7 Ways to Get the Most from Your Video Content
While there are a number of learning modes for corporate trainers to choose from, a digital age demands digital solutions. For many, video e-learning is just the ticket. Some might argue that video courses put learners in a passive role and that they lack interactivity. Meanwhile others praise video content for provoking deeper discussions, inviting learners to analyze and think.
The ability of video to simplify complex topics is profound.
Videos can be re-watched as many times as needed, contain smaller chunks of information which are easier to absorb, emotionally engage people, include websites, pictures, maps, captions and so much more.
Some would even call video the future of e-learning.
Others wouldn’t go that far. More traditional executives avoid video content unless it is thoughtfully produced and incorporated into a larger, more strategic, training plan.
What’s the magic answer for your organization? We reached out to 6 experts in the e-learning space to ask them how to get the very best results from their video content. Here is what they had to say.
1. With Video Learning, Focus on User Experience
Chris Hood, a Digital Strategist with CH Digital, says true video learning should be developed out of content the viewer truly desires to learn.
“If the desire to learn is genuine and the materials are something the viewer is interested in, the impact is much stronger,” says Hood who also adds that incentives such as bonuses or rewards also make video learning more effective.
Need help creating your first e-learning storyboard? Watch this 101-style video from E-Learning Uncovered.
2. Use Audio Visual Content to Help Learners Pace Themselves
With over 65% of the population being audio-visual learners, any e-elearning course with video elements is bound to perform better. They also increase retention, as learners feel more engaged (with the material and the company.
“Viewers can learn at their own pace and review as necessary,” says Shmuli Rosenberg of Card Cash, a nationwide gift card retailer. “The ability to pause and rewind prevents distractions from being harmful to the process.”
3. Structure Your Content in a Meaningful Way
Carlos Quinn, Head of Marketing at the e-learning company Kubicle, learned firsthand the “Dos” and the “Don’ts” of e-learning. A major “Don’t” for Quinn is creating canned video content that lacks depth or follows a “set it and forget it” mentality.
“There’s nothing wrong with short-form videos as long as the content is clearly structured and accompanied by practical exercises,” says Quinn.
Companies that do this right succeed. However, companies that fail to provide sufficient guidance or learning time will never see the rewards that well-planned and delivered e-learning content can provide.
4. Use Video Learning to Leverage Live Instructor Training
For Aaron Norris, VP of the Norris Group, the success of his company hinged largely on e-learning. From Photoshop lessons to landing page design, Norris fuels his business growth almost entirely with video courses online.
“The beauty of online [learning] is allowing brilliance to scale,” says Norris, who praises his online Photoshop teacher Deke McClelland for making the ins and outs of Adobe Photoshop come alive.
“Deke was the perfect instructor. Just the right amount of approachable, passionate, brilliant, nerdy and funny,” says Norris.
The great news is that some of McClelland’s courses are now available on Youtube. You can get an idea of how he engages his audience by watching the clip below.
As we become even more global and digital, our access to quality instruction only gets bigger – for Norris, video e-learning helps us use that bounty of talent to our advantage.
5. Use Video Learning to Offset Instructor Costs
For Raz Shafer, Founder of My Campaign Coach, a political campaign support company, leverages video learning to give his clients the information and advice they need with ease. Shafer rolls live group coaching into the cost of his campaign building courses. He also credits the use of mixed media for helping his clients digest a wide array of knowledge at a faster speed.
“Instead of relying on hourly consultants or in-person training events,” says Shafer, “we’re able to offer potential candidates a cheap way to receive directed instruction about how to build their campaign. All at their own pace.”
6. Take Education to the Next Level with Two-Way Streaming
While short-form video instruction improves retention and engagement, two-way amplifies growth in both areas. With so many companies using live streaming these days, users expect a more interactive experience. It’s the new stage for learning. And it works.
“Imagine having one-on-one access to the foremost authority in the world on the future of marketing or HR best practices, and then allowing your team the opportunity to interact with, learn from and be inspired by them,” said Keith Alper, founder and CEO of Geniecast. “We’ve curated a roster of thousands of experts, authors and speakers to revolutionize the way businesses can invigorate their employee base, train their teams and offer clients exclusive access to thought leaders in their field. It’s like having your own personal, interactive TED Talk customized just for you.”
Geniecast provides companies of all industries, shapes and sizes with two-way learning capabilities. Of course, just like any form of instruction, content stills need to be well-planned and structured to have a strong impact.
7. Secure Your Content with eServe
Now, after you’ve done all the hard work of developing meaningful short-form or two-way videos that are catered toward your learners’ needs and wants, the last thing you want to do is lose it. (Or, God forbid, let it get in the hands of your competitors). With content delivery platforms like eServe, you can store your video content securely in the cloud.
Using sophisticated data encryption software, we can help you merge your videos with Pdfs or other text files and deliver it anywhere, anytime to your users. We can also give you detailed analytics that tell you exactly how, when and for how long your content is being used.
Want to know which videos are performing best? eServe’s analytics tools can give you that information in a minute! And by storing your content securely, you can change and adjust as needed without the threat of losing any ground.
