As mentioned in the previous post (Make a Good First Impression: Kick Off Training Curricula with an Engaging Video or Infographic ), videos are an effective way to make a great first impression. Videos help grab learners’ attention by providing them with an engaging introduction to the training and how it will benefit them.

Visually engaging introductions are not the only way courses benefit from the use of video. Videos are a great way to reinforce information that has been taught verbally or using text, and they are awesome for demonstrating skills in action. A video combined with narration or text makes explaining even the most complex concept much easier, effectively increasing long-term retention.

Furthermore, they are an effective way to break up long courses, by providing a summary or reinforcement. In addition, training courses on processes that would otherwise be too dangerous or expensive to do in person can be realized to their full potential by showing video simulations of the procedures.

These can range from actual recordings of a live event, to using 3D modeling and animation software to recreate and virtually simulate procedures. Videos can also be combined with interactivity like quick knowledge checks or branching scenarios, allowing learners to select the video they want to see next!

Considering the global pandemic, a new benefit is alleviating the need for face-to-face training, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of trainees. We all hope the pandemic will be over soon, but in the meantime, videos are a great alternative to instructor-led training (ILT). And when the pandemic ends, you will still have great content.

Video as an ILT alternative

When we develop eLearning, our team can perform a needs assessment to determine if video would be a good fit for the course based on criteria such as subject and budget. If this assessment indicates video would be a good fit for the project, we will determine what type of videos would be best.

The primary determination is live action vs. a motion graphic. Live action videos are great for demonstrations and building rapport, but they are usually more costly and time consuming. Motion graphics use animated text, graphics, and images to convey concepts and are very cost effective. Of course, a combination of the two is possible as well.

Video grabs attention

Bottom line – videos provide a lot of bang for the buck. The success of YouTube, with up to a billion active users at any one moment, shows that video content is extremely popular, not just for entertainment, but also education.

Here at Judge Learning, we love videos! We have years of experience planning and producing both live action and motion graphics on a wide range of subjects. We would love to talk with you about how you can design a fantastic curriculum that effectively uses video to its fullest potential.

Want to talk more about this? Reach out to us at JLS@judge.com. Our team of creative rock stars are ready to help – just let us know what you need.