How to Effectively Use Video for Training

By: Justin Ferriman • July 22, 2013
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trianing-videoDelivering courses online affords organizations the ability to deliver their content in a variety of ways, including video.  However, just like anything, there is a correct way to deliver online training videos, and then there is the wrong way.   Gone are the days when you could just record a live presentation and post the fuzzy tape online for others to view (well, maybe those days aren’t gone… but they should be!)

Video isn’t always the best choice for learning, but it does provide some advantages.  First, it allows for variation in instructional delivery – which helps with learning retention.  Video is also a great way to demonstrate case studies and reinforce information explained in text.  If you have training that is procedural in nature, then videos are a great way to present a string of procedures in a comprehensive way that can be referenced again and again.

To make sure that your videos in your online training are effective, there are some easy steps to take. Don’t worry, you do not have to be a video editing magician to make effective videos.  In fact, all you really need to do is:

  • Present video in short spurts (no longer than 5min per section)
  • Keep the content current – users can tell when videos contain old visuals
  • Ensure it downloads quickly
  • Remove “talking heads” – no one wants to be lectured

There are certainly more best-practice strategies for inserting videos into training, but most of which expand upon these four points.  As with any content delivery strategy, don’t depend on just one.  Try to use video, text, images, games, quizzes, discussion, and assignments to drive home the key points.

 

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Justin Ferriman

Justin started LearnDash, the WordPress LMS trusted by Fortune 500 companies, major universities, training organizations, and entrepreneurs worldwide. He is currently founder & CEO of GapScout. Justin’s Homepage | GapScout | Twitter