Complex ideas can be broken down into digestible information with images and videos, that’s why it’s an effective language for learning. But it isn’t limited to images and videos alone.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 visual learning style examples you can use to make an impact on your learning program today.
Microlearning is an innovative visual learning style example that combines the power of visual language with advanced learning technologies. It’s basically bite-sized lessons that combine images, texts, videos, and games that learners can interact with.
In this approach, users are direct participants in the lesson; therefore, they’re actively engaged and learning. Most advanced microlearning tools are mobile-first, which means they’re highly accessible on any smartphone.
Advanced microlearning tools like SC Training (formerly EdApp) offer a diverse range of learning materials on various topics. Depending on the lesson, these tools utilize different visual learning style strategies.
For example, communication skills in the workplace lessons will have visual simulations like chat prompts and other kinds of quiz-type games. SC Training courses are also personally designed by experienced instructional designers who expertly optimize each course with learners in mind.
Virtual training involves conversing, presenting, and collaborating on learning materials via online video calls. The medium has increasingly gotten more sophisticated over the years, with tools having virtual whiteboards, shareable screens, and even watch party functionality.
Although it has its limitations, it has, no doubt, brought together people around the world to collaborate and learn in ways they’ve never before. Sharing images, presentations, and documents in real-time has made work so much easier and more efficient.
The video recording visual learning style example is another time-efficient way of delivering lectures, demos, and presentations. All you need to do is record a lesson while incorporating visual aids, and then distribute it to teams for them to view at their convenience.
One big advantage of this learning style is that learners can rewind or move forward at their own pace. Since each learner is unique, this flexibility makes the learning process more accommodating and effective.
It may take time to create effective video recordings, especially if you’re aiming for quality. But once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll be saving so much more time in the long run! There are also a lot of resources available online for training videos.
Open online courses are readily available materials created by field experts or instructors on specific topics that can be accessed through a browser or app. Most of the time, these come in modules or a set of lessons.
Many of these courses even offer a certificate upon completion to help motivate learners to upskill themselves.
Learning platforms like SC Training have created a library of online courses that integrate visual learning, using images, games, and knowledge-retaining design. If you can’t find a course you need in the library, you can even create one yourself, either with templates or from scratch.
You can even plug in existing learning materials from PDFs, PPTs, and documents, and it’ll automatically convert into an engaging online microlesson.
They say that experience is the best teacher, and this holds even for visual learners, who thrive when fully engaged in a lesson. Knowledge is more easily retained when associated with a lived experience. That’s why it’s important to integrate interactive simulations into your training program.
For example, sales and retail people need to experience what it’s like to interact with clients and customers in the field. This is also valuable for industry workers who need to know how to work their equipment properly for their own safety.
Static visual learning, like images and slides, may not be effective alone because they can get boring. Games and quizzes are great ways to combat boredom and inactivity during learning.
When someone is physically and mentally participating in lessons, knowledge is retained much more easily. And not to mention, when teams are having fun, it’s much more memorable. Additionally, it can also pose a challenge to learners who want to improve themselves in more active ways.
Webinars aren’t just video lectures but are live events that include moderation, keynote speakers, and audience interaction. It encourages everyone to engage in learning by participation. It’s also great because webinars often have chat functions for people who are shy to ask direct questions.
Besides that, webinars are a great way to connect your team with a community of learners and network with other participants in the same field. Most webinars are also offered as video-on-demand (VOD), allowing anyone to access them, even if they missed the live event.
Infographics break complex ideas, information, and facts down into visually appealing and digestible images. They’re also easily shareable, linkable, and even pasteable on presentations and slides, which makes them great for learning.
If you’re planning to create training programs, consider sharpening your graphic design skills or using instructional design tools that make infographics easier to create.
Another increasingly popular visual learning style example is the video essay. Video essays typically offer an in-depth exploration of specific topics. The format uses the visual language of video and film to enhance engagement and interest.
Just like the infographic, video essays aim to make well-researched written material into a digestible and fun visual medium. Most of the time, the format also combines music and other audio techniques to capture the audience.
Graphs and tables have long been essential visual elements in various training formats. The ability to break down complex topics, including numbers, formulas, and trends, into clear representations is crucial for enhancing comprehension.
Learning how to use graphs and tables is valuable for your team. It allows them to process data and insights efficiently, which is key to organizational growth.
Using various learning style examples helps you maximize the effectiveness of training. Let’s explore how this approach achieves that:
Now that we understand the definition of visual learning styles, here are some effective ways to seamlessly incorporate them into your employee training. These suggestions are tailored to specific needs and topics:
Author
Alec is an eLearning expert for SC Training (formerly EdApp), a pioneer LMS that designs creative mobile workplace training solutions. On the off days, they enjoy cooking, reading, or finding a live show or play to watch.