The Structure of Learning

It may seem obvious that we learn everything in stages, just like how we learn to crawl, then stand, then walk, then run. Yet, it is a good lesson to come back to again and again when you're creating any kind of educational tool. Each time I sit down to make a video, I ask myself what the core of the video (or lesson) is. I try to, as simply as possible, explain this core concept without any additional information at the very start of the video, and expand from there.

To achieve this I follow the tried and tested method of getting everyone on a base level of understanding regarding this topic. Some people may know most of your lesson already, but it is far worse to have a group of people who are lost as soon as they start watching your video, rather than a group of people who see the first minute of your video as a refresher of previous knowledge. You can see this come into play in the passwords and protection video, where the opening deals only with how to set a password on a document you already own.

In fact, you can see a fairly clear map of each stage of learning in this tutorial.

• Step 1: Crawl by learning where all of these options are(in the save as menu). You're not actually creating a password yet, but it is vital information for very new users.

• Step 2: Stand by creating a password, and testing it works by checking if the 'replace existing file' option comes up. Re-opening the document and entering a password is important at this stage, as it gives the user firm feedback as to whether their own attempt is working correctly.

• Step 3: Walk by giving the user additional options and places to go, in this case showing them how to create 'read-only' or 'only edit with password' documents. This combines the two processes of practicing and expanding on the core concept.

• Step 4: Run by handing the reigns over to the user. At this point I make the suggestion that the user can intermix and test these options themselves as they become more conversant with the program. I also provide a couple of examples of how this intermixing would work, without covering every eventuality.

This whole process might be giving you flashbacks to your high-school math class, with each new concept involving practice, expansion of concept, and practice again, until the student can take on the entire spectrum of the concept by themselves and apply it when appropriate.

If you have any comments or suggestions please get in touch through the comments here or on my youtube channel. I'm always open to different view points and constructive criticism. And if you want a professionally made tutorial, e-mail me here.