Video based learning

For a while now, I’ve been questioning the effectiveness of video media for learning new skills or content for self-improvement.

While it’s easy to start, I struggle with video-based learning due to a lack of interest in completing it or confidence in effective application after completion. However, I find that the opposite is true with long-form reading, such as books, research papers, and essays. I learn better through an audio-only medium like podcasts or audiobooks than video, although not as effectively as with long-form reading.

I’ve realized that two factors combined are the prominent reasons for this.

1. Incoherent pace for active learning: Effective learning lies in the reflection-action phase. However, in videos, the pace is controlled by the person delivering it, making it difficult to control the pace necessary for learning.

2. Multi-sensory input to the brain: In videos, there are visual and auditory inputs to process, causing distraction and making it difficult to reflect and learn.

While each of these reasons on its own could be tackled with a certain amount of willpower; though, not sustainable. When combined, as is the case in the video medium, they wreak havoc on my learning process.

In my experience, video media is best left for brain entertainment rather than focused learning. Perhaps, it is not as bad for other people.