Pair visuals with tech to make learning sticky

Deborah DeLue • July 16, 2023

The Art of Applied Visual Thinking

The official newsletter of Applied Visual Thinking SUPERHEROES. Vol. 4 No. 13 July 16, 2023

Pairing visuals with tech makes learning sticky!

Recently I've been using an excellent little app on my smartphone. It's helping me learn about CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) techniques. Anyone that knows me knows I'm a geek and love technology, but sometimes it falls short. This is particularly true when I'm learning something new.

I find tech solutions are often primarily text-based, and as someone who thinks in pictures, I need an image to help cement the learning.

This shortfall is an opportunity to create my own picture. It doesn't have to be fancy or take a long time. Making a quick 10-minute diagram using available supplies is a surefire way to help lock in the learning.

The best part, studies show the quality of the drawing does not matter ! A quick simple picture is all you need.

Here are some tips to help you create a picture to make sense of the gobbledygook.

Step 1) Determine what you're learning. Knowing what type of information you're learning will help you choose which picture to draw. The table of contents, outline, or curriculum summary can be an excellent place to find this info.

Are there how-tos or steps involved? - Try drawing a simple flow chart or timeline.
Are there overlaps in the thinking? - Try drawing a Venn diagram.
Are there categories of information? - Try creating a grid.
End up where you started? - Try drawing a cycle (Hint: that's essentially a circular timeline)
Learning a new language? - Try drawing icons to represent the words.

Still, trying to decide which picture to draw? - Draw a few thumbnails to determine what makes sense before creating a final version.

Step 2) Post your drawing somewhere where you will see it often, like the bathroom mirror or on your screensaver.

Step 3) Take a minute or two each day to review your diagram. Soon you'll have your picture embedded in your brain to help you remember the information you're learning.

Bonus:

Have more than 10 minutes?

Add color and hierarchy

to add interest and additional layers of meaning to your diagram.

Adding color and hierarchy to add interest and make meaning

Learning something new this summer? Have 10 minutes? Grab something to draw with and something to draw on, and give it a whirl. Creating your own picture helps make learning sticky.

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