With technology growing by leaps and bounds, newer ways of learning are cropping up everyday. One such method is audio-visual learning which is capable of delivering high quality education at a very affordable cost and with potential to reach every corner across the world.

What is audio-visual learning?

Audio-visual learning is a new method of learning in which a student learns different topics of a subject by watching pre-recorded video tapes on specific topics. These video tapes are created by experts using superior technological tools and widely researched course material. The students can watch and re-watch the videos till they are confident of the topic and can further revise the topics in future by going through the video tapes again. The mode of learning is now being increasingly used in corporate training modules as well as by some online portals to assist in the preparation for various standard exams such as SAT, GMAT, ACT, etc. There are various CDs and DVDs available in the market which provide preparation courses on various subjects in audio-visual format. 

Is learning by watching video-tapes scientifically beneficial?

The learning module involving watching of video tapes is very much similar to class-room learning. It is a much better way of learning as by displaying a problem being solved simultaneously along with audio support, it helps in retention of what is learnt, much better. In such a case, we are using two of our sense organs simultaneously. As we all know, the areas of the brain where visual and auditory inputs are stored are different. By simultaneous use of both sense organs, we store the concepts learnt in two different places in the brain. Since learning occurs simultaneously, there is a linkage between the data stored in two different parts of the brain and this facilitates faster and easier recall.

How is audio-visual learning vis-à-vis classroom learning?

Audio-visual learning is as good as classroom learning in terms of productivity. The only flip side to it is that, it is not as interactive as classroom learning. But it offers a lot of flexibility to the user in terms of flow and speed of learning. Any student can go through the video tapes as many times as he wants until he clearly understands the topic unlike in a classroom setting. These video tapes may be extremely handy when it comes to revision of topics. Also in today’s scenario, where even working executives take various preparation courses, audio-visual modes of learning provide them with the flexibility to structure their studies according to their busy schedule.

What are the different applications of audio-visual learning?

Audio-visual learning can facilitate and revolutionize learning in many ways. Imagine, if any student misses his class for a long duration due to illness or otherwise, he can learn all that he has missed by watching recorded videos. Also, in tandem with the World Wide Web, it can provide quality educational material at very affordable prices irrespective of the end user’s geographical location. Today, there are a few portals which provide very good quality preparation material for important exams such as SAT, GMAT, etc, in an online audio-visual format. This not only makes learning a lot more flexible but also very cost-effective.

Imagine how your life would be without Google and how pervasive a role it plays in our life. Technology can have such a powerful influence in our lives. It can be very helpful in aiding the future of learning and audio-visual learning is one such technology.