It wasn’t so long ago that school simply involved teachers, books, and the occasional film. Then came the internet, and everything changed. Students can now learn things using several different formats.
The important thing is that people learn, regardless of whether it’s from lectures, books, or pre-recorded material. It’s the latter that has grown exponentially in recent times, and this is also true within social media and business. Let’s find out why this format is so great for learning.
It Can Be Viewed on Many Different Platforms
People can access footage from their smartphones, tablets, laptops, and computers. It can be watched anywhere, at any time. The possibility of downloading videos also means that people can view them offline. They can be converted to mp3 or mp4 files using an app. The files are then redirected to the person’s hard drive for later access.
Digital literacy is increasingly important in the modern world. Students who are trained to access live or pre-recorded content do not just learn information; they acquire a life skill. If a teenager becomes conversant with tablets and computers at school, they will probably continue this use in later life.
People Learn by Looking
One survey discovered that 94% of teachers used pre-recorded visual material, and found it more effective than conventional teaching. This is because a large part of our brain is devoted to visual processing. We remember some of what we see but remember more of what we see and hear. Our brains react quicker to a recording than a page of text. The result is that a lot of information can be absorbed within a short space of time.
Think about the social media generation that is arising. Young people are training their brains to expect constant stimulation using short bursts of attention. This could be in the form of short written posts or photos on Facebook. Pre-recorded footage helps grab a student’s attention. Long recordings can be broken down into shorter segments as a part of bite-size learning.
People Learn by Demonstration
It’s one thing to read about a heart bypass operation. There may be pages of text, and photos and diagrams. It’s when the information is conveyed in a pre-recorded or live format that things get real. An abstract process can be seen in action within a specific context. Our brains like storytelling and recordings can document people and events well. Rather than trying to understand a foreign culture, recorded footage of social interaction will make things more understandable.
Some people cope with flatpack instructions and swiftly build their items of furniture. Others will prefer a ‘how-to’ recording that shows the process in action, without the use of confusing diagrams and text.
They are Tools for Teachers and Have a Global Audience
Lecturers no longer need to say the same thing every year in their classes. They can use pre-recorded material that best conveys the information. They can stop and start as required. A question can be asked of the students, or learners can be allowed to interrupt at any point if confused.
An English teacher no longer has to limit their reach to local learners. They can provide courses that are accessed from almost anywhere on the planet. Teachers who use Skype, Zoom, Facetime, and other similar applications can also interact with their students in real-time. The students can also interact with each other.
Online Courses are Interactive
These are becoming increasingly popular for business or leisure purposes. People can take courses ranging from $20 to $200 or more, and they can go at their own pace. The lessons frequently have questions and answers at the end, to check the student’s comprehension. There may be accessible pdf notes too. Some courses even provide a certificate at the end.
Pre-recorded footage is frequently embedded, in addition to just using text and photos. Students are free to stop the recording to take notes or to rewind. They can even watch the whole thing again, days or years in the future.
Additional Links Can Be Provided
If someone accesses free training material on YouTube, they may discover more by the same person. There may be a whole playlist of relevant material to be found. YouTube was acquired by Google, so Search Engine Optimization applies here. This means that YouTube may suggest to the viewer something totally new and relevant.
YouTube material contains written descriptions. This frequently has links elsewhere. It may be for more footage or to a website containing helpful articles, services, and products. This all helps students access resources from many places.
These are just some of the reasons why this format is so beneficial for learning. People can see and hear content, and enjoy the process of education.
