Why we prioritize minimal video in Adaptive Learning

When organizations evaluate training solutions, it’s natural to consider engaging formats like video. After all, video can be visually compelling and memorable. However, when it comes to driving behavior change and measurable learning outcomes, passive video consumption often falls short. That’s why we design our adaptive learning courses with minimal video content, prioritizing active, learner-driven approaches instead.

Here’s a closer look at why we take this approach and how it aligns with building a stronger business case for meaningful learning outcomes.

Active vs. passive learning: Why “doing” beats “watching”

Imagine you’re learning to drive a car. You could watch countless hours of videos about driving techniques or read detailed manuals about road safety. While these resources might prepare you intellectually, they won’t make you a confident driver. The real learning happens when you sit behind the wheel, navigate down roads and through intersections, and make decisions in real time. This hands-on experience is where you truly internalize the skills and build the confidence to drive safely.

The same principle applies to training. Passive learning, like watching videos or reading materials, is a one-way transfer of information. While it might hold learners’ attention momentarily, it often falls short in fostering retention or the ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations.

Active learning, on the other hand, is like getting behind the wheel. It engages learners through hands-on, interactive experiences that challenge them to think critically, make decisions, and solve problems in realistic contexts. This approach not only builds muscle memory, which enhances retention, but also promotes meaningful behavior change.

Our adaptive compliance courses are built around this philosophy of “learning by doing.” Instead of passively consuming content, learners actively engage with simulations, scenarios, and decision-making tasks tailored to mirror their job responsibilities. By practicing in a safe, controlled environment, they’re better equipped to handle real-world challenges with confidence and skill.

Active learning isn’t just a method—it’s the key to impactful, effective training.

Why we prioritize minimal video in adapting learning

1. Faster Time-to-Proficiency: Video can slow the learning process by requiring learners to consume content at a fixed pace. Limiting video promotes self-directed learning, where learners can move through courses at their own pace. Our adaptive approach dynamically adjusts to each learner’s knowledge level, focusing time and effort where it’s needed most. This targeted approach reduces seat time while ensuring learners build real proficiency.
2. Realistic Decision-Making: Instead of passively watching an example, learners engage directly with scenarios that challenge them to think critically and make choices. This active engagement builds confidence and prepares them for real-world decision-making in their daily work.
3. Feedback and Remediation: Active learning enables real-time feedback. When learners make incorrect decisions, they receive immediate coaching and an equivalent scenario to demonstrate proficiency. This iterative process ensures understanding—something passive video alone cannot achieve.
4. Behavioral Data Insights: Interactive, scenario-based training generates robust behavioral data, revealing how learners make decisions, identifying knowledge gaps, and pinpointing areas of risk. In contrast, video-based training typically offers limited insights beyond completion rates.
5. Scalability and Relevance: Videos are static, requiring costly updates or re-recordings to reflect new regulations, policies, or company needs. Adaptive courses, however, are dynamic, allowing for easy updates and customized content without the logistical burden of video production.

Strategic video use for maximum impact

We often turn to video platforms like YouTube to learn something new—like how to bake a soufflé, fix a leaky faucet, or build a deck—because we’re immediately applying what we see. Video works well in real-time, task-specific scenarios where it supports hands-on action. But in training environments where learners need to absorb, practice, and retain skills over the long term, video alone isn’t enough.

That’s why we advocate for thoughtful, strategic use of video to enhance the learning experience. A short clip can deliver an inspiring message from the CEO, set expectations for a training session, or present a scenario that leads directly into hands-on, learn-by-doing activities. Used this way, video provides valuable context without letting learners disengage or multitask.

Over-reliance on video, however, risks frustrating learners—especially when they’re forced to re-watch content repeatedly. By pairing strategic video use with adaptive, interactive training, we create engaging, effective learning experiences that respect learners’ time and focus on meaningful outcomes.

Building a business case for change

Investing in adaptive learning with strategic video use supports your organization’s goals for efficiency, effectiveness, and measurable impact. Here’s how:

• Stronger ROI: Adaptive learning reduces seat time and enhances knowledge retention, cutting costs associated with ineffective training and repetitive retraining.
• Measurable Outcomes: Behavioral data provides clear, actionable insights into training’s impact on employee performance and compliance readiness, allowing you to track improvement year over year.
• Flexibility for Growth: Adaptive learning evolves with your organization, accommodating new regulations, roles, and risk areas without the time and expense of frequent video updates.
• Empowered Employees: Engaging, hands-on training equips learners to make informed decisions with confidence, reducing errors and fostering accountability.

Final thoughts

Choosing adaptive learning with strategic video use isn’t just a design choice—it’s a commitment to creating effective, engaging, and impactful training that meets the needs of today’s workforce. By emphasizing active, hands-on learning while incorporating video thoughtfully, your organization can drive meaningful behavior change, gain actionable insights, and foster a more confident, capable workforce ready to tackle real-world challenges.

Curious about how our approach can transform your training program? Let’s start the conversation.