Video is no longer a supplementary part of a learning program. It has earned a place as a common standard. Whether you are selling courses online or using content for internal training, you need video.
A SAVO Group study found that the average worker forgets approximately 65% of the material covered within one week of completing a training course. The amount of lost knowledge rises to 90% after six months.
One of the ways employers use to increase long-term knowledge retention is through video. This medium has a stronger impact. It’s more memorable. It also creates a multi-faceted approach to presenting the material. The learner can see visuals, hear audio, and read text on the screen or alongside it.
Additional studies have been conducted that found that video has a positive impact on information retention. Presentations that include visual elements are 9% easier to recall immediately after completion compared to those that only use text. That number jumps to 83% when looking at a longer period after completion.
What makes video so effective? One of the biggest reasons has to do with how the human brain works. Our brains can process imagery 60,000 times faster than they process text. Around 90% of the information transmitted to our brains is visual.
Researchers have also discovered that people remember around 80% of what they see and do compared to only 10% of what they hear and 20% of what they read. Video allows us to combine all three to optimize the delivery of learning content.
Harnessing the Power of Video Teaching
If you don’t have video in your learning library, now is the time to add it. Even if you have it, you should review your training program to ensure that you are using it as effectively as possible.
Some LMS platforms offer access to pre-made video libraries either as part of a subscription, al la carte or for an additional fee. These are a great way to jump-start your training program. You can check out LMS.org for LMS reviews to find out which platforms offer this and other video-related features.
There are several methods you can use to create and add effective video content to your curriculum. The following tips will help you get started.
- When It Comes to eLearning, Shorter is Better
Shorter is better when it comes to eLearning. Adopt a microlearning format when producing your video content. Microlearning means delivering content in smaller, bite-sized units rather than one big chapter or section. Each should focus on a single idea or concept.
The Journal of Applied Psychology reported that microlearning is 17% more efficient in transferring information compared to traditional classroom training. The material was easier to understand and recall.
Short videos are also easier to fit into a busy schedule. Learners working through self-paced courses can easily watch one without interrupting a significant part of their day. They will be more successful and more likely to complete the course.
- Quality Should Always Come Before Quantity
Your training program will most likely need multiple videos. Keep in mind that quality should remain the priority over quantity. The quality of the video will have an impact on the viewer’s experience. You need something that is well-organized and well-produced.
That means that both the content and the technical side of things must be polished. Great content won’t be as effective if the audio or video quality is poor. On the other hand, if you don’t take the time to plan out content, it may not have the effect you want even if the technical aspects are excellent.
It takes time to make good eLearning videos, but it’s well worth the effort. Once they are produced, you can use them for years and can share them easily anywhere to an audience of any size. Make sure they are a positive representation of your company and your brand before you put them out there.
- Pay Attention to Your Video Backgrounds
Some videos may not require a special scene or setup. If you plan to record content in your office or workspace, don’t forget to pay attention to the background. Backgrounds shouldn’t be too busy. They shouldn’t contain distracting elements. They should look professional, tidy, and keep the focus on the subject in the foreground whether that’s a person speaking or a demonstration.
Creating an ideal background can sometimes mean simple changes like closing blinds or turning off computer monitors. Anything that could create an auditory distraction should be turned off or removed.
- Start with an Outline and Script
You should outline your video content and write a script for each segment. Even if you know the content inside and out, you should still have a script to guide you. Writing it out beforehand will allow you to deliver the information in a logical, easy-to-understand way.
This step will also help you review the material and make sure that it is concise and contains only what is necessary with nothing extraneous. You can also gauge whether there is too much content for one brief video and plan accordingly.
Even if you are an expert in your industry, you should still map out your video content with outlines and scripts.
- Be Enthusiastic in Your Delivery
If you will be speaking on screen, make sure you pay attention to your delivery. You should sound enthusiastic and confident when you discuss concepts or instructions.
You should also speak clearly but quickly. That means not so fast that it’s hard to understand you, but fast enough to move the content along. Research indicates that student engagement is higher when the presenter speaks at a quicker pace.
- Connect Video Content with Other Learning Activities
Your video content should be a part of your training or educational program. That means there will be other materials and activities for the learner. You can tie these into your video content to create a seamless transition between activities and information. It also reinforces knowledge and ensures that the learner paid attention.
Include a follow-up activity like a quiz or worksheet that’s accessed immediately after viewing. You can also include required discussion participation in a forum post or chat (depending on what your LMS uses). Additional activities improve retention and will give learners an opportunity to ask questions or request clarification if needed.
- Make Your Videos Accessible to Everyone
Your video content should be as accessible as possible. The best way to do that is to add captions or include a text transcript. These are necessary for learners with hearing impairments. It’s also beneficial for people who are non-native speakers.
Some platforms like YouTube come with captioning built in. You may also be able to use a third-party web-based captioning tool. If you want maximum accuracy, then you may consider paying for professional transcription and subtitling. You can check your LMS features to see if captioning is included.
Strengthen Your Learning Program with Training Videos
Video content makes a big difference when it comes to learner success and knowledge retention. Many of today’s learning management systems include video features that make it easier to produce and distribute content. Visit LMS.org to read reviews and find out which platforms offer the best video features.
