In today’s digital age, where information flows freely, capturing the attention of young audiences has become increasingly challenging. Traditional passive learning methods, such as lectures and static videos, often struggle to engage the minds of the tech-savvy youth. This is where active learning, particularly through interactive video, takes centre stage.
Let’s explore why young audiences are drawn to interaction in the educational sphere.
Engaging the digital natives
Gen Z and millennials are often referred to as digital natives due to their lifelong exposure to technology. They’ve grown up with the internet, smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles, which have conditioned them to expect engagement and interaction in their digital experiences. Static content can appear dull and uninspiring to these individuals.
Interactive videos, on the other hand, introduce an element of playfulness, challenge, and participation. They often include quizzes, decision-making scenarios, and clickable elements that keep learners actively engaged throughout the learning process. This not only sustains their interest but also enhances comprehension and retention of the material.
Learning by doing
Active learning, a cornerstone of interactive videos, aligns with the hands-on approach that younger audiences favour. Through interactive video, they can actively explore content, make choices, and see the consequences of their decisions. This experiential learning style empowers them to take ownership of their education and fosters critical thinking skills.
Gamification and motivation
Gamifying educational content is a powerful way to motivate young learners. By incorporating game-like features into interactive videos, such as earning points, unlocking achievements, or competing with peers, educators tap into the competitive spirit and intrinsic motivation of their audience. This not only makes learning enjoyable but also encourages them to invest more time and effort into the subject matter.
Personalised learning journey
Interactive videos allow for a personalised learning experience. Young audiences can navigate through the content at their own pace, revisit sections they find challenging, and skip ahead if they already have a good grasp of certain concepts. This flexibility caters to individual learning preferences, ensuring that each student gets the most out of the educational material.
Preparing for the future
The skills acquired through active learning and interaction are highly relevant in the modern workforce. Young audiences understand that problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability are essential in a rapidly changing world. Interactive videos not only teach subject-specific knowledge but also help develop these vital skills, making them an attractive choice for both students and educators.
Some examples
Chemistry revision
First Aid – managing a head injury (VR)
Active learning through interactive videos is a winning strategy when it comes to engaging young audiences. It aligns with their digital-native upbringing, appeals to their preference for experiential learning, and provides the motivation and personalised experience they desire. As we prepare the leaders of tomorrow, harnessing the power of interaction in education is not just a choice; it’s a necessity.
If you would like learn more about how easy it is to create interactive learning video with Near-Life, book a demo.
Reference:
- Prensky, M. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. On the Horizon, 9(5), 1-6. Link
- Prince, M. (2004). Does Active Learning Work? A Review of the Research. Journal of Engineering Education, 93(3), 223-231. Link
- Deterding, S., Dixon, D., Khaled, R., & Nacke, L. (2011). From Game Design Elements to Gamefulness: Defining” Gamification”. In Proceedings of the 15th international academic MindTrek conference: Envisioning future media environments (pp. 9-15). Link