Learning How to Learn From Videos

How effective is learning from a video?

Most of us watch videos in a pleasurable capacity, such as funny videos, movies, etc.

With LinkedIn Learning, you will be switching to a learning capacity, and the easiest way to not get bored is to find a topic/skill you want to learn. Think about your countless hours on YouTube trying to find the proper video instruction for your device or home project. Your determination to know is needed when doing self-study; it's no different when using LinkedIn Learning.

As a supplement to our classes, LinkedIn Learning will continue to help you grow your skills and give you the tools for our changing workforce.

Take notes!

First, take notes throughout the course as you watch these videos.

Brain research suggests that handwritten note-taking will maximize your attention and focus and aid in transferring your learning to long-term memory.

I also encourage you to use colored pens and pencils, draw images, and write down words. Be playful and have fun with it.

Think of the note-taking as creating a mental map of your journey through the course.

What are your goals?

Next, before you begin, think about your goals and ask yourself why you are taking the course, what you expect to learn, and how you plan to apply what you are learning.

Please write down your answers to these questions and keep them at your side as you watch the videos. Reflect on and check your progress against these goals and modify or embellish them throughout the learning process.

Minimize Distractions!!

When it's time to watch a video, make sure you've taken measures to minimize any distractions or interruptions that might happen. Place your phone in airplane mode.

Turn off your email. Log out of social media. And to the extent possible, find a quiet place where you'll be able to focus and concentrate. Each video is only a few minutes long, so you should be able to unplug long enough to watch a few videos during each learning session.

Don't Binge Watch!

Avoid the temptation to binge-watch. LinkedIn Learning designed its course content in chunks of videos for each main topic. So, give yourself a break between these topics. You might even want to space the videos out over a few days and give your brain a chance to sleep on the new information you're taking in.

As you finish each video and learning session, give yourself a few minutes to reflect on what you've learned and capture in writing any new ideas or insights that you're having.

As you go through the course and after you've completed it, share what you are learning with others. And ask them what they think. Have a conversation. That will help generate new insights and understanding of the material.

Re-watch Videos!

Space the videos over a few days and give your brain a chance to sleep on the new information you're taking in.

As you finish each video and learning session, give yourself a few minutes to reflect on what you've learned and capture in writing any new ideas or insights that you're having. As you go through the course and after you've completed it, share what you are learning with others. That's one of the best ways to transfer your learning into long-term memory. And ask them what they think. Have a conversation. That will help generate new insights and understanding of the material.

So, after watching a few videos, go back to a video you've watched earlier, discover some new insights, and go back to videos after a few weeks. You might be surprised at what your brain does with already-seen content. The content won't have changed, but your brain will have.