Effective video in eLearning

With the rise of media king YouTube, at PulseLearning, we have seen that video has become increasingly popular in eLearning and has brilliant capabilities in presenting content in a clear, concise and aesthetically pleasing format. With video comes possibility, so long live video in eLearning!

Here are seven of our best tips for making the most of video in eLearning.

1. Sync with scenarios
   Video showcases its value when it comes to creating immersive scenarios – in particular, ‘what to do’ or ‘what not to do’ sales situations. Video makes creating a real-life situation possible. Short, engaging and relatable video segments provide excellent context for self-reflection questioning.
2. Quality, not quantity
   There’s nothing like cruddy video to turn your learners off. If it’s in the budget, invest in professional actors rather than using employees; this should also reduce studio time and costs. Using a video production company will guarantee the quality of your video…and don’t forget to use experts for post-production too.
3. Short and snappy
   To maintain engagement, the length of each video needs to hit the right mark. Too long and it’s a snoozer; too short and learners might miss the point. Determining the correct length will depend on the content; however, as a guideline, anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes seems an appropriate length for a video snippet. Make use of effective editing to remove ‘dead spots’ with no action and move to the learning point quickly.
4. Size matters
   In this context, it really does. Make sure videos are compressed to the right size as not to compromise eLearning load speed or efficiency and retain excellent visual and audio quality.
5. Add interactivity
   Video opens up exciting opportunities for interaction. Video can be used for multibranching scenarios whereby a scene plays out, ending on a still frame. Then learners make a selection on the frame to trigger a unique outcome when the video continues. Think of it as the ultimate ‘pick-a-path’ adventure.
6. Keep it consistent
   Video should enhance the learning experience for your learners, which is greatly determined by how video is integrated into the eLearning. Consistency is the key here, for example, you could bookmark your eLearning by using video at the beginning and end of the module, or start each topic with an engaging video to set the scene.
7. Have a plan
   Video production can be pricey, so have a sound plan in place before your shoot. Most important for smooth sailing on the day is a detailed run sheet stating the order of the shoot, actors, time allocations and props required. Plan the run list for efficiency such as shooting scenes with specific actors back to back to reduce booking time. A visual storyboard can help ensure you achieve your vision and capture the right mix of shots.