Are Videos The Best Way To Learn?

As a video training expert, I so, so, so wish I could say, “Yes, videos are the best way to learn!” Though true, videos can be an excellent tool for training, as they allow for visual and auditory learning, and can be easily accessed and shared. Whether or not videos are the “best” way to learn depends on the subject matter, the learner’s preferences and needs, and the quality of the video itself.

The primary reason people learn well via video is because the human brain processes videos 60,000 times faster than it does text, according to a Psychology Today article “Video vs. Text: The Brain Perspective.” This realization has analysts and e-learning pundits predicting video-based learning will significantly grow. 5 benefits of video-based learning.

How to Use Videos Effectively: 5 Tips

Learning preferences aside, if you decide that you want to help your audience learn with video, then here are five tips on how to use videos effectively for training purposes:

Keep it concise and focused: Target your videos toward a specific learning objective. Keep it short, at most 10 minutes.
Use visual aids: Incorporate images, charts, graphics, icons, and text overlays to help illustrate concepts and make the content more engaging.
Provide context: Provide context for the material covered in the video, explaining how it relates to the learner’s job or industry, and why it is important to learn.
Make it interactive: Use quizzes or other interactive elements to engage learners and assess their understanding of the material.
Ensure quality: Good audio, decent lighting, and a simple edit will make your videos engaging. Meaning is more important than the visuals, but bad audio kills viewership!

If you are looking to improve your videos, consider my Video For Learning course which helps professionals make better learning and training videos. I can help!

Video May Not Be the Best Way to Learn

While videos can be an effective tool for training, they are not always the best option for all learners or subjects. Readers prefer to read the content. Listeners like to hear the message spoken to them. And of course, the type of learner who is tactile or learns by doing will most certainly prefer interacting with the content rather than just watching it in a video.

Summary

In conclusion, videos can be a powerful tool for training. Video effectiveness ultimately depends on the context and quality of the content. As with any learning method, it’s important to consider the needs and preferences of the learners. You should use videos in conjunction with other training methods to ensure the best learning outcomes.

Are Videos The Best Way To Learn?