The Benefits of Video-Based Learning

Video-based learning has been gathering pace over the last decade, expedited all the more so recently by the pandemic. So much so in fact, that an estimated 88% of organisations now include video-based learning in their training strategy – a number that is only set to grow rapidly. An extraordinary statistic, bearing in mind that such a medium is relatively new to the world.

So – why is video-based learning so popular and in demand?

Let’s start with the science!

Numerous scientific research projects have demonstrated that visual cues help us to better retain and recollect information.

This makes sense when we consider that the majority of our sensory cortex is allocated to vision and the section of the brain used to process words is fairly small in comparison.

By seeing new concepts and ideas in motion, retention is significantly improved in comparison to text based learning. Users are not simply passively reading information. They are following a visual story.

According to Forbes, users perceive and retain 90% of the information they receive via video vs text.

In the Psychology Today article ‘Video vs Text: The Brain Perspective’, psychological researcher Liraz Maragalit explains that our brains process videos an incredible 60,000 times faster than text.

Liraz explains that, as our brains are wired to avoid cognitive stress, it is only natural for us to prefer mediums that are easier to consume. This, in turn, allows our brains to concentrate on connecting with the material itself.

She goes on to say ‘When we watch a video, we become immersed in it and create an empathetic connection with the screen. If you want your visitors to fall in love with your content, it makes sense to deliver it via video… it is much easier for us to become emotionally attached to something we watch in a video than something we read in an article.’

At Social Care TV, we believe that connecting with our learners on an emotional and motivational level through moving imagery is critically important as part of their learning journey.

Utilising both sound and visual cues, our learners enjoy a multi-sensory experience when partaking in our courses. ‘Engaging’, ‘memorable’, ‘fun’ and ‘user-friendly’ are just some of the adjectives we see regularly in feedback from both managers and learners.

Video-based learning also provides the ability to create interaction with learners. At SCTV all videos are interactive, asking the learner questions after watching bite-sized pieces of video, alongside the provision of learning aids such as workbooks.

Another benefit of video-based learning is flexibility. In our fast-paced modern day world, time is something we simply do not have enough of. E-learning courses can be accessed anywhere, any time – meaning that courses can be paused and resumed at a later and more convenient time. Most video-based content can be accessed via tablets, PCs and smartphones, providing the ability to learn on almost any device.

When deciding on a training strategy for staff, cost is almost always a factor. Video is a cost-effective solution for delivering professional training to employees removing the need for travel costs, instructor costs and overheads. After putting into place an eLearning plan, IBM discovered that trainees learned nearly five times more in the same space of time. By teaching more materials in the same amount of time, companies are able to significantly reduce costs.

By digitising training, employers can also provide proof of compliance with regulatory bodies and maintain better control over employee training paths and plans.

As the world moves towards an ever faster pace of life and demand grows for both flexibility and instant access, video-based learning really does seem to make sense for all. Video is a powerful medium that provides a more engaging experience for learners and better retention rates in the long-term.