Learning Ideas

Using Video for Training October 20, 2008

Posted by sallyboyd in Presentation, Technology.
Tags: Video
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I recently had an opportunity to play a little with video — something I’ve discussed in this blog, but haven’t actually had the opportunity to implement until now.

A Learning Professional friend whose business focus is on video, invited me to create a video resume.  It was a lot of fun, and I think the results came out quite well.   This form of video is a talking head with slides.  I have seen this used with corporate communications and those “required training” modules that focus on policy.   The latter, however, are more often done with audio and slides, and the talking head is not visible.

The greatest challenge with the talking head video is to be able to look pleasant and not “stiff”.   I’m not sure I completely sucseeded in mine — I don’t think I looked too stiff, but smiling and talking is difficult.

Is this form of video good for training (especially technical training)?  I don’t think so.  I think it is good for corporate communications.  I am also aware that the audio and slide form of training modules, followed immediately by a test, gains effectiveness by repetition.  In other words, they are soon forgotten, but if you require the learner to re-take the “course” annually, for example, then the knowledge will eventually stick — or stick better, anyway.

I still feel that video can be very useful for even technical training.  I think that filming a process in short segments and interspersing these videos into an eLearning module, or even in an Instructor Led class that perhaps does not have live equipment for training can be useful.  One of the most effective eLearning modules I ever completed was a driving safety video that used video as one of several presentation formats to convey the learning material.

I am still a great fan of the informal video — especially using learners to create videos to share knowledge with their peers.  However, there are times when you need a professional.  Video can be expensive, but I do not believe it is unreasonable.  This is a budgeting question that you need to plan for and balance with your other needs.  Still it’s something to consider as another tool in your learning toolbox.