What Is Video Based Learning?

L&D teams need to continuously raise the bar for training by providing engaging and interactive learning experiences. This article explores the benefits and examples of video-based learning in corporate training.

What is Video-Based Learning?

Video-based learning is an instructional strategy that utilizes video content as the primary medium to convey educational material. This approach integrates various elements like animations, real-life footage, text, and sound to create an engaging, multisensory learning experience. It’s a versatile tool that can cater to diverse learning styles and preferences, making it ideal for today’s digital learning environments.

Videos not only reduce cognitive load but also capture viewer attention, enhancing learner engagement. There are varied reasons as to why eLearning videos make for a powerful learning experience for digital learners.

• They compel consumption and improve retention levels. If given the choice of reading a 5,000-word lecture transcript versus watching an 8-minute animated video illustrating the lecture’s central idea, learners would definitely choose the latter as the preferred learning tool.
• More significantly, the power of video as an eLearning tool lies in the fact that they are a cross-generational resource. From Gen C, to Boomers, to Gen X, Y, and Z – workplaces across the generational divide can gain benefits from the application of eLearning videos.

Why You Should Leverage Video-Based Learning

1. Enhanced Engagement: Videos capture attention more effectively than traditional text-based content.
2. Flexibility and Accessibility: Learners can access video content anywhere, anytime, facilitating on-demand learning.
3. Improved Retention: Visual and auditory elements in videos aid in better retention and recall of information.
4. Supports Microlearning: Ideal for breaking down complex topics into digestible, short videos.
5. Versatility: Suitable for various training needs, from onboarding to skill development.

Challenges of Video-Based Learning

• Resource Intensiveness: Creating high-quality videos requires significant time, skills, and resources.
• Technological Constraints: Dependence on technology means issues like poor internet connectivity can hinder learning.
• Passive Learning Risks: Videos without interactive elements may lead to passive learning, diminishing their effectiveness.
• Content Updating: Keeping video content up-to-date with the latest information can be challenging.

How AI Will Transform Video-Based Learning

AI can personalize learning experiences by analyzing learner behaviors and preferences to recommend tailored content. It can also automate content creation, generate interactive elements, and provide real-time feedback. AI-enabled analytics can offer deep insights into learning patterns, aiding in continuous improvement of training programs.

What Are the Benefits that Video-Based Learning Offers?

1. Enhanced Learner Engagement: Videos with their dynamic and visually appealing content can engage learners more effectively than traditional text-based materials.
2. Higher Retention Rates: The combination of audio and visual elements in videos aids in better memory retention and recall of the information presented.
3. Support for Diverse Learning Styles: Videos cater to various learning styles, including auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners, making the learning process more inclusive.
4. Accessibility and Flexibility: Video-based learning allows learners to access content at their convenience, supporting learning outside the traditional classroom or training environment.
5. Improved Comprehension: Videos simplify complex concepts, enhancing understanding, especially when complemented with animations or real-life examples.
6. Scalability: Once created, videos can be used repeatedly, reaching a wide audience without additional costs.
7. Facilitates Microlearning: Short video formats are perfect for microlearning, allowing learners to consume content in manageable, focused bursts.
8. Interactive Opportunities: Modern video-based learning platforms offer interactive features like quizzes and scenario-based learning, enhancing the active learning experience.
9. Real-Time Feedback and Analytics: Many video platforms provide analytics on viewer engagement and comprehension, enabling instructors to tailor future content more effectively.
10. Global Reach: Videos transcend geographical boundaries, making it possible to train a global workforce with consistent messaging and quality.

What are the Different Types of Video-Based Learning?

The value of eLearning videos can be augmented by implementing the following approaches:

1. Explainer Videos: Animated or live-action videos that clarify complex concepts.
2. Interactive Videos: Incorporate interactive elements like quizzes and branching scenarios.
3. Microlearning Videos: Short videos for focused learning, including Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) content.
4. Screencast Tutorials: Screen recordings for software or process demonstrations.
5. Scenario-Based Videos: Simulate real-life situations, including micro-module-based scenarios for mock training.
6. Webinars: Live or recorded expert-led instructional sessions.
7. Storytelling Videos: Narrative-based content for engaging learning experiences.
8. 360-Degree and VR Videos: Provide immersive and realistic learning environments.
9. Role Play Videos: Actors or animations reenacting workplace scenarios for training.
10. Learner-Generated Videos: Content created by learners, fostering informal learning and peer-to-peer education.
11. Moment-of-Need Videos: Include lesson summaries, how-tos, FAQs, and key takeaways for just-in-time learning support.
12. Teaser Videos: Used to generate interest and excitement about upcoming learning programs.
13. Practice and Apply Videos: Feature exercises, drills, and simulations for hands-on learning experiences.
14. Reinforcement Videos: Designed to review content and help overcome the forgetting curve.

What Strategies Can Help Drive Engagement in Your Corporate Training Videos?

The following are 6 strategies that will help L&D teams maximize the impact of their video training:

1. Create learning journeys:

   Don’t view training as a one-time initiative. Given that remote working is here to stay, L&D teams should consider utilizing online training videos to foster a continuous learning journey for their employees – from onboarding training to existing skills enhancement and from review and refresher courses to new skills development.

2. Build a video library of Formal Learning aids:
   

   Create video training assets to support learning strategies, such as Microlearning, point-of-need learning, how-to videos, tips & tricks, quick recall content, and just-in-time videos. Trainers can then make use of these videos to ease the transition from in-person training to formal, remote learning programs.

3. Gamify your videos:

   “Learn by playing” is a great way to make learning fun – especially when dealing with boring subject matter, such as compliance or mandatory certification training. Through competitive learning, the gamified video learning experience also helps improve engagement, foster team building, and increase cooperation among cross-functional teams.

4. Leverage Microlearning videos:
   

   Short-form online training videos are more engaging than lengthy feature-length training content. These videos provide concise and targeted learning and serve well as point-of-need training and post-training support resources.

5. Integrate scenarios and branching into videos:
   

   The use of Scenario Based Learning (SBL) and branching in videos helps deliver realistic learning experiences to the audience. Instructors can use videos to demonstrate real-life situations (work-related challenges) and showcase alternate ways to deal with them. They work as useful checkpoints to bridge learning gaps and provide a safe environment for learners to practice what they’ve just learned. Branching presents the learner with multi-dimensional problem-solving opportunities, allowing them to understand the consequences of alternating choices, decisions, and actions.

6. Use videos to deliver augmented learning experiences:
   

   Rather than using videos as a stand-alone training tool, make strategic use of online training videos, in concert with immersive learning approaches like Gamification, Scenario Based Learning, and Microlearning to deliver an augmented corporate learning experience.

How Do You Implement Video Based Learning to Your Corporate Training?

Keep your content concise:

While Video Based Learning is an extremely effective approach to offer Formal Training as well as performance support intervention, the passivity of videos can sometimes limit the learning takeaways. You are likely to face this challenge when the run length of the video is long.

Select relevant topics:

A good strategy is to create eLearning videos around a plot or storyline – but one that’s relevant to your learner audience. Apply a customer success story, a work-related case study, or an suitable use case to gradually (in 5-10-minute snippets) progress the story through the course. It is vital that the video component of the story seamlessly aligns to the other aspects of the course – the audio, text, slides, assignments, and so on.

Build it interactive and engaging:

Interactive eLearning videos provide more engaging courses and the up-and-coming trend of using 360-degree eLearning videos deliver an immersive experience beyond the standard “point and record” video content.

Optimize it for various devices:

You can use Interactive Video Based Learning as short, bite-sized nuggets. Learners can consume this when they’re on the go and on the device of their choice.

Parting Thoughts

Online training videos are an excellent addition to corporate training programs, particularly in the context of today’s remote learning environment. Not only do they foster engagement, through interactivity, but are also ideal to supplement existing learning resources in Formal and Informal Learning environments.

I hope this article provides the requisite insights to help you leverage Video Based Learning for online corporate training.