taxonomy What’s a learning curve and why is steep not hard?

For example, if it takes 10 hours to master the basics of a new eLearning software, then according to a 70% learning curve, it should take 7 hours to reach the same proficiency level when mastering it for the second time. A learning curve is measured and calculated by determining the amount of time it will take to perform a task. Then, a learning curve assigns an improvement value to identify the rate of efficiency the task performer will incur as they learn and become more proficient at the task. To get our expectations for the future right, we need to pay particular attention to the technologies that follow learning curves. Initially, we might only find them in a few high-tech applications, but the future belongs to them.

Mastering Authoring Tools

As the learning curve continues, the line on the graph ascends, illustrating increasing proficiency or understanding. Zimmer also comments that the popular use of steep as difficult is a reversal of the technical meaning. He identifies the first use of steep learning curve as 1973, and the arduous interpretation as 1978. This means that if you are unaware that a technology follows Wright’s Law, you can get your predictions very wrong. From their initial niche computers expanded to more and more applications, and the virtuous cycle meant that the price of computers declined continuously.

When used in conjunction with a Collaborative Learning platform like 360Learning, these benefits can be even greater. Due to inherent physical and cognitive limitations, very few activities follow a true increasing returns learning curve for more than a short period. This model is primarily theoretical and is almost always used to describe a subsection of a larger learning curve. In fact a steep learning curve is given, when it is relatively easy to start of with a new skill/technique/… We’ve seen how they can be generalized into 4 different patterns, and what each pattern means for different learning-style. We then considered why visualizing the learning process as learning curves can be advantageous in effective learning.

What Is the Learning Curve? The Science of Boosting Knowledge Retention

So a steep learning curve IS difficult because it means you’re trying to cram six months worth of learning into three weeks, or whatever. It can represent a task that takes time to learn but accelerates quickly after that until another difficulty is faced. This type of curve should be made steeper by addressing the lulls when the learner is either not engaged or can’t understand topics that are too difficult. A term like ‘learning curve’ lets us visualize the learning process and see how even though something is hard to understand at first, it can become easier afterward.

Stop If You Don’t See Progress For a While

Because learning curve data easily creates trend lines, it’s fairly common to see learning curve data depicted graphically. There are several data points to choose from, one of which is the total cumulative time needed to produce a given number of tasks or units. In the graph below, the learning curve shows that more time is needed to generate more tasks. The complex learning curve model will look different for each activity and potentially each individual or group.

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1. Note that the cumulative quantity must double between rows—to continue the table, the next row must be calculated using a quantity of eight.
2. On a logarithmic axis, a measure that declines exponentially follows a straight line.
3. Scenario-based learning is another way to bring new information to life and mimic the real world.
4. In the long run, a company can use this information to plan financial forecasts, price goods, and anticipate whether it will meet customer demand.
5. This is commonly how we measure success in training programs and educational courses.
6. In the example of solar technology we looked at price changes not as a function of time, but of experience – measured as the cumulative amount of solar panels that were ever installed.

It can be that a task is very complicated to understand at first, but once a few difficult concepts are understood, then things become easy. There also could have been some additional pedagogical intervention, such as gamification, that caused the learner to suddenly become interested, resulting in a learning curve steep and tall. Consider a blended learning approach, where instructor-led training is enhanced by eLearning with practice questions, scenario-based learning, or video roleplay assignments. This gets your learners to spend more time with new information, forces them to routinely recall it, and will help keep them on the learning curve. If you’re looking to leverage the full potential of learning curves in your training programmes Omniplex Guide can help you to design and deliver optimised learning and development initiatives. Our digital adoption platform can support, provide walk-throughs and in-app assistance that are designed to boost productivity, and maximise engagement, flattening the curve overall.

Learning Curve: Definition, Benefits, Best Practices

It also helps keep learners engaged so that they can complete the course. Oftentimes, if a learner encounters a topic that is too difficult, they might drop out of the course. By using microlearning and SC Training (formerly EdApp)’s Brain Boost feature, however, learners will have multiple chances to understand, to remember, and then embed new knowledge into their long-term memory. So, we can now see why using the concept of learning curves can be advantageous. Let’s go on to see how applying learning curves in an online training course can be done effectively.

As people use the technology or software more, they’re going to find quicker, more efficient ways of using it. This has amazing implications in terms of resources, budget, and productivity for your business. They can be represented in a chart, with linear coordinates, like the charts above in which the shape is an actual curve. A learning curve can also be depicted between axis points in a chart as a straight line or a band of points.

Learners will encounter multiple peaks and plateaus when learning tasks with complex learning curves. Moore’s Law, however, is not given in the same way that we just looked at for solar prices. In the example of solar technology we looked at price changes not as a function of time, but of experience – measured as the cumulative amount of solar panels that were ever installed.

We should expect that a certain amount of knowledge will be gained in each lesson of a course. This allows us to design learning strategies that move at an orderly rate that is neither too fast nor too slow for average learners. Ebbinghaus proved it over one hundred years ago, but we still see this approach to learning far too often today. One of the best parts about blended learning is the creative freedom it gives learning leaders. But if you try to incorporate too many learning elements, you run the risk of confusing or overwhelming your learners. In this playbook, learn how to structure effective blended learning experiences from the ground up.

1. A high or steep learning curve indicates that it takes a substantial amount of resources to perform an initial task.
2. And, in any event, I could care less about the whole issue (see how you still knew exactly what I meant?).
3. Zimmer also comments that the popular use of steep as difficult is a reversal of the technical meaning.
4. Join the 5,000+ learning professionals who receive Abstract, to stay up to speed and inspired on learning news, trends, and big ideas, all in a five-minute read.

Learning curves are a natural part what is learning curve of learning any new skill or knowledge. It’s the process we go through to gain knowledge and sometimes the curve is steeper than others. But why is this process called a learning curve, and why is it important?