Visual technical communication: XBRL in Plain English

As the volume of information we need to stay current continues to grow, it becomes increasingly important to deliver digital content in a way that sticks with learners. In order to avoid information simply flowing past learners' minds, we need to apply best practices for multimedia learning to our content.

Research shows the combined use of narration with visuals is effective for learning. Known as dual channel processing, it allows our brain to process information through both the eyes and ears at the same time. Done correctly, this can be a powerful way to reach, and more importantly, stick in learners' minds.

Connecting a visual image to the words we are hearing helps us make more sense from a multimedia message. It's when we make meaning--by linking what we learn to what we already know--that transfer to long term memory occurs.

The alternative is information, or cognitive, overload. We've all been there: transfixed gazes at computer screens or glazed-eye syndrome during a lecture in a dimly lit room.

In the above example, Just Systems adopted the digital storytelling technique used by Common Craft to describe the role of XBRL in financial reporting. It's a complicated subject and, in approximately six minutes, they've done a rather good job of explaining it. You could call it content marketing or selling your idea, but it's about getting a message across as effectively as possible. In a world where competition for our online attention is ferocious, making a message stick becomes as important as the message itself.

As making meaning from the online or mobile content remains the challenge of the day, I think we serve learners well through the effective use of visuals in the form of digital storytelling, mind mapping, videos, charts, graphs and the like.

Using a story-based approach for teaching complex issues

Here is a simple explanation of the Cynefin model and why using a narrative or story-based approach is useful for teaching complex issues such as leadership, innovation and culture.

The teacher is using a tool that evokes the image of sitting in a coffee shop while someone simultaneously explains an idea and sketches it on the back of a napkin. If you find this form of learning appealing, you might really like Sketchcast, a free online tool.

Narration, images and cognitive load

Here is a helpful lesson explaining why it's better for learning to use audio narration to describe an image rather than audio narration of onscreen text. Ruth Clark and Richard Mayer's recently published book E-learning and the Science of Instruction outlines how, in multiple tests, learners retained more information when a visual was explained using audio narration versus text. This is a useful fact to keep in mind when knowledge retention is an important part of your digital instruction. Listen to the different examples explaining how a cell phone tower works and see which one helps you to remember the information the most. Thanks to Articulate's Tom Kuhlman for providing this example.

Interview with Joe Miller of SecondLife on corporate communication and learning

Here is an interesting interview by the ASTD (American Society for Training and Development) with Joe Miller, who was the keynote speaker at the recent ASTD 2008 TechKnowledge Conference. In the interview, Mr. Miller discusses topics such as what sort of environments are best for learning in virtual worlds, how companies are using virtual worlds to communicate with their customers and what areas of SecondLife hold the most promise for learning professionals.

New DIY Quizmaker by Studiyo

I recently discovered a free quizmaker tool by Studiyo (beta). Rather than write about it, I quickly built a short quiz on elearning tips to show you some of what it can do. This took about an hour to make (including time to find the photos). Studiyo might be worth adding to your elearning toolkit.

Improving linear navigation in your elearning

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A great slideshow from Cathy Moore of Django Labs. I find Cathy's examples prove elearning without audio can be quite effective.

Instructional design in virtual worlds

I attended a class this week in instructional design for virtual worlds hosted by the Gronstedt Group in Second Life (SL). As an aside, you might want to check out the article Anders Grondstedt wrote about training and 3D worlds in Training and Development magazine. When the class began, we teleported to MIST Island and were shown instructional design examples by our guide, Abbott Bundy (his SL name), a teacher in SL.

We learned some interesting things in the class, almost all of it related to instructional layout and design for 3D worlds. In the image above we are seen entering a large classroom with floating chairs for viewing three screens. The instructor spoke about optimal layout and design for maximum viewing. We also discovered techniques for learner engagement, such as creating treasure hunts to gather information and learner checkpoints to measure progress. We also learned how to build a training center that gives the idea of a separate space without a huge time investment spent building the architecture.

I'm convinced the need for sound instructional design will not go away. With the currently changing information landscape, there are many new ways to deliver content to learners. What is exciting are the variety of ways we can engage learners, a vital component of today's knowledge economy.

When marketing and elearning collide

This morning I came across Apple's elearning when reading a blog entry called elearning is selling. I tend to agree with the opinion put forth in the blog. Today, people don't want to waste time being 'sold'. Consumers are smart and they know what they want. Show the the goods, how to use them, and let buyers decide is a better approach to marketing communication. I predict that marketing and elearning will increasingly collide as consumers seek answers to questions they have prior to buying a product or service.

I wanted to showcase this example of instructional design. I particularly like the way each short topic-based video clip appears as a graphic because the mind can simultaneously see both the specific topic and what they will learn as a whole. A suggestion would be to include the time in the lower right hand corner, e.g., 30 sec, to give the viewer an idea of how long each clip is.

This is an appealing way to present the content. The layout of the videos takes into consideration the fact that we recognize objects more quickly in patterns than in lines or lists. For example, if you place many marbles side by side in a line it is more difficult to accurately estimate the number than if they are separated into a polygonal or hexagonal shapes. With patterns, our mind makes a visual connection to the whole and can more easily break it down into parts. Any other thoughts you have on the instructional design of this example?

Instructional design in virtual worlds

This image (click to enlarge) was taken at the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) location in Second Life (SL). I found it was an effective instructional design example and wanted to post it on my blog. It is strategically placed when you arrive at the ASTD headquarters in SL so that, as a first-timer, you can quickly get up to speed and start making your way around in SL. This makes me think about my profession and whether there are different techniques for improving technical communication in a virtual world.

As a member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC) and working as an instructional designer for online learning, I've often seen the overlap between the two fields. Most of the people I know in the technical communication field specialize in writing. I think as more people go online for learning and training, the shift toward more visual instruction is necessary. Why? It is too difficult to sit and read large amounts of text while staring at a screen for long periods of time. I'd like to see an area of training develop on how to best instruct for virtual worlds. I will definitely continue exploring this while I build training there. I would also welcome any tips, books or links anyone would like to share on how to improve instruction in SL.

Podcast tip #1: Level out sound using GigaVox Levelator

A useful technique for capturing subject matter expertise is to record an interview. This can provide an invaluable resource to go over if you will be producing any instructional content on a topic. There might be times when you will want to broadcast the interviews as a podcast to your learners and would like to improve the quality of the sound. Here is a short (1.5 minute) demo showing a free tool called the GigaVox levelator that improves the sound quality by leveling out different volumes of two or more speakers.

Asterpix Interactive Video

OK, I find it difficult to contain my excitement when I come across a new e-learning tool. This site, called Asterpix, is a kindness offered to all of us who have difficulty doing...well, anything. This is the future of how-to help for many topics I think. So much easier than sifting through a user manual. Now to join the fun and post some of my own stuff. Enjoy.

Slideshare on trends and impact of e-learning 2.0

Interesting slide show on trend and impact of e-learning 2.0 by S. Downes. I picked up some new terms and ideas from this, and found it informative.

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Evidence-based research in e-learning

An interesting and informative look at evidence-based findings in the field of instructional design. There is also a webinar at Adobe entitled e-Learning & the Science of Instruction: Applying Evidence-based Guidelines for Digital Learning Environment that Teach where Ruth Clark discusses the topic in further detail. Note you must register with Adobe (free) to access the presentation. It is a good overview of the subject of best practices in the evolving field of instructional design and for further in-depth information I recommend The Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning. We are continuing our e-learning videos for our client and the next series is more complicated in nature and needs the application of best practices more than ever.