Videos have become an essential part of e-learning, and there is a clear trend towards more video. The increased demand is due to various mechanisms. On one hand, videos convey more closeness through facial expressions and gestures than other content, and on the other hand, videos have become significantly cheaper and easier to produce and accessible from anywhere only in recent years.
Recently, I wrote about learning and working with videos. Many trainers ponder these questions:
"Should I incorporate more video into my training?"
"How do videos support learning success and transfer?"
"How can I create videos myself?"
In this article, I want to give you answers to these questions. I will provide you with an overview of 9 types of videos (e.g., screen video, learning video, presentation, interview, etc.) that can be used in training.
More Video in Training
Video is not an end in itself. Like any other training content, a video has purpose and meaning for your training. Every piece of training content is designed to make it as easy as possible for the learner to absorb the information and supports the learner in making progress in their development. This foundation applies regardless of the medium type (text, image, audio, video). When videos are used, they support a specific training objective and make it more effective than, for example, a handout, a worksheet, or a photo protocol. It is not about replacing other media with a video just because videos are currently in demand. Learning should happen with the media that promise the greatest learning success.
Videos have great potential in training and further education. A video gives you the opportunity to address the participant personally, keeping them engaged and motivating themselves to work with the training materials. For example, you can introduce yourself very well in a video, talk about a training topic, and pique the curiosity of the viewers. In this application case, the video content serves as an entertaining, informative tool that shapes the framework of the training, especially when you are not physically present with the participants (e.g., in an online accompaniment or blended learning process).
When it comes to concrete learning, similar rules apply as with all other learning materials: under the right conditions, videos support learning and action. The conditions are beautifully outlined in this contribution. In a learning video, you can clearly show how the topic is addressed in training, or you explain how your participant proceeds with an exercise.
Via video, you can very authentically record a training participant's opinion after the training. As you will notice, there are various scenarios that can be realized via video, yet they focus on different aspects.
The Right Type of Video for Your Training
If you want to start with your own video content, you don't have to reinvent the wheel. Make an overview of your learning content and pick one or two pieces of learning content that you can easily convert into a video or enhance your training with an additional video. Subsequently, you can easily add more videos. It is always better to get feedback as soon as possible. I have found in our workshops that it is much more important to start implementation with low barriers than to work on a perfectly crafted concept and then not know where to begin.
Now, onto the videos. Videos are very versatile. Therefore, the choice is not easy. I will show you some types of videos that you can combine with your training materials and integrate additionally. I have referred to this report from the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG). The report focuses more on universities, but offers some interesting points. The descriptions and questions for each video type or style can make your selection easier.
Style 1: The Personal Address
In the video, you are seen as the trainer against a neutral background. You direct your speech directly at your participants. In our Studio@home workshop, we show you how to technically and didactically shoot your own videos with a smartphone. In these contributions (learning videos; videos via smartphone; Trainer 4.0), I describe how you can proceed when creating your own videos using a smartphone.
To Consider / Questions:
Can you express yourself and your trainer personality in the video?
For creation, we offer online courses and guides.
Style 2: The Personal Address with Overlays
The same structure as with the personal address. In the video, texts or graphics are overlaid alongside the trainer.
To Consider / Questions:
Do the overlays support what has been said?
Is the text limited so that the viewer does not have to read too much and can concentrate on what is being said?
Style 3: The Presentation with Voiceover
Your presentation slides are visible in the picture. You explain via voiceover what it is about. With graphical cues (e.g., a drawn arrow or a circle), you direct the viewer's attention to certain aspects.
To Consider / Questions:
Do the voiceover and presentation complement each other (meaning, the slides are not just read aloud)?
Are the slides clear, readable (smartphone!!!), logically structured, and appealing?
Is the audio recording understandable?
Style 4: The Presentation with Voiceover and Picture-in-Picture Overlay
The same structure as with the presentation with voiceover. Additionally, an overlay of the trainer is inserted into the picture, e.g., in the bottom right corner.
To Consider / Questions:
Why are you additionally visible in the picture? How does the viewer know when to pay attention to you or the presentation?
Style 5: The Screen Recording
In a screen recording, you capture your monitor view as a video. At the same time, you comment via voiceover what you are doing. This technique is often used for explaining software because certain processes in a program can be demonstrated. The second application case is the webinar recording.
To Consider / Questions:
Are the individual steps visually understandable?
Is the viewer aware of what they need to pay attention to?
Style 6: Explanatory Video (Animation)
If you want to explain abstract concepts, clarify thematic relationships, or present processes, the explanatory video is suitable. Homemade explanatory videos can be made using your own drawings. I have shown in this contribution how you can go from a (flipchart) drawing to a video.
To Consider / Questions:
What is the purpose of the animation?
Are effort and purpose balanced?
Style 7: Training Recording
Your viewer sees a snippet of a training session. This could be, for example, a lecture by you, or a group exercise.
To Consider / Questions:
What snippets should your viewers see?
Are the snippets understandable even without the overall context?
Style 8: The Interview
You record an interview with an expert or a leader. You prepare the interview questions in advance.
To Consider / Questions:
Are the questions original, relevant, and interesting?
Style 9: The Conversation Situation
Somewhat freer than the interview (e.g., without prepared questions) is a recording of a conversation. You and a training participant or another interesting guest are seen. In this guest, you discuss a training topic, talk about a problem, or ask for personal experiences.
To Consider / Questions:
What does the recording offer the viewer?
Diverse Videos for Different Phases in Training
Each phase in the training process has different goals and focuses. Therefore, different videos are used in the various training phases. In the time before the training begins, videos can prepare your participants for the training topic. Here, videos are also a good tool for you to intrigue the participants and motivate them for the training topic.
During the training, you can support case studies with videos. If it fits, short video clips can also add variety during the training or can initiate a group exercise. During the transfer phase, the participants deal with implementing your training content. By this point, the contents are usually learned. You won't be introducing as many new aspects at this stage.
An interesting interview or a thought-provoking documentary round off your training offering. With video messages, you can remind the participants to practice and consciously invite feedback. You want to support your participants when they apply your methods and exercises. In the transfer phase, videos are also helpful for refreshing and reviewing information. In this case, the video does not have to stand alone. It is ideal if combined with feedback or a task.
What videos do you use? Do you need help or new ideas? Write to me about how I can support you!
