Videos As Learning Solutions: Why They Are So Popular
The other day, I was narrating a story to my kids and they promptly demanded to watch the same story on YouTube! Last week I was explaining my mom the recipe to cook white sauce pasta and she asked me to share the recipe video instead :-) That’s the popularity of videos as learning solutions we all are witnessing today.
I am sure it’s been a long time since you opened a user guide or a troubleshooting guide, right? And it must have been even longer since you shared a book with someone. But… if I ask you to recall, when was the last time you shared a video, your answer will probably be "Today", right?
We all love watching videos! With superfast internet connectivity and easy availability of a reservoir of videos, each one of us prefer watching a video over reading textual information. Most of us are almost addicted to watching TED talks and the how-to type of videos. Those who are fond of cooking, enjoy watching recipes than referring to notes or recipe books. Khan academy videos are popular amongst the high-school students as well as professors. The entire population across globe is going crazy for video-based content.
So, what exactly do we mean by using videos as learning solutions? Isn’t that what we have always been doing? Why this sudden rise in the popularity for videos? Why Learning and Development teams prefer videos over eLearning modules these days? Let’s find the answers.
5 Reasons That Explain Videos' Popularity
Can you believe that a video equals to 1.8 million words? And that’s exactly what appeals to today’s learners. The present generation, that includes Millennials, Gen X, and Gen Y, is smart, self-motivated, multi tasker, wants to learn anytime, anywhere, and needs quick and effective learning. A video successfully:
- Stimulates curiosity about the topic.
- Motivates learner population to enroll for the trainings.
- Encourages word of mouth publicity.
- Grabs learners’ attention.
- Influences the end users.
Videos are not only used for formal learning purposes but also for promotional activities, such as communication segments or as teasers. Quite a few organizations have kiosks or portals where they run these videos.
Videos As Learning Solutions
Training videos and eLearning modules are often used interchangeably. The objective of both is the same - to teach or to deliver new piece of content to the target learners. However, there is subtle difference in the way those are delivered.
Training video is usually a one-way delivery of the content whereas the eLearning modules are interactive and self-paced. eLearning module comes with scored assessment and can be tracked using a Learning Management System (LMS). Videos can be easily accessed from any device and from anywhere without having any dependency on the Learning Management System.
With the growing popularity of the microlearning approach among Learning and Development professionals, videos are being used as a part of a standalone eLearning solution. Conversely, we can embed videos within eLearning module to enhance the learners’ engagement level.
6 Types Of Videos That Can Be Used As Learning Solutions
Let’s explore the variety of videos that can be used as learning solutions.
1. Professionally Shot Video Footages.
These create a great impact as they showcase a real-life scenario through real characters and dialogs.
2. Leadership Videos.
These can be used to deliver a message from senior leadership to communicate an important change or to set the context of the training. Videos that demonstrate expected behaviors also are good option as compared to describing it using words. Such videos can be professional recordings or shot using smart phone.
3. Simulation Videos.
They can either be for a product or for a software application. These videos demonstrate the procedure/process along with the written steps, which makes it an impactful training delivery.
4. Photo-Collage And Illustration-Based Videos.
They are useful to describe a concept or to present facts using statistical data. These videos engage the learner with a display of striking photos and creative illustrations.
5. Interactive Videos.
These offer an immersive learning experience by giving the learners an opportunity to actively participate in the learning process. We can pose thought-provoking questions in between the narrative to encourage reflection. Using tab and click interactivities provides flexibility and opportunity for learners to explore information at their own pace or to create their own learning path in the story.
6. Whiteboard Animation Videos.
They effectively hold learner’s attention by slowly unfolding a story through hand drawn illustrations. They also give classroom effect to the training.
Video Development Tools
There are numerous video creation tools available in the market. Depending on the purpose, design strategies, and delivery medium we can choose the best one! Adobe Flash, AfterEffects, VideoScribe are a few popular video development tools. Using rapid authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Adapt Framework, we can embed and package videos as an eLearning module which can be deployed on any Learning Management System.
Summary
The key to create successful learning solution is to use the charms of videos judiciously and effectively. So, what type of videos have you created so far? Which one worked best as learning solution?
Do share your thoughts and experiences. Looking forward to read your comments!
