Education, or learning a skill has gone from classic In Person learning, now to modern Digital Education. With the growth of Social Media and Online Video Platforms, it is easier than ever to learn something online. However, when it comes to Education in programs such as Cosmetology or Esthetics, we believe the key is Balance. How can we incorporate both to maximize our training to become a Cosmetologist or Esthetician?
Youtube was one of the original video platforms to popularize digital education. They continue to be a strong force as we can access these videos through computers, tablets, phones, and tv. Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have emerged as the source of education in the last decade. Most brands, manufacturers, educators, and influencers capitalize on this exposure to provide hair and skincare education. The appeal with this type of education is that you can access this anytime and anywhere. What an amazing time we live in!
20 years ago when I started in the Beauty Industry, to have digital education, we had to purchase vhs tapes made by manufacturers and brands. Eventually DVD’s came around before the internet arrives. We would wait for these releases each year and pay our hard earned money to purchase these. I watched them over and over again with practice on mannequins. Because we made an investment to buy this form of education, there was more appreciation and commitment. With digital education mainly being free, maybe our appreciation has been reduced over time.
Digital Education has become shorter and shorter, due to attention span shortening due to the architecture of social platforms. That means instead of watching a whole haircut that takes an hour, it would take between 5 – 30mins. With most people wanting more time in their life, this short and sweet education provides more streamlined information in a short amount of time.
On the other hand, because its short and sweet, we tend to take in a lot of information at once. Before we get to practice or try to remember the information, we move on to the next video which dilutes the previous information. The rapid frequency of information is hard to retain for most people, so saving these posts or videos would be highly recommended instead of scrolling through.
Kinesthetic learning means having hands-on education. Audio and Visual learners are the other 2 categories of learning. Most of us, especially in Cosmetology and Esthetics field, are Kinesthetic learners, meaning we like to get our hands dirty during learning. Writing things down, taking pictures, discussions, allow Kinesthetic learners to retain as much information as possible.
At the Salon Professional Academy Ft Myers, we are incorporating as much of both hands-on and digital education in our programs. Social media training and follow recommendations are made in both Cosmetology and Esthetics Programs. Our educators utilize digital platforms to further the education that was taught in the classroom. A truly remote and digital Cosmetology and Esthetics Program seems almost pointless, if there is no retention of information. Our School will continue to incorporate technological innovation, and continue to use the proven methods of hands-on education for our students.
With much Love,
Ty Isobe
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