Why digital learning needs to incorporate books | Talent - TrainingZone.co.uk

Agata Nowakowska, AVP at Skillsoft writes, You may be one to fear that the death of the book is looming on the tech-obsessed horizon. But new research shows that people of all ages continue to see the value reading brings to building knowledge and developing new skills.

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As one of history’s greatest literary figures, Ernest Hemingway, once explained, “There is no friend as loyal as a book.”

In a world where many of us are now glued to screens from sunrise to sunset, the importance of these words can easily be overlooked. Our multimodal world has many advantages – speed, ease, connectedness, access to information and much more.

One of the downsides, however, is that the humble book has taken a backseat. Books are often seen as a pastime – a hobby – something we try to make time for, but often find ourselves unable to do with the distractions of modern technology.

It may be surprising, then, to learn that research suggests traditional books are viewed as one of the most vital resources for learning. A recent study of more than 2,000 Skillsoft users reveals that, despite a perceived preference for video in today’s digitally driven society, 80 percent of the survey’s respondents across all age ranges identified books as an important part of their learning experiences...

The role of reading in digital learning

Traditional books are a foundational part of learning for all generations. Today’s modern learner craves relevance and substance, and this is why books play a significant role in a digital learning programme.

Digital learning is not just about providing great video-based content. Integrating digital books with video-based eLearning and opportunities to practice practical skills creates a balance between depth and relevance. A balance that many organisations may have traditionally struggled to find with their corporate learning function.

Books – whether printed on paper or presented as eBooks on a digital learning platform – offer learners a new context and better understanding. They may be traditional, but they continue to meet the demands of modern learners.

Drilling down further, here are three reasons why books still have an important place in modern learning.
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Source: TrainingZone.co.uk