We live in an age where virtually any piece of information can be found at the tips our fingers with a swipe, search, and click. Not only is this changing the way we communicate with one another, it’s changing the way our brains are wired to find, retain, and ultimately learn new information! In order to know if your organization is investing in the right training to meet the needs of the modern learner, it’s crucial to understand how the digital age is changing the way people are wired to learn new information.
Here are 3 keys to making training engaging to learners of the digital age:
1) If the content isn’t relevant to the individual, they’re not interested.
According to author, Nicholas Carr, the rise of the Internet is strengthening our ability to scan information rapidly and efficiently. In other words, we’ve become experts in scrolling. This means that learners of the digital age are much less likely to read through training that isn’t current and customized to their specific role. It also means that the longer the training becomes, the more likely it is to disengage learners.
2) A picture is worth 1,000 words (and a video is worth 1,000 pictures).
Quality visual aids are key. In a study by the Social Science Research Network, it was found that 65 percent of people are visual learners. Additionally, people that are matched with teaching methods that are complementary to their learning styles show increased absorption and retention! So, odds are that adding a motion graphic video, infographic, or illustration to training will make the experience more memorable and valuable to the learner.
3) Screen time is valued, but so is collaboration.
As the amount of screen time continues to increase, people are tending to spend less time learning together and from one another. However, the desire to engage in peer learning has not decreased! When done effectively, collaboration is shown to encourage self-awareness, engagement and peer learning.
For the learners of the digital age, an outdated or one-size-fits-all approach to training does not produce a return on investment. Today’s learners need to be visually engaged with relevant content and given the opportunity to learn additional insight from peers. If your organization is in need of more up-to-date training, but you don’t have the recourses or knowledge to do it yourself, see how we’re turning boring pictures into brilliant videos.