Using Visuals to Enhance Training Content

I was recently surprised to learn that many law students are still using the same hornbooks and outlines that I used in Law School 99... I mean, 20 years ago. We’re trying something very different with our collaboration with Albany Law School for its FlexJD program. We’re utilizing a range of technologies and visual storytelling styles – from animation, YouTube-style influencer videos, modern video games, podcasts, etc. – to develop a new kind of online video resource. Here are a few techniques we’re using to assist/enhance the teaching from Albany Law School's world class faculty - in the case of the screenshots below, Ray Brescia, Associate Dean of Research and Intellectual Life. Hero Images are striking animated icons for key concepts that repeat throughout legal training; these are used throughout each course and potentially the entire FledJD program.   I’m excited about the idea of creating recognizable visual representations of various abstract legal concepts – like the bullhorn for “notice.” Some ideas lend themselves very well to this kind of visual (a kind of teaching that is largely absent from legal training). Case Study Animations are the showpiece of the whole project. They are longer-form infographic sequences that explain complex cases.   Some cases are just hard to grasp when reading them in text form. We’ve been able to simplify some very complex ideas using these animations. Notoriously difficult classic civ pro cases, like Pennoyer v. Neff or Erie, become much easier to understand when explained visually (spoiler alert! Videos on these cases are coming soon). Progressive Text and Sidebars use well-paced text animation alongside the professor to help the viewer listen and read at the same time.   Reading along while someone speaks just feels good. It makes everything easier to understand. Think about lyrics in music videos or “lyric videos,” which use the lyrics creatively in the video itself. Notice how podcast apps have added a “read along” live transcription feature. We’re adding this kind of text at key moments to help the viewer understand. It’s actually difficult to design this well – to have text present but not be distracting –, but when it works, it really helps the viewer lock into a complex explanation.

How to create learning materials that actually stick. Richard Mayer's principles are the secret sauce. 🧠💡 Most eLearning falls flat. Here's how to fix that: 1. Dual-channel processing → Combine visuals + audio → Don't overload one channel 2. Less is more → Cut the fluff → Focus on what matters 3. Highlight what's important → Use cues (bold, arrows, etc.) → Guide learner attention 4. Words + pictures > words alone → But don't repeat on-screen text → Let visuals do the heavy lifting 5. Keep it close → Text near relevant graphics → Reduce cognitive load 6. Timing is everything → Sync words and visuals → Present simultaneously 7. Bite-sized is best → Break content into chunks → Let learners set the pace 8. Build a foundation → Intro key concepts first → Then dive deeper 9. Audio > on-screen text → Free up visual processing → Use narration wisely 10. Keep it conversational → Ditch the corporate speak → Talk like a human 11. Human voice wins   → Skip the robo-narration   → Connect with your audience 12. Images aren't always the answer   → Only use if they support learning   → Don't add visual clutter Master these principles: ↳ Boost engagement ↳ Improve retention ↳ Generate real results What's your go-to strategy for creating sticky learning?

Effective Educational Videos: Principles and Guidelines for Maximizing Student Learning from Video Content This research highlights 3 essential design principles for educational videos—cognitive load, student engagement, and active learning—to enhance learning outcomes WHY IT MATTERS * Without proper design, videos can overwhelm learners or be ignored. * Well-crafted videos improve retention, focus, and motivation. * Especially useful in flipped/blended learning environments HOW TO APPLY: Cognitive load: * Keep videos ≤ 6 minutes. * Trim unnecessary visuals/audio (“weeding”). * Add cues or highlights (“signaling”). * Use audio + visuals together—don’t duplicate Engagement: * Use a friendly, conversational tone. * Show enthusiasm and personality. * Tailor videos to your specific audience/course Active learning: * Embed quiz questions or prompts. * Pair videos with guiding questions or LMS checks FOR L&D TEAMS: * Audit existing video content using the 3‑point framework. * Pilot redesigns: short, engaging videos with interactive checks. * Measure analytics like completion rates and quiz scores to track impact. QUESTION FOR YOU: How might you redesign one existing training video using these principles—and how would you measure if it’s more effective?