The traditional e-learning is mostly characterized by the click-next style of learning where the e-learning course contains no or very less interactivity and engagement. But today with the growing developments in technology, e-learning has evolved to use modern training techniques to create learner engagement and interactivity. And one such learning strategy that has become the favorite of corporate L&D is using video elements in e-learning.
The increasing video consumption among the users are an encouraging sign for the organisation to explore the benefits of using videos in e-learning. Let’s take a look at the benefits of using videos in e-learning.
Benefits of using videos in e-learning
1. Explaining a complex concept becomes easier with the use of videos.
2. Easy retention of information
3. Videos can enhance interactivity and engage the learners
4. Videos are a great tool for reinforcing the information.
5. Videos are just the way modern learners like to receive information
Here are the popular ways to create engaging training by combining video elements
1. Interactive videos in e-learning
Interactive videos are blended videos (real-life or animated) with elements of interactivity.
Interactivity elements in e-learning videos can include hotspots, annotations, carousels, text boxes. They are clickable and display responses to learners through participative windows. These videos engage with the learners in a dialogue inviting them to listen and participate.
Now let’s see five ways in which you can add interactivity to your e-learning videos.
1. Hotspots
2. Carousel
3. Button Tap
4. Drag and Drop or tap to choose pairs.
5. Text Boxes
1.1 Interactive videos and gamification
Click here to watch an interactive video where Deloitte takes an interesting strategy of using interactive e-learning video as part of their recruitment process. The interactive video effectively blends with e-learning gamification as the learners are awarded points for completing assigned tasks and answering the questions. Hence, including or implementing e-learning gamification with interactive videos can raise the bar of engagement and interactivity.
1.2 Interactive 360° Video
Interactive 360 degree videos are the rising trend of immersive learning experience that combines the power of interactive video and a 360 degree visual experience. Interactive 360 degree videos can be used on various topics of corporate interests like a virtual walkthrough during employee onboarding, compliance learning etc.
2. Microlearning videos
Microlearning is the ideal way to combat the challenge of decreasing attention span of the learners. If the Microsoft study is to be believed, the average attention span of the learners is less than 10 seconds.The short duration of the micro nugget helps in reducing the cognitive overload and keeps the learner engaged. To know more about microlearning, you can refer to my blog here.
Some popular forms of microlearning videos are-
2.1 Animated explainer videos
Animated explainer videos are the current big trend in the corporate learning and development. The short duration of the explainer videos and the wonderful use of animations keeps the learners engaged throughout. Thanks to advancement in technologies like mobile learning, as the learners are able to access them on multiple mobile devices.
2.2 Short video based case studies
Video based case studies are now becoming more popular as it can engage the audience more than a traditional text based one. Watch this short video based case study of Stihl(Popular Chainsaw manufacturer ). This video based case study successfully captures the emotions and delivers an amazing learning experience.
2.3 Animated infographics
Animated infographics show information in motion. In general, they are in the form gif or very short videos. Click here to watch the AT&T Infographic Animation.The short duration of the animated video with the right use of visuals and multimedia is sure to engage the audience than a traditional non animated infographics.
To know more about how animations are effective in e-learning, you can read my blog here
3. Recorded videos
The organisation can choose to include recorded videos in e-learning. For example, after the traditional classroom training, the recorded session of the classroom training session can be shared with the learners. The modern tools and software also allow the organisation to add interactivity in the recorded videos thus allowing the learners to engage with the learning content.
The recorded videos can be easily hosted on LMS or web servers and accessed through multiple devices. These recorded sessions supplements the traditional training techniques like classroom training or other on the job training where the instructor or supervisor explains the process or concepts to the learners. Such sessions are recorded live and later made available to the learners.
4. Screen capture/Screen Recording
This is an ideal way to create software simulations in e-learning. Like if your learning objective is to train the purchase department on the new ERP installed, I recommend using a screen capture or screen recording simulations to train the learners on the operations of the new ERP. Instead of referring back to the traditional user manual again and again, the learner can see the operations live and implement/perform it in his/her computer.
These are 4 popular handpicked ways to create engaging training by combining video elements in e-learning. Feel free to share your suggestions and recommendations using the comment box below.
