrations with added animated on-screen directions to live-action on-the-scene real-world how-tos. Watching how something is done trumps other methods of learning.
People are powerful and natural explorers
The Linkedin Learning library is an example of a video based library that contains tens of thousands of tutorials. Unlimited access to the library invites and encourages exploration. A learner can come to learn one thing, and stay to explore more courses — sometimes courses that change their life’s work and passions.
Resources:
Study: Edgar Dale’s Cone of Experience, Audio Visual Methods in Teaching, 1946