Editors Note
This month, we delve into the evolution of visual learning—from ancient imagery to today’s dynamic videos, graphics, and interactive tools. We’re proud to share that The Win Win Game, our negotiation video case study, has been successfully adapted for classroom training by a leading real estate firm. We also take you behind the scenes to explore the testing setup that powers key features on our LMS and online courses.
Lens Insight
The Evolution of Visual Learning
Since ancient times, visuals have been at the heart of learning – from Egyptian hieroglyphics to Greek maps and geometric diagrams. Visual learning harnesses the power of visual aids such as videos, images, graphics and whiteboard presentations to facilitate learning. These visual tools help grasp and retain complex ideas and information, leading to an impactful learning experience.
A Historical Perspective on Visual Learning Innovation
From the introduction of the chalkboard in the early 19th century to the rise of artificial intelligence in the 21st century, classrooms have constantly evolved to meet the changing needs of society.
- The Chalkboard – Introduced in the 1800s, marked the beginning of a shared visual learning space. Its erasable surface pioneering a key element of modern educational technology, the ability to create, edit and iterate content in real-time.
- Educational Television – Introduced in the 1950s and 1960s, spearheaded by iconic programs like “Sesame Street”, brought accessible and engaging visual content into homes and classrooms, redefining the boundaries of traditional learning.
- Personal Computers – The introduction of personal computers in the 1980s and 1990s, enabled visual content to be leveraged in new and interactive ways, bringing learning to life through PowerPoint presentations, SCORM and spreadsheets.
- The Internet – Introduced in the 1990s and 2000s, The World Wide Web allowed people to access online information and eLearning opportunities. It also helped expand distance learning opportunities. Many educational establishments use films excerpts to help improve group learning by focusing on practical situations and honing response skills. “12 Angry Men” is a 1957 film that is widely used in leadership development courses to illustrate key concepts like group dynamics, persuasion and critical thinking.
- Learning Management Systems (LMS) – Cut to the 2000s and businesses started using Learning Management Systems like Blackboard and Moodle that enabled visual content to be organized, shared and accessed in a centralized platform, streamlining course delivery and enhancing the learning experience. SCORM versions, significantly impacted the eLearning industry by enabling platform content reusability and tracking across different LMS.
- Smartphones and Apps – In the decade of 2010s, visual learning was transformed by putting interactive content, videos and simulations at our fingertips. Sites like YouTube, once primarily known for cat videos and entertainment content, now offers a vast array of educational channels and content that cover a wide range of subjects, enabling free and personalized learning on-the-go. Platforms like Udemy extends its services to teachers and instructors by providing them with access to a diverse set of tools for visually engaging content creation and taking charge of marketing and distribution to reach a broader audience.
Embracing the Future While Learning from the Past
Charting the Future of Visual Learning
In the 2020s, we have entered a period where artificial intelligence stands as the next transformative force in visual learning. AI promises to brings unique capabilities that set it apart from previous innovations. This is expected to touch every area of visual learning. Content creators like us at Knowlens and technology tools increasingly need to synergise and deliver the best learning experience.
There’s more of a need than ever to ensure the value proposition of visual content is so strong that learners would be willing to adopt it on a regular basis. Content often may cause information overload, may not be engaging, not be retention-focused, not designed for real-world application, or not create a lasting impact on learners. The need for high-quality, impactful visual content is more pressing than ever and the joint forces of great content creators and the sheer possibilities of AI to amplify this, is the new frontier.
Inside Knowlens
Adapting Video Case Study Learning to Real Estate
The Win Win Game our video case study based program focused on negotiation skills was adapted into a classroom-based training program for a leading real estate player.
The original video case studies showcased a series of real-world negotiation scenarios, highlighting strategies such as active listening, compromise, and building rapport, and concepts like BATNA and ZOPA. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by project teams in the real estate sector, such as stakeholder management and the need for collaboration among diverse parties, the training program was tailored to include role-playing exercises and breakout discussions. Participants were encouraged to analyze the video content in the context of their specific projects, fostering an environment where they could relate theoretical concepts to their daily interactions with clients, contractors, and regulatory authorities.
The adaptation involved specific learning objectives aimed at enhancing the team’s negotiation skills, and research into the stakeholder challenges vis-a-vis negotiations. Participants gained insights into the importance of understanding the interests and motivations of different stakeholders, which is crucial in real estate transactions. The workshop involved group discussions around case studies relevant to their experiences, enabling the team to brainstorm practical negotiation strategies. Feedback forms collected at the end of the training indicated a marked improvement in participants’ confidence levels in negotiation scenarios and a deeper understanding of strategy application in real-world contexts.
Knowbyte
70% of students prefer learning through videos over reading text, as videos enhance engagement and retention.
Upgrade Hub
This time at the Upgrade Hub, we look at the behind the scenes story for some many of the features we set up – which power the engine of features for our learners on our LMS and online courses….the Testing set up. An AI powered automated testing engine for the Knowlens LMS with an easy-to-use, no-code platform. This lets us quickly check critical user paths, cut down on manual QA work, and keep performance steady through regular updates. By automating full test scenarios, we spot issues early and keep the product reliable as it grows.