While video-based learning continues to rank high in the latest trends, there are a few points that are regularly overlooked in the production of learning videos, with a focus on user experience (UX) and user interaction
People really enjoy watching videos. According to a survey conducted among consumers worldwide, respondents watched an average of 19 hours of online video content per week in 2022. And nearly half of all internet users watch online videos at least once a week.
But videos are more than just entertainment. Videos can be very effective from an educational point of view.
Videos are an important part of the multimedia approach to learning, which combines different forms of media such as text, images, audio, animation and interactive elements. When used alongside other media, video complements and reinforces learning by providing a dynamic visual element that enhances the overall learning experience.
We know that video can be highly effective in the training process because of its ability to engage multiple senses, build a trusting relationship with the trainer, simplify complex concepts, encourage interactivity, provide real-world context, and offer flexibility and inclusiveness in access to training materials.
And business training videos are very popular in the corporate world. According to wizowl.com data, employees prefer to be trained via video at work, making it the most popular technique. But this does not necessarily mean that you should rush into any decisions about learning formats, at least not without reading the rest of the article first.
The 2022 training industry report indicates that virtual classrooms, webcasting, and video broadcasting are the most commonly used, with 86% of participating companies utilizing these methods, as per the survey findings.
The only question that remains is whether consumers of video learning will always enjoy it as much as we hope they will. Here are a few things to consider before, during, or even after integration.
Know your learner principle
Probably the first question to ask is — does my training really need to be video?
I could write a book on the use cases where the training and development department integrates some kind of video training and employees do not have a stable internet connection, headphones at their workplace and they are not allowed to watch it on their personal phone due to company policy. And if you are lucky enough to have an invested learning and development manager, they will most likely gather in their shared office and watch your video together. Which unfortunately also means that you cannot use all the interactive features you have developed or collect clear statistics.
This is why user research is really the most important first step of any integration, but I have found it particularly valuable in this type of project. Know your learner principle is paramount, try starting with the following questions
Do they have all the technology they need?
Are they allowed to use mobile devices at work?
Is this topic relevant to their work, interests or even personal experience?
Do they have time to attend this type of training?
Is the video content aligned with their job responsibilities, interests, age appropriateness, etc.?
Have they used video in their training before? And if not, then you need a more serious integration campaign and much deeper user research.
Should this video training just be a pdf file that is much easier to open, read, and use?
By including these and other additional questions in the user research phase, you can gain a more complete understanding of employees' technology skills, preferences, work environments, and feedback mechanisms. This information can significantly improve the integration of video-based training tailored to the learner's needs and optimize the learning experience.
Integrate video content into complex learning experiences
Where should the final resting place of your video content be? Is it some kind of video dump on the learning portal? Will your users even be able to find it? Is it a direct, one-off link from an email? It would be a much better idea to make video lessons part of your more complex learning programs, where it is one of many formats used. If you have some kind of video portal, make playlists, and do not forget tagging.
A good example of proper organization is a closed (or open) Youtube channel with videos organized into playlists.
Data analysis is crucial
What kind of statistics do you collect and analyze? It would be a good idea not to make any assumptions about video characteristics such as length or video content in terms of what people like.
Collect as much data as you can and find time to draw some meaningful conclusions. What metrics you might want to analyze: views, watch time, average watch time, engagement (likes, comments, shares), demographics specifically related to video content, traffic sources, and conversion rates.
Basically, if you know which department is watching which type of video with higher engagement rates, when they are watching it, and where they are finding it, you can make more informed decisions.
Add interactive activities to your video learning
Adding interactive activities to video learning increases engagement, encourages active participation, and facilitates better retention of information.
Adding interactive elements such as quizzes, polls, simulations, multiple choice scenarios, problem-solving, and group discussions encourages learners to apply their knowledge, receive immediate feedback, and reinforce learning.
By introducing such elements, educators catalyze an environment where students become active participants rather than passive recipients of information, fostering an active learning environment, which is a scientifically proven effective learning strategy.
Personalization in Video-based Learning
Personalized learning is an ongoing trend with a new twist in education with all the AI technologies we now have at our fingertips.
There are a few strategies you can try when incorporating personalization into video-based learning that will help you tailor the content, pace, and delivery to meet the individual needs or preferences of your students.
Try some of these approaches:
Create adaptive learning paths that tailor content to each learner's skill level.
Recommending customized content that allows learners to choose topics that match their interests or goals.
Add personalized feedback to assignments and assessments to help learners better understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
Allow learners to control the pace of their learning experience by implementing a self-paced learning strategy, including the ability to review content.
Deliver content in a variety of video formats (lectures, interactive tutorials, podcasts) — to meet different learning preferences.
Do not make video learning production just HR LnD business
It could be more interesting for all professionals to look at their peers and management. This dynamic not only fosters deeper engagement among those involved in the recording process, but often turns them into advocates for your initiatives.
Similarly, witnessing peers and management sharing their stories and experiences greatly enhances the appeal and effectiveness of your learning programmes.
Accessibility and Inclusivity in Educational Videos
Finally, make sure that your video content is accessible and inclusive for all learners. Here are some options to think about:
Provide captions and transcripts for those who prefer to read or need text-based alternatives.
Use clear images and fonts, and think about colors to improve readability for learners with visual impairments.
Where possible, provide size options for text and visuals.
Promote inclusive language, and ensure your content is culturally sensitive and respectful.
Make your cast diverse.
Implement open navigation options to allow learners to easily navigate through content and find specific sections.
Provide downloadable options for learners without high-speed internet access.
Conclusion
Video is an important training tool that, in skillful hands, can drive the entire development process in both small and large companies.
By implementing these strategies, educators can create learning videos that are accessible and inclusive to learners of all abilities, backgrounds, and learning preferences, thereby promoting equal access to educational content.