The Intersection of Social Learning and Video Education: A Look into the Future of EdTech

The Intersection of Social Learning and Video Education: A Look into the Future of EdTech

Introduction:

The field of education technology, or EdTech, has seen significant growth and evolution in recent years. With the rise of consumer mega-brands and the advent of video-based learning platforms, the landscape of education has transformed. In this article, we will explore the intersection of social learning and video education, analyzing the potential it holds for the future of EdTech. We will also delve into the concept of tacit knowledge transmission through videos and its impact on learning outcomes. Finally, we will provide actionable advice for educators and EdTech companies to leverage these trends effectively.

The Power of Social Learning in EdTech:

Consumers today are craving a truly social learning experience. While popular edutainment companies have successfully built strong single-player experiences, they have missed a significant opportunity to tap into the potential of social learning. Teaching, as a learning method, has been proven to drive the highest retention rates. By incorporating social and community-driven learning experiences into their platforms, EdTech companies can enhance the educational journey for students and create a stronger sense of engagement and collaboration.

Capitalizing on Consumer Mega-Brands:

The success of consumer mega-brands in the education sector cannot be overlooked. These brands have quickly established themselves as leaders in the industry by leveraging their existing consumer base and brand recognition. By offering enterprise solutions, these companies are generating substantial annual recurring revenue (ARR) and solidifying their position in the market. This trend highlights the importance of building a strong consumer brand before expanding into the enterprise segment.

The YouTube Revolution in Knowledge Transfer:

Video has emerged as a powerful tool for knowledge transfer, especially with the popularity of platforms like YouTube. While some argue that modern video media may shorten attention spans and distract from longer-form means of communication, it has unlocked a form of mass-scale tacit knowledge transmission that was previously unprecedented. Video allows individuals to learn by watching and imitating, making it an effective medium for transferring tacit knowledge.

The Limitations of Traditional Learning:

Before video became widely available, tacit knowledge could only be transmitted through in-person observation. This limited learners' access to skilled individuals and hindered their ability to acquire certain types of knowledge. Online courses, despite their initial popularity, faced high dropout rates due to the lack of personal observation and engagement. YouTube, on the other hand, has witnessed a 70% year-on-year growth in searches for "how-to" videos, indicating a demand for practical and visual learning resources.

Creating a Truly Open Science:

In addition to its impact on education, video-based learning has the potential to revolutionize the world of science. Through video, experimental scientists can capture their knowledge and techniques, sharing them with distant collaborators. This transparency fosters a truly open science culture, surpassing traditional methods like preregistration and data sharing. By embracing video-based knowledge sharing, the scientific community can accelerate advancements and foster collaboration on a global scale.

Actionable Advice for Educators and EdTech Companies:

• 1. Embrace social learning: Incorporate features in your EdTech platforms that encourage collaboration and community-driven learning experiences. Foster a sense of belonging and engagement among students to enhance their educational journey.

• 2. Leverage video-based learning: Recognize the power of videos in transmitting tacit knowledge. Create high-quality instructional videos that allow learners to observe and imitate skilled individuals. Focus on practical and visual learning resources to cater to the demand for "how-to" content.

• 3. Build a strong consumer brand: If you're an EdTech company, prioritize building a strong consumer brand before expanding into the enterprise segment. Capitalize on your existing consumer base and brand recognition to establish a foothold in the market.

Conclusion:

The future of EdTech lies at the intersection of social learning and video-based education. By embracing social learning experiences, educators and EdTech companies can foster engagement and enhance the educational journey for students. Additionally, the power of video in transmitting tacit knowledge opens up new possibilities for learning and collaboration. By capitalizing on these trends and implementing actionable strategies, we can revolutionize education and create a more inclusive and effective learning environment.