Or maybe the classroom star? I miss the classroom. I did the math. I was able to touch about 3,500 students during my ten years in the classroom. I miss them. We had a lot of fun. However, I now marvel at the continued success of the Lynda.com library. My courses will soon total 350,000 users, after just over two years time. Just one week ago we launched my latest course, Avoiding Burnout, and it has already been consumed by 958 people in 64 countries. The reach is mind-blowing. It’s quite rewarding knowing that the products we create actually help so many people. Check out this feedback from just the last few days:
Course: Management Tips
Comments: Excellent content, excellent delivery, wow.
Author: Very good presentation style. In fact I’m going to watch this presentation again after a couple weeks.
Course: Managing for Results
Comments: Short and simple. I will listen to this short course again with a paper and pen to take start the practical tactics. Very helpful – thanks a lot.
Author: As perfect as perfect. (whatever that means – but thank you!)
Now that Lynda.com is positioned as a LinkedIn company, I am confident they will maintain a tight grip on the number one sport in their space. It’s important, however, to acknowledge that a rising tide lifts all boats. There are many Lynda competitors, generalists and niche players alike, who are growing and creating great work. So why is it that video works so well?
It wasn’t long ago that everyone said you can’t teach through video. It lacks interactivity, a personal connection, etc. It turns out the critics (I was one years ago) were wrong. Not only does video serve a few obvious needs such as the need for convenience, it also aids in learning.
There are many reasons why. Here are three big ones:
Video, just like a great lecture, offers so much more than mere words on a page. It allows for the delivery of useful information, not just words. When done correctly, the words are surrounded by a host of cues that bring words to life: tone, pace, enunciation, facial movements, body language, etc. With a great communicator, a genuine connection is possible, in-person or on video.
Next, video offers great structure to support learning. The product is carefully planned, prepared, and edited to improve logical organization and flow in delivery. In short, knowledge is arranged in a manner that is carefully controlled to maximize the average student’s learning. This is of course not always the case with in-person instruction.
Finally, video allows you to consume as needed, not just once. It makes knowledge available 24/7 on any device. That means you can re-watch some or all of the content as needed, whenever you’d like in order to ensure that learning sticks. This is usually not the case with traditional instruction.
As options for interactivity continue to increase, it’s not surprising that many feel video instruction exceeds the value of traditional in-person instruction. In any event, I am humbled and thrilled to continue growing my little portion of the Lynda library. I look forward to watching it grow around the world!
(FYI – Huge thanks to the editors for making my Managing Your Time course a top pick this month.)
