The human mind, with all its mystique and complexity, is the most powerful phenomenon. The peak of civilization thus attained by humans has only been possible by the latent potential of this mind made to grow by the process of learning.
The brain processed every single signal from each of the five senses and formed patterns and schemas that became the foundation of learning. The same five senses and the model of their transmission to the brain form the basis of all effective communication and learning design even today.
To draw inspiration and drive the future of learning, we go back to the oldest expressions of communication and understand the process and evolution of learning in its most natural form.
The study of cave art tells that the carvings were not only a form of expression and communication but also served as memory aids for cave people.
Contemporary science supports the premise as it is established that the visual cortex of the brain processes visual information and sends it out to all other parts of the brain. Visual Memory is long-term and, therefore, more effective for learning purposes. 40% of nerve fibers are linked to the retina, hence visuals are processed much faster.
Text
It is believed that writing was developed in at least four ancient civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, [6][7] [3] China ,[8] and Lowland Mesoamerica.
3400 and 3100 BCMesopotamia
3250 BCEgypt
2000 BCChina
650 BCLowland Mesoamerica
Research on effective writing and comprehension has revealed the essential characteristics of comprehensible text are organization, familiarity, and interestingness.
Print
1440Printing Press Invention, Germany
Print was a big leap in the journey of Learning. Woodblock printing is the earliest known form of printing. Much later, in the 15th century, came the first-ever printing press, invented by Johannes Gutenberg, that changed the pace of our learning for the better and we never slowed down from there.
The printing technology led to the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution, and finally evolved into the information age of today, where knowledge knows no bounds and information drives the world economy.
Digital
Digital added a whole new dimension to learning. It has transformed how the information is organized, presented, and delivered, and has added elements that stimulate the mind and drive engagement to connect the process of learning back to the aspect of the experience.
1944Thousands of WWII Soldiers Systematically Trained
Digital learning took its first step in 1954 with an invention called the “Teaching Machine” by BF Skinner, a Harvard Professor, but it grew wings with the first computer-based training program in 1960. Since then, the world of learning has summited great new heights with the synergies of technological innovations, instructional strategy, visual design, cognitive science, and learner experience design.
1956Benjamin Bloom, Published Taxomonies of Education
1962Robert F. Mager, Popularized Learning Objectives
1965Robert Gagne, Formulated “Nine Events of Instruction”
1975Rise of Information Systems Approach to Instruction
1980PLATO; Launch of the First Public Computer- Based Training
1983David Merril, Developed Componet Display Theory
1990Rise of Constructivism and Authentic Learning
1995Rise of Human Performance Improvment (HPT)
2000Rise of Online Learning and eLearning in Business
2010Rise of Mobile, Social, and Blended Learning
2015Rise of Big Data and Learning Experience (LX) Design
Future
The process of learning has always followed the learner’s needs. The future of learning will be no different as it will be guided by the requirements posed by the economies of the future.
The design of the learning programs will be informed by the findings of research in neuroscience and will be aided by innovations in the field of Art and Technology. We are already seeing the growing contribution of Robotics and Al in teaching and learning. Currently, the field utilizes technologies invented for other purposes. However, we foresee that the results of these applications in learning and overall business will inspire innovation tailored to the needs of the learning industry.
