Are you facing criticism for your company's eLearning courses not being engaging enough?

In today's fast-paced work environment, where time is a precious commodity and information overload is a daily challenge, capturing and maintaining your team's attention can be a daunting task.

The reality is stark: traditional training methods are no longer effective for a workforce that demands not only knowledge but also relevance and adaptability to fit into their busy schedules.

Simply maintaining the 'status quo' in your training approach is no longer sufficient.

As a training leader, your role is vital. You are tasked with transforming this environment of disengagement into learning experiences that are not only effective but also engaging and customized to meet the demands of today’s workplace.

One powerful solution is the strategic use of video, which has become a game changer in the field of eLearning.

This article will explore why and how to leverage the power of video in your eLearning programs to bring them to life and transform them into effective tools for professional development.

Why Do Learners Love Video?

Ever wonder why some team members who can barely stay awake through a PowerPoint presentation are glued to the screen when a video pops up? There’s something about this medium that’s just plain captivating.

It’s no fluke. Videos align perfectly with most people's learning preferences.

Statistics show that 85% of internet users in the United States gobble up video content monthly on their devices (Statista, 2022). This natural affinity makes videos an effective way to catch and hold attention in a learning environment.

Here’s a look at why learners dig video formats:

• Familiar Format: The blockbuster success of platforms like YouTube shows that people nowadays prefer to chow down on video content rather than just read or listen to audio. Video has become a staple of our daily lives, offering a more intuitive and entertaining way to absorb information.

• Dynamic and Engaging Content: Videos have the power to turn snooze-worthy or overly technical information into vibrant, exciting content. Using real-life scenarios and stories, videos capture attention and keep viewers hooked, presenting information in a way that’s easy and fun to digest.

• Flexibility: Videos give learners the reins to control their own learning pace. They can pause, rewind, fast-forward, or replay to focus on specific details, repeat unclear sections, or skip parts they already master. This is invaluable in a world where 58% of employees prefer learning at their own pace (LinkedIn Learning, 2022).

• Clarity and Brevity: The audiovisual presentation of videos ensures that knowledge transfer is high-quality and time-efficient. Packing a ton of information into a short span, videos shorten training durations while maximizing retention. Graphics and sounds stimulate multiple senses, making learning more effective and less cognitively demanding.

• Timely and On-Demand Learning: Available on mobile devices, videos allow learners to tap into the benefits of learning exactly when needed and in the preferred format. This accessible and flexible approach encourages learners to review lessons at the moment and in the way that best suits them, ideal in a world where time is precious.

Also read: What Do Modern Learners Actually Want From Your eLearning Courses?

Why Should You Integrate Videos into Your eLearning Courses?

Videos are more than just a mainstay in our personal lives; they've become a powerhouse in the world of eLearning. Their unique ability to convey complex information in an engaging way makes them indispensable for anyone looking to enhance the effectiveness and engagement of their courses.

Here’s a closer look at why integrating video into your eLearning courses is so beneficial:

• Boosting Retention Rates: When it comes to retaining information, video is a game-changer. Research by Forbes found that learners retain up to 95% of a message when it's delivered in video format, compared to just 10% when reading text. This is because videos stimulate both visual and auditory senses, making learning more impactful and memorable.

• Simplifying Complex Topics: Videos excel at breaking down difficult concepts. According to a study in the Journal of Educational Psychology, students who learn through video demonstrations understand complex ideas better than those who rely on text alone. This ability to clarify and simplify makes videos an essential tool for teaching challenging content.

• Enhancing Accessibility: Videos that feature subtitles and audio descriptions expand learning opportunities for everyone, including those with hearing or visual impairments and non-native language speakers. This makes learning inclusive and accessible to a broader audience.

• Ensuring Consistency in Training: Videos provide a consistent learning experience for every viewer. They can be replayed and shared across any number of sessions, ensuring that all learners receive the same quality of training. This is especially useful in large organizations looking to standardize education across multiple locations.

• Designed for Mobile Learning: Videos can be optimized for viewing on any device, making them ideal for on-the-go learning. This flexibility allows learners to engage with content at their convenience, fitting education into their busy schedules.

• Facilitating Microlearning: The format of videos lends itself well to microlearning, where content is delivered in small, manageable segments. This approach is perfect for learners looking to absorb information in short, focused bursts, aligning with modern learning behaviors.

• Streamlining Production with AI Technology: Modern advancements in AI have revolutionized how videos are produced, eliminating the need for sophisticated equipment or extensive technical knowledge. Nowadays, virtually anyone can create professional-quality videos quickly and inexpensively, shifting the focus from technical production to educational quality.

   

The Top Reason to Adopt Video in eLearning: Mobility

As the landscape of workplace learning evolves, most learning leaders recognize that mobile has become a central feature. The rising trend in video consumption marries perfectly with mobile learning, considering today’s workforce's mobility, improved connectivity, and video’s versatility across various devices.

Recent statistics highlight this shift: According to a 2021 LinkedIn Learning report, over 75% of learning and development professionals agree that mobile learning is a critical component of their overall strategy. Furthermore, video has become the preferred learning format for more than 70% of organizations seeking to enhance engagement and content retention through mobile platforms.

These insights underscore the importance of integrating video into your eLearning strategies to meet modern learners' needs effectively and to harness the full potential of mobile learning.

Maximizing the Impact of Videos in eLearning

To make the most out of videos in your eLearning courses, it’s essential to grasp both the best practices and the pitfalls to avoid. Implementing these actionable tips can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your video content and improve the overall learning experience.

What to Do:

1. Keep Videos Concise and Focused: Aim for videos that are 5 to 10 minutes long. Concentrate on one topic or key concept per video to maintain the learner’s attention and prevent cognitive overload.

2. Ensure High-Quality Production: Videos should have high resolution and clear audio. Poor video or sound quality can distract learners and detract from the educational content.

3. Use a Variety of Video Formats: To cater to diverse learning preferences, incorporate different types of videos such as tutorials, practical demonstrations, role-playing, and expert interviews. This variety helps keep the content engaging and informative.

4. Incorporate Interactivity: Leverage interactive video technologies that enable learners to participate actively. Features such as decision points, quiz questions, or scenario explorations can make learning more engaging and effective.

5. Provide Transcripts and Subtitles: Adding transcripts and subtitles not only makes your videos accessible to learners with hearing impairments or those who are non-native speakers but also allows all learners to review the material at their own pace.

Here are some actionable steps to get you started:

1. Assess Your Current Content: Review the eLearning materials you currently use and identify topics that could be better explained or more engaging through video.

2. Plan Your Video Content: Outline key concepts, decide on the video type (tutorial, demonstration, interview, etc.), and script your videos to ensure clarity and conciseness.

3. Invest in Quality Production: Even with a modest budget, prioritize good lighting, clear audio, and stable video quality to enhance the learning experience.

4. Gather Feedback: After integrating videos, collect feedback from learners to understand what works and what needs improvement.

5. Iterate and Improve: Use the feedback to refine your video content continually, experimenting with different formats and interactive elements to keep your content fresh and impactful.