Instructional designers, training managers and e-learning marketers need to understand why video works and how to apply psychology-driven design to the courses. Video uses some core psychological principles such as dual coding and storytelling, which is why it works so well. The deep roots in human psychology mean that the brain is naturally wired to process visual and auditory stimuli. Stories have captivated humans for centuries and video provides a great way to tell them today.
When applying the psychology of video learning to education, it makes the learning experience more memorable. Learners no longer consume knowledge passively as they did in traditional classrooms. Video provides them with a medium that engages their senses and emotions. It also simultaneously exercises their cognitive processes. This makes video one of the most powerful tools to keep their attention and allow them to learn on a deeper level.
Dual coding theory: combining audio and visual inputs
Professor Allan Paivio developed dual coding theory. The memory uses two distinct channels – visual and verbal – to store information. The chances of retaining and retrieving a memory are higher when storage is in two distinct functional locations rather than in just one. Before he came up with this theory, the prevailing view was that human memory depends on words.
A dual coding video has both visual and verbal elements. A text document that only engages the visual channel simply doesn’t have the same impact. Think about a text document that teaches learners about molecular structures. Compare this with a video overlaying narration with animations of molecular structures. The use of narration and images enables video explanations to ‘stick’ more and makes them easier to retrieve.
Reducing cognitive overload
Learners often become overwhelmed when they receive too much information at the same time. With the use of videos, online educators can reduce their cognitive load. You can use many small video modules to convey different aspects of a large topic instead of presenting them with a single, long video. Visually highlighting the main points helps learners remember them. Structured presentation in small pieces supports engagement and retention.
There’s psychological rationale that supports step-by-step learning and the breaking of knowledge down into smaller bites that are easier to digest. Microlearning helps to reduce cognitive overload.
With the use of video hosting from Cincopa, online educators can deliver video content in a logical, step-by-step sequence. With its customizable e-learning video playlist templates, you can create structured learning. This helps learners to use their time more efficiently and retain more. It can also accommodate different learning styles and make learners feel more in control of their own learning.
Storytelling and emotional engagement in video learning
Storytelling in e-learning videos can counteract dropout or disengagement in e-learning courses. Video learning effectiveness depends strongly on engaging the emotions of learners and using stories can do this. They help to create meaning and allow learners to understand abstract ideas in a context they resonate with.
The brain is hardwired for stories
Recent studies in both educational theory and cognitive psychology show that the brain is hardwired for stories.
- Brain imaging studies show that stories activate many regions in the brain. This includes those responsible for language, emotion and sensory processing.
- Learners who have narrative structures through which to process information are able to recall information more easily.
- Stories can introduce challenges or conflicts that stimulate critical thinking.
Different types of stories
When corporate trainers are rolling out new training programs or online course creators are creating new courses, they need to think about how narrative techniques can enhance videos and drive better learning outcomes.
Stories can come in many forms and help to create an emotional connection in online education. Videos provide one of the best ways to convey stories because of their visual and auditory aspects.
Real-life scenarios
Mundane training modules can become dynamic and engaging with the use of real-life scenarios.
Online educators in the healthcare sector may need to create more empathy in healthcare workers. Reading a list of best caretaking practices would be unlikely to have much effect. However, watching a real-life interaction with a patient would create more of an emotional connection with the material. A story could help to activate empathy, leading to deeper reflection and long-term changes in behavior.
A common way to include stories in videos is to introduce a problem and offer a solution. In a monday.com video, two people are discussing the problem of using too many platforms for work. In this context, it introduces its platform as the solution.
Case studies
Self-determination theory is one of the psychological theories of motivation. It emphasizes that learners thrive when they can relate to educational content and see its relevance in their lives. Case studies can make abstract principles feel more personally relevant. Learners can see how someone else was able to apply a solution to a problem in the real world.
Interactive storytelling
When learners can interact with embedded questions within videos or click a link to access further information, they are more engaged. They don’t just listen to information but experience it in ways that align with the way their brains work.
Adaptive storytelling
This is a technique where online educators tailor stories to suit particular groups of learners. Learners can make choices that influence the narrative and see the outcomes of their choices.
Building trust and connection through human presence
Another major reason for the successful use of videos in e-learning is because they can replicate human presence in a digital world. Online learning can make learners feel isolated and without human interaction, they can easily become disengaged.
Video content helps learners to create parasocial relationships. Forming a relationship with someone they watch on a screen is a well-documented psychological effect. Learners can admire and learn to trust online educators that they see on a screen. This trust and connection helps them to persevere, even when content is challenging to learn.
Instructors can appear on screen and make eye contact with the camera. Learners can see their natural gestures and hear their tone of voice, which helps them to build trust. They no longer feel as though they have to learn completely on their own.
Live streaming isn’t like watching video content that’s pre-recorded and uploaded for viewing at a later stage. Global audiences can watch a live stream in real-time and live chat enables them to communicate with the broadcaster and other viewers. This offers an immediacy that helps to build connection.
Online educators can use video messaging to give learners constructive feedback on their assignments. Learners can ask questions and get responses to help enhance their understanding.
Cultural and emotional nuances can be difficult to convey through text. A change of tone or a smile can convey far more than a sentence of text on a slide. In global e-learning environments, learners often come from different backgrounds. A human touch can help to make learning feel more inclusive and relatable. Online educators need to take the diverse audiences into account and need to avoid using cultural stereotypes and making cultural missteps.
On the Cincopa video hosting platform, online educators can create video experiences that connect intellectually and emotionally with learners. The platform offers interactive tools and advanced video analytics that will help you to maximize the impact of the e-learning videos.
Conclusion: Designing psychologically powerful e-learning experiences
The power of using video in e-learning comes from its alignment with human psychology. Giving learners dynamic, human-centered video learning helps to make knowledge stick. Video is the crucial key to making e-learning effective in the digital age. E-learning brands can sign up for a free trial on Cincopa’s home page and find out more about what it has to offer for video e-learning success.
