How to successfully implement video e-learning in your company 

In the age of digital learning, videos have become an indispensable tool, transforming the way we access knowledge. Through a video, it is possible to present information in a more engaging and consistent way, generating a significant impact on our ability to learn and retain information.

This trend has found fertile ground on social media. However, it is in the field of online education where it is gaining more and more popularity every day for its ability to simplify complex concepts, make them more digestible through visual explanations and encourage viewer participation. That is why in this post we want to talk to you about video e-learning. Stick around and find out what it is, its benefits, the different types of learning videos out there, and how to make the most of its potential.

What is video e-learning: Understanding its potential

The use of videos in the field of learning is nothing new. But what began with a classroom full of students gathered around a television and a VHS player, has now become a worldwide phenomenon. Currently 92% of internet users watch a video online every week, explanatory videos, tutorials and educational videos being the most popular among members of the Gen Z.

In the field of training, video e-learning is an educational methodology that uses videos as the main teaching tool. It is an approach that combines visual and auditory elements to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment, which facilitates the understanding and retention of information.

Through videos, students have access to a wealth of educational resources, such as tutorials, hands-on demonstrations, simulations or lectures, allowing them to learn at their own pace, anytime or anywhere.

Why video-based learning is king: The science behind its effectiveness

If there is one thing that we training managers often ask ourselves is – how can we capture the attention of students among so many elements competing for their time? To answer this question, it is enough to look at social networks such as YouTube, the largest open platform for audiovisual content and the second most visited website worldwide, with more than 2,500 million active users.

And these figures are not surprising, as research points to video content having a 95% retention rate compared to just 10% retention for text content. This data highlights the effectiveness of video e-learning in facilitating deeper and more lasting learning.  But beyond its effectiveness, video e-learning offers us other opportunities, such as making content more flexible, adding subtitles and translations into multiple languages to eliminate language barriers and reach a more global audience.

In addition, the videos can be played as many times as needed, which is useful for adapting learning to different styles and paces. Not to mention the ability of videos to connect people through narrative and emotions, which makes them ideal for capturing interest and maintaining motivation.

Versatile use of video e-learning: From classrooms to business training

Video e-learning is not limited to virtual classrooms, its scope extends to various areas, proving to be a very versatile educational tool. From formal education to entrepreneurship training and continuing professional development, video-based learning facilitates access to knowledge by adapting to the needs of each context.

In education, videos have become a support for educators when it comes to sharing complex concepts or conducting practical demonstrations that would be difficult to replicate through traditional teaching methods. Videos are not the ideal complement to enrich lessons, but over time new ways of learning have been generated that bring teachers and students closer together without the need for a physical classroom.

In business training, video e-learning has also proven its value. Through videos, companies can coach their teams on a variety of skills, operating procedures, regulatory compliance, and more. In this sense, videos can fulfill two roles: that of being the centerpiece of training, and that of acting as a support tool. Each company must decide how to integrate this methodology into its business training program, but some of the most common uses are the onboarding of new employees, product or service training, and e-learning courses for professional training in various areas.

Benefits of video-based learning: How to get involved in business training

This methodology has not only transformed the way companies train their employees, but also offers several advantages that are worth knowing:

• Scope & flexibility: One of the main advantages of videos is that they can be accessed at any time. This flexibility allows employees to access training content at their convenience, which is very useful in global enterprises and for deskless workers. In addition, employees set their own pace of learning, advancing or revisiting parts of the content that require reinforcement.
• Consistency: Through videos, it is guaranteed that all employees, no matter where they are, receive the same information, eliminating variations that may occur when live instructors are available at different locations. This consistency is especially important when it comes to procedures or regulations training, ensuring that all team members are aligned.
• Resource savings: Once created, a video can train an unlimited number of employees, no matter their location. This scalability is very beneficial for companies that are in full growth or for those that face high staff turnover.
• Measurement & analysis: Traditional training methods rely on observing expressions to gauge employee impact and engagement. In contrast, online video e-learning platforms provide specific data on learner engagement, such as how many watched the video, how much time they spent on it, and how many completed it. This analytical capability allows for a clearer understanding of the training’s effectiveness and the identification of any areas for improvement.

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How to use e-learning videos: 6 steps to leverage video-based learning

Including training videos in your e-learning processes brings many benefits, but you can maximize the impact by considering the following points:

1. Use videos only when they add value: Videos should have a clear learning goal—don’t include a resource just for the sake of it. If other resources (such as an interactive activity or image carousel with text) are more useful for the learner, go for those.
2. Always keep accessibility in mind when incorporating videos: Add subtitles, which benefit users who might be completing their courses on mobile devices in public spaces.
3. Consider the weight of your files: Any content that takes too long to load will deter your audience from completing the training. Optimize video load times by compressing the files before embedding or by creating versions for low bandwidth users.
4. Make your video an interactive experience: Interactive videos add another dimension to your training, allowing you to ask questions at key moments, highlight important information, or provide learners with the opportunity to explore additional content by clicking on the screen.
5. Keep these points in mind when creating your own e-learning videos: Use a script to structure the content and ensure quality audio using a good microphone. If budget allows, consider hiring professional voice actors. Complement your videos with high-quality graphics, podcasts, or images.
6. Use concise videos: Employee training videos that do not allow for interaction should be short and to the point. Highlight the most relevant concepts and keep videos under five minutes to maintain your audience’s attention.

Different types of instructional videos: Examples and best practices

You already know the full potential of videos and the advantages you can obtain through their use in business training. However, you should still know the different types of didactic videos that you can integrate into your training:

Talking-Head or talking head videos

These types of videos usually show an expert on a topic. Although the focus is usually on the speaker, many of them add images, graphics, or any visual element that helps them share information better. A common example of these types of videos are TED talks, lectures, or webinars.

Screencast or screenshot videos

Unlike the previous ones, the focus of these videos is on a computer screen, rather than on the speaker. Through them it is possible to show a group of people how to complete a process or carry out a task while it is being performed.

It’s almost as if people will look over your shoulder at what you do on the computer and although they will mainly look at the screen, in some cases it is possible to include a recording of the face of the person presenting it and it is always advisable to include an audio overlay.

Animated videos

These kinds of videos are quite common and ideal for illustrating a concept or a process that is often difficult to explain without visual support. Through animations, it is possible to move users anywhere and show them how to do almost anything. For example, an animated video can show employees the right way to recycle in the office and what happens to materials without having to move them to the recycling plant.

Microvideos

One of the favorites for employee training. These are short videos of between 1 and 3 minutes, which provide valuable information on any topic but in a concise and focused way. This format is based on the premise that people have shorter and shorter attention spans, so by dividing a topic into several small videos, more effective learning is achieved.

However, they are often used in different contexts, from skills training consisting of several modules, to a tutorial on how to book a conference room in the office.

Interactive videos

Finally, these types of videos are ideal for giving viewers access to more information so that they can choose what they want to watch or do. While not all interactive videos are created equally, some of them offer links that viewers can visit for more information. Others may offer linked scenes to explore a specific theme.

Your videos, now more interactive than ever with isEazy Author

Although interactive videos are a fantastic way to make your audience learn in an immersive way, we know that editing and adding them to your courses complicates your creation process a lot… Until now!

With isEazy Author you can create interactive videos in just a few steps to give your training a dimension you never imagined. See all the possibilities it offers:

• Carry out interactive role-plays.
• Create simulations with which to evaluate your students.
• Offer new possibilities in your onboarding courses.
• Get the most out of your content through storytelling.
• Create a video with an AI avatar and more.

The different possibilities offered by our interactive video will allow you to add excitement to your courses, as well as that human interaction that we miss so much. With the live participation of your audience, learning becomes a game, literally.

What are you waiting for? Break down the e-learning barriers with content creation tools that make your life easier. Try isEazy Author for free and create your first interactive video in just minutes. You’ll engage your audience like never before!