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15 Types of Effective Content for Learning New Skills Online

In this article, we explore the question "What type of content do you find most effective when learning a new skill online?" with insights from fifteen professionals, including consultants and marketing managers. From the impact of motivational speakers to the effectiveness of hybrid learning, discover the diverse perspectives on online learning strategies. Motivational Speakers YouTube and ChatGPT Interactive Videos Instructor-Guided Videos Animated Videos Peer-to-Peer Video Sharing Podcasts Online Webinars Visual Materials Language-Exchange Platforms Written Content Forum Threads Interactive Fiction Personalized Learning Paths Hybrid Learning Motivational Speakers Cheesy as it sounds, motivational speakers do the trick when my energy's low. A good pep talk can light a fire under you and make you want to dive into learning that new graphic design software or start that workout regimen. Look for lessons that include a motivational kick—it could be just what you need to get going. Dilruba Erkan, Consultant, Morse Code Translator YouTube and ChatGPT In most cases, a combination of YouTube and ChatGPT is the best for trying to learn a new skill. I like to watch YouTube videos to get a high-level understanding of how to learn it, and then I like to work with ChatGPT to figure out the nuances of how to do things best, and how to troubleshoot when I'm not getting the results I want on my new skill. Justin Silverman, Founder and CEO, Merchynt Interactive Videos When learning a skill online, the content I find most effective is interactive videos. I am more of a visual learner, so I need someone to walk me through each step. However, I also need to be hands-on, which is why interactive videos are best. They can show someone how to solve a problem and then do a mini-quiz or sample at the end, so we can work hands-on and ensure we retain the information. Joe Acosta, Digital Marketing Manager, BBQ Galore Instructor-Guided Videos Instructor-guided videos are the most effective tool to use when learning a new skill online. These videos blend the advantages of visual learning with active participation, making it easy to see how the concepts you're learning are applied in practice. The step-by-step guidance and inclusion of practice questions mimic an in-person course very closely, which makes teaching yourself a new skill feel less tasking. The most impactful part of these instructor-guided videos is the hands-on exercises. They allow learners to immediately apply what they've just been taught, promoting a deeper comprehension. Moreover, these practice questions pinpoint areas where improvement is needed. In a digital era where self-paced education is becoming ever more utilized, these guided videos with practice questions provide an interactive, effective, and accessible means to acquire new skills and knowledge. Nicole Moughrabi, Marketing Coordinator, Achievable Animated Videos No doubt, the most effective type of content for learning a new skill online is video. Furthermore, I'd argue that animation is the most effective type of video format. In my experience, animated videos do a much better job of engaging the user and keeping them focused. In fact, studies show that over 50% of people respond better to animation than to traditional video. This is due to the fact that animation helps learners match concepts with memorable images and graphics, which in turn cements the material in the learner's long-term memory. As such, I would highly recommend you seek animated courses online to help you learn a new skill. Mathias Johansen, Co-Founder and COO, Guide2Fluency Peer-to-Peer Video Sharing Peer-to-peer video-sharing sites, like the ones where people upload tutorials about literally anything, have helped me a bunch. These creators are users just like us, making the experience super relatable. To walk the same path, look for creators who focus more on teaching than on showing off. When it's less about the flair and more about the facts, you learn a ton. Aysu Erkan, Marketing Manager, Character Counter Podcasts Podcasts are the most effective. I have tried blog posts, eBooks, and videos, but podcasts are more effective for me. I can listen to podcasts even with a packed schedule, sometimes during a commute or when performing mundane tasks. Also, I find podcasts to be better since most industry experts and thought leaders share valuable insights and practical strategies on podcasts. It feels like a mentor directly addressing you, explaining complicated concepts, and sparking fresh ideas. Podcasts are packed with information, and the conversational tone makes the learning process relatable. So, they effectively cater to my learning needs and are my best option to continually upskill. Valerie Lavska, CMO, Promodo Online Webinars As a lifelong learner, I've tried different online learning methods. The most effective content for me is online webinars. Live sessions take place in real-time, with Q&A sessions, workshops, and practical cases. Instant feedback from the mentors is essential for me to develop new skills and progress. Also, online webinars have advantages like networking. You meet new people and exchange views with each other. Myroslava Bovhyra, Account Manager, Elai Visual Materials Infographics, flowcharts, and diagrams, for example, simplify complicated concepts by presenting them in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand style. These visual materials, in my opinion, are especially valuable for skills involving complex procedures, workflows, or data representations, as they make abstract knowledge more tangible. Adam Crossling, Marketing and New Business Director, Zenzero Language-Exchange Platforms I am learning Korean online, and I use language-exchange platforms. Platforms like Tandem or HelloTalk allow me to connect with native Korean speakers. They have helped me improve my speaking and listening skills. I receive instant feedback on grammar or pronunciation from native speakers, something I wouldn't have gotten from a traditional classroom setting. Kseniia Mykolaienko, CMO, Parentaler Written Content I've never been a big fan of visual learning. I find it difficult to keep up with the speed at which an instructor is talking. If I want to jot down a few notes, I'll have to pause the video, which interrupts my flow state. This is why I prefer reading. I can read at my own pace and take notes without interrupting my lesson. If the instructor wants to talk about a more complex topic, they can use an infographic or chart. Personally, I took a content-marketing course at the beginning of this year, and it mainly contained written content. Fast-forward to today, I completely understand all the lessons within the course. Scott Lieberman, Owner, Touchdown Money Forum Threads If I can find a substantial forum thread on a topic I'm learning, I nearly always come away with new findings. Reading the thoughts of actual users, seeing the debates, and following links to more information is a great way to feel like I'm getting trained by an expert. It's free, there are often many threads on a topic, and best of all, you can engage yourself by asking any questions. It's how a lot of us tech-minded folks came into the industry, and forums will always be a key method for advancing my learning. Corey Donovan, President, Alta Technologies Interactive Fiction Interactive fiction, like Ozzipalooza, has changed how I learn new skills online. This type of content is a game that tells a story based on your choices. Ozzipalooza puts you in the shoes of Alex, an event manager who must make a music festival succeed. It's a deep-dive into management and marketing, asking you to make decisions that affect the outcome. I find this method immersive. It teaches practical skills by placing knowledge within real-life contexts. By 2024, I anticipate that millions of such AI-powered games will be available to teach us almost anything. I love this learning method because it moves beyond facts to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios, which are incredibly effective. Alexandra Dubakova, Head of Marketing, Freetour.com Personalized Learning Paths As a front-end developer, I've discovered that personalized learning paths are a game-changer when acquiring new skills online. Platforms such as EdX and Pluralsight leverage algorithms to craft a unique learning journey based on my progress and interests. One personal experience that highlights this effectiveness is when I jumped into React and JAMstack websites. Through a tailored path, I not only learned the fundamentals but also advanced techniques really quickly. It felt like having a personal mentor guiding me along the way, making the learning process engaging and efficient, and keeping the costs relatively low. Luke Kowalski, Founder, Watch Binge Repeat Hybrid Learning I find hybrid learning to be the most effective when learning a new skill. I need a small amount of content to read alongside explainer videos so that I absorb the information in two ways. Then, most importantly, I need the ability to take immediate action where I am either tested or asked to complete something. This pathway to knowledge works very well for me. Jason Vaught, Director of Content, SmashBrand Related Articles 12 Ways Online Courses Can Boost Your Professional Skills 15 Benefits of Participating in an Online Community for Professional Growth

15 Types of Effective Content for Learning New Skills Online

In this article, we explore the question “What type of content do you find most effective when learning a new skill online?” with insights from fifteen professionals, including consultants and marketing managers. From the impact of motivational speakers to the effectiveness of hybrid learning, discover the diverse perspectives on online learning strategies.

  • Motivational Speakers 
  • YouTube and ChatGPT
  • Interactive Videos
  • Instructor-Guided Videos 
  • Animated Videos 
  • Peer-to-Peer Video Sharing
  • Podcasts
  • Online Webinars 
  • Visual Materials 
  • Language-Exchange Platforms
  • Written Content
  • Forum Threads
  • Interactive Fiction
  • Personalized Learning Paths
  • Hybrid Learning

 

Motivational Speakers 

Cheesy as it sounds, motivational speakers do the trick when my energy’s low. A good pep talk can light a fire under you and make you want to dive into learning that new graphic design software or start that workout regimen. Look for lessons that include a motivational kick—it could be just what you need to get going.

Dilruba Erkan, Consultant, Morse Code Translator

 

YouTube and ChatGPT

In most cases, a combination of YouTube and ChatGPT is the best for trying to learn a new skill. I like to watch YouTube videos to get a high-level understanding of how to learn it, and then I like to work with ChatGPT to figure out the nuances of how to do things best, and how to troubleshoot when I’m not getting the results I want on my new skill.

Justin Silverman, Founder and CEO, Merchynt

 

Interactive Videos 

When learning a skill online, the content I find most effective is interactive videos. I am more of a visual learner, so I need someone to walk me through each step. 

However, I also need to be hands-on, which is why interactive videos are best. They can show someone how to solve a problem and then do a mini-quiz or sample at the end, so we can work hands-on and ensure we retain the information.

Joe Acosta, Digital Marketing Manager, BBQ Galore

 

Instructor-Guided Videos 

Instructor-guided videos are the most effective tool to use when learning a new skill online. These videos blend the advantages of visual learning with active participation, making it easy to see how the concepts you’re learning are applied in practice. The step-by-step guidance and inclusion of practice questions mimic an in-person course very closely, which makes teaching yourself a new skill feel less tasking. 

The most impactful part of these instructor-guided videos is the hands-on exercises. They allow learners to immediately apply what they’ve just been taught, promoting a deeper comprehension. Moreover, these practice questions pinpoint areas where improvement is needed. 

In a digital era where self-paced education is becoming ever more utilized, these guided videos with practice questions provide an interactive, effective, and accessible means to acquire new skills and knowledge.

Nicole Moughrabi, Marketing Coordinator, Achievable

 

Animated Videos 

No doubt, the most effective type of content for learning a new skill online is video. Furthermore, I’d argue that animation is the most effective type of video format. In my experience, animated videos do a much better job of engaging the user and keeping them focused.

In fact, studies show that over 50% of people respond better to animation than to traditional video. This is due to the fact that animation helps learners match concepts with memorable images and graphics, which in turn cements the material in the learner’s long-term memory. As such, I would highly recommend you seek animated courses online to help you learn a new skill.

Mathias Johansen, Co-Founder and COO, Guide2Fluency

 

Peer-to-Peer Video Sharing

Peer-to-peer video-sharing sites, like the ones where people upload tutorials about literally anything, have helped me a bunch. These creators are users just like us, making the experience super relatable. 

To walk the same path, look for creators who focus more on teaching than on showing off. When it’s less about the flair and more about the facts, you learn a ton.

Aysu Erkan, Marketing Manager, Character Counter

 

Podcasts

Podcasts are the most effective. I have tried blog posts, eBooks, and videos, but podcasts are more effective for me. I can listen to podcasts even with a packed schedule, sometimes during a commute or when performing mundane tasks. 

Also, I find podcasts to be better since most industry experts and thought leaders share valuable insights and practical strategies on podcasts. It feels like a mentor directly addressing you, explaining complicated concepts, and sparking fresh ideas. 

Podcasts are packed with information, and the conversational tone makes the learning process relatable. So, they effectively cater to my learning needs and are my best option to continually upskill.

Valerie Lavska, CMO, Promodo

 

Online Webinars 

As a lifelong learner, I’ve tried different online learning methods. The most effective content for me is online webinars. Live sessions take place in real-time, with Q&A sessions, workshops, and practical cases. Instant feedback from the mentors is essential for me to develop new skills and progress. 

Also, online webinars have advantages like networking. You meet new people and exchange views with each other.

Myroslava Bovhyra, Account Manager, Elai

 

Visual Materials 

Infographics, flowcharts, and diagrams, for example, simplify complicated concepts by presenting them in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand style. These visual materials, in my opinion, are especially valuable for skills involving complex procedures, workflows, or data representations, as they make abstract knowledge more tangible.

Adam Crossling, Marketing and New Business Director, Zenzero

 

Language-Exchange Platforms

I am learning Korean online, and I use language-exchange platforms. Platforms like Tandem or HelloTalk allow me to connect with native Korean speakers. They have helped me improve my speaking and listening skills. I receive instant feedback on grammar or pronunciation from native speakers, something I wouldn’t have gotten from a traditional classroom setting.

Kseniia Mykolaienko, CMO, Parentaler

 

Written Content

I’ve never been a big fan of visual learning. I find it difficult to keep up with the speed at which an instructor is talking. If I want to jot down a few notes, I’ll have to pause the video, which interrupts my flow state.

This is why I prefer reading. I can read at my own pace and take notes without interrupting my lesson. If the instructor wants to talk about a more complex topic, they can use an infographic or chart.

Personally, I took a content-marketing course at the beginning of this year, and it mainly contained written content. Fast-forward to today, I completely understand all the lessons within the course.

Scott Lieberman, Owner, Touchdown Money

 

Forum Threads

If I can find a substantial forum thread on a topic I’m learning, I nearly always come away with new findings. Reading the thoughts of actual users, seeing the debates, and following links to more information is a great way to feel like I’m getting trained by an expert. 

It’s free, there are often many threads on a topic, and best of all, you can engage yourself by asking any questions. It’s how a lot of us tech-minded folks came into the industry, and forums will always be a key method for advancing my learning.

Corey Donovan, President, Alta Technologies

 

Interactive Fiction

Interactive fiction, like Ozzipalooza, has changed how I learn new skills online. This type of content is a game that tells a story based on your choices. Ozzipalooza puts you in the shoes of Alex, an event manager who must make a music festival succeed. It’s a deep-dive into management and marketing, asking you to make decisions that affect the outcome. 

I find this method immersive. It teaches practical skills by placing knowledge within real-life contexts. By 2024, I anticipate that millions of such AI-powered games will be available to teach us almost anything. I love this learning method because it moves beyond facts to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios, which are incredibly effective.

Alexandra Dubakova, Head of Marketing, Freetour.com

 

Personalized Learning Paths

As a front-end developer, I’ve discovered that personalized learning paths are a game-changer when acquiring new skills online. Platforms such as EdX and Pluralsight leverage algorithms to craft a unique learning journey based on my progress and interests. 

One personal experience that highlights this effectiveness is when I jumped into React and JAMstack websites. Through a tailored path, I not only learned the fundamentals but also advanced techniques really quickly. It felt like having a personal mentor guiding me along the way, making the learning process engaging and efficient, and keeping the costs relatively low.

Luke Kowalski, Founder, Watch Binge Repeat

 

Hybrid Learning

I find hybrid learning to be the most effective when learning a new skill. I need a small amount of content to read alongside explainer videos so that I absorb the information in two ways. 

Then, most importantly, I need the ability to take immediate action where I am either tested or asked to complete something. This pathway to knowledge works very well for me.

Jason Vaught, Director of Content, SmashBrand

 

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