Due to technological advancement, video based learning has become a cost-effective and viable alternative for training employees. In the next five years, I doubt if you would be reading this article or watching a video. It is observed that a human being has the attention span of 8 seconds.
Now, you must be thinking, how videos make learning interesting? The simple answer to this is because of their intrinsic approach together with instructional strategies with a wide variety of technology and delivery alternative. More than 1 billion videos are recorded on YouTube every month (Excluding Facebook redirects). Also videos are considered as a booster to bring traffic to the website.
So, what are the key parameters that should be considered before creating an engaging video-based learning? Here in this blog we have provided the following guidelines that will help the course developers and instructional designers to create engaging video based content.
- Keep your objectives clear: You should always be very clear about the objectives of your video. Before you fill these objectives, spend some time in deciding what the learners will learn by the end of this video. A well sorted objective with a video helps the learners to complete the course quickly.
- Keep It Short & Simple (KISS): This rule works best when you have your objectives ready. You should ensure that the video is not too long. A short video will surely keep the audience engaged. If the course is lengthy, then you might have to create bite size videos on the topic in order to reduce cognitive load. Ensure that you keep and equal balance between visuals and text so that users don’t feel the burden of seeing less visuals and much text.
- Voice Overs: Adding voice-overs in the video will increase the learner’s engagement. You can assist the learners through voice scripts. You can simplify learning by supporting visuals in your video through voice-over. Additionally, learners can listen to the audio if they are occupied with other activities that needs their physical presence. Furthermore, voice-over helps blind learner’s to complete course effectively. Finally, you can also offer audio scripts in different types of languages to suit your learner’s requirements.
- On-screen Text: On-screen Text are very useful if the learner resides in different geographies. On-screen Text is helpful for learner’s with hearing disabilities. The learners can easily complete their course by looking at the On-screen Text . You can set English as a common language and include on-screen text accordingly.
- Interactive Videos: You will have to create interactive videos to deliver learning. When the learner interacts with the videos, it becomes a two way communication. You can also put some interactive elements in your videos or interactive video template by using tools like Raptivity. Raptivity offers HTML5 and Flash compliant interactions that doesn’t require any programming skills. Instructional Designers can search through a variety of video-based interactions offered by Raptivity and can integrate their courses. Raptivity also offers SCORM tracking alternative to the track learner actions which eventually improves learner’s performance.
Weren’t these guidelines helpful? If yes, then do let us know your feedback by posting a comment.