EDITOR’S NOTE
Measuring Visual Learning:
Visual learning, which involves using images, videos, and graphics, is becoming more popular because it helps people understand, internalise and remember information better. This article takes a look at measurement of visual learning has played out at Knowlens in practice . We usethe Kirkpatrick Model and its four levels: Reaction, Learning, Behavior, and Results.
- Reaction
Visual Learning the Knowlens way is delivered in 2 ways – online and offline. Online of course is a self learn access given to hundreds and thousands of end learners. Offline is delivered by a trainer using a single trainer who displays the course content on a large projector. The traditional ways of measuring reaction are Surveys, Questionnaires, feedback forms and focus groups.
This has pretty much been the approach at Knowlens as well:
Online Mode: online surveys, informal feedback sessions with end user audiences, feedback from L & D leaders etc. have formed the traditional basis for gauging Reaction. This has been easy to get and is reflected in the high renewal ratios and endorsements in interpersonal interactions.
Offline delivery: Feedback forms have been the primary driver in this mode and has also been relatively easy to implement.
Intuitively films do connect, and Reaction has always been easy to obtain.
- Learning
Learning has always been easier to measure in case of online mode of implementation of Knowlens. Each learner has a user id and the Knowlens courses offer quizzes and interim tests and interactive assignments etc . Points and progress is completely gamified and hence learning measurement in terms of Knowledge is easily measured and quantifiable.
- Behavior
This level examines the degree to which learners apply what they have learned when they return to their work or daily activities. The focus here is on behavioral change and the practical application of visual learning.
Typical means of measurement are observations, self-assessments, peer feedback etc. This is where there are challenges, especially in skills or behavior measurement.
Knowlens offers unique features like
- Video recording of practice of the skill learnt along with rating of this skill by a superior – this is all done by an online workflow
- Assignment type questions to assess understanding and deeper application of the concepts learnt in Knowlens courses
Challenges in measuring Behaviour change or skills application:
- Greater employee commitment in terms of time and effort. Business priorities take precedence over L & D priorities in most organizations.
- Short term priority over long term change – many beahviours need observation over longer periods and therefore are more complex to measure objectively
- Lack of bandwidth of internal L & D teams to add one more activity to an already stretched calendar with conflicting priorities
In case of behaviours linked to skills or values, these can be highly beneficial for organizations in the long run but is sufficient will?
- Results
The final level of the Kirkpatrick Model – this is also by far the most challenging, It looks at the overall impact of the visual learning program on organizational goals and outcomes. This stage assesses the broader effectiveness and return on investment (ROI) of the training.
Performance Metrics, Business Impact Analysis and Cost Benefit analysis are some of the usual initiatives associated with results. But this is easier said than done.
Challenges in measuring Behaviour change or skills application:
· Is there a one to one correlation between training and results. In areas like sales, at least there is a clear metric
· Even in such areas like sales, the data capture and interface between business systems and training data are often missing. So how does one correlate the two.
· It requires a highly integrated and deeper approach to training
· You need systems to measure results and correlate them to training inputs – quite often the business results depend on various other factors
Conclusion:
While we have experienced good success at the Reaction and Learnings stage , Behaviour change and Results have been a challenge. This is true of most learning ecosystems and plagues a holistic understanding of learning effectiveness. In our assessment as we speak today, visua learning also faces similar challenges.
INSIDE KNOWLENS
Product of the Month – THE RIGHT WAY
Introducing “The Right Way” – our product of the month on Ethics! Code of Conduct or Ethics is a compelling challenge for most organizations. At Knowlens, we decide to take a look at a broad based approach covering important ethical aspects including Professionalism in dealing with third parties, Conflict of Interest, Undue Favours, Personal Integrity, Confidential Information, Handling Juniors, Whistleblwoing policy, Cartelised pricing and Safe Environment.
This film-based course on Code of Conduct & Ethics features ten compelling cases depicting these concepts set in real-world corporate and business scenarios. Each roleplay provides a practical template for handling unforeseen situations, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to navigate ethical dilemmas confidently. Enhance your professional conduct and decision-making abilities with “The Right Way.”