Textbooks vs. TikTok: How Learning Styles Have Changed
Why schools and education providers need to adapt to videos, and how.
Every educational era has its key tools and methods, and each one plays an important role.
In the past, chalkboards on classroom walls, textbooks we carried everywhere, and overhead projectors helping us see lessons were all essential parts of learning.
But as technology advances, these traditional tools are slowly giving way to newer, more modern options.
Remember….textbooks?
Today’s textbooks are trusted companions for many students and teachers.
They’ve been around since the 15th century and hold a wealth of information, evident in their heft.
Back in the day, carrying a textbook was a sign of serious dedication to schoolwork.
However, it is no longer enough in today’s digital age because students crave more interactive, multimedia learning.
With easy access to information from social media and the internet, traditional textbooks struggle to provide the engaging, personalized experiences learners now seek.
The Shift from Textbook to Video
TikTok’s quick, visually engaging videos have captured students’ attention, particularly those within some specific demographics.
Its short-form, eye-catching content can spark curiosity and offer creative and innovative learning methods, making it a more energetic alternative to traditional textbooks.
Read More: Online Learning Videos: Teach Better, Understand Faster
Why School and Education Providers Need to Adapt to Videos
Using video in school settings unlocks numerous educational advantages:
- Increased Engagement: Students’ senses are stimulated by video content, which makes it simpler to maintain their interest and focus.
- Visual Learning Aid: Video presentations can help people better understand complex subjects like historical events or scientific processes.
- Increased Retention: Studies indicate that visual aids, such as videos, can increase the rate at which students retain material. Students tend to retain information better when it is presented visually.
- Inclusivity: Videos accommodate a range of learning styles, including visual and auditory learners and those who gain from seeing abstract concepts applied in practical settings.
How Can Schools and Education Providers Adapt to Video?
Video is now becoming a core teaching tool.
Here’s how schools and education providers can seamlessly integrate it into their learning approach
1. Start with the Current Curriculum: Turn existing lesson plans into short, engaging videos focusing on key concepts and common questions. Use visuals to simplify complex ideas and make the content more accessible.
2. Mix Different Video Styles: Incorporate different formats, such as explainer videos for abstract topics, recorded lectures for review, and interactive videos for engagement. Encourage students to make their own videos to boost creativity and engagement.
3. Get the Right Tools and Training: Provide teachers with easy-to-use tools like Loom, Canva Video, or Edpuzzle. Offer training on how to create videos and tell stories visually. For more high-quality and reusable content, consider working with professional video studios.
4. Add Videos into Learning Platforms: Embed videos directly into Google Classroom. Use them for lessons, quizzes, or flipped classroom setups to keep everything organized and accessible.
5. Lastly, Measure & Improve
Use platform analytics and student feedback to see what works and what doesn’t. Keep refining your videos to make sure they stay relevant and practical.
Read More: 8 Ways Explainer Videos Can Elevate Your E-Learning.
If you’re an educator looking to make your lessons more engaging for your students, animated videos can be a powerful addition to your teaching toolkit!
At Breadnbeyond, we specialize in creating custom animations that are visually appealing and tailored to help your students understand the educational materials.
Check out more of our work here.
