Remote learners are very particular about how they want to learn. They are easily distracted and face the challenge of multi-tasking, and they certainly don’t want to invest a large chunk of time for training.

They want the training to be flexible, on the go (Mobile Learning), focused, and bite-sized that helps them learn or solve a problem (Microlearning) and delivered in engaging and immersive formats that help them learn, practice, or handle a challenge. Video Based Learning offers a great way to create immersive learning experiences while leveraging mLearning and Microlearning that learners love.

Videos are effective as a remote learning tool and have proven useful for Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) and training in a Blended mode too. Not only do they help in cognitive load reduction but they also grab viewer attention and add to learner engagement. Unlike text or infographics, video content can help express multifaceted aspects of a topic, and that creates a compelling watch and a more engaging learning experience. Compared to still graphics, audio, or text, videos also offer higher recall and retention to a captive and attentive audience.

In this article, we share answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on Video Based Learning.

What aspects of videos make them an exceptional choice to offer online training?

The following qualities of training videos make them a popular option for remote training:

• They lead to “stickiness” of learning: Learners typically find well-created video content more engaging and “addictive” than slides and diagrams. This makes them stick around for the entire course and even leaves them craving for more.
• They foster thought change: When learners read or hear about a new concept or idea, they often tend to mull over it and move on. Seeing that concept in motion, through online training videos, especially short-form Microlearning examples, you can give learners a pause for thought, which leads to changes in how they think about what they’ve just learned.
• They facilitate behavioral change: Text-based or audio training is great for telling learners what to do. However, when it comes to encouraging behavioral change, nothing compares to online training videos, including Gamification, Simulation, and other interactive content that has the power to demonstrate the intended behavior for learners to practice, model, and emulate.

• They add value to VILT and Blended training: Videos are also effective as a remote learning tool and have proven useful for Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) and training in a Blended mode too.
• They appeal to the multi-generational workforce: The popularity of Mobile Learning has also made small-footprint content, delivered as Microlearning nuggets of videos, extremely popular among cross-generational learning audiences.

What is the value that Video Based Learning brings to the learners?

Modern learners are a demanding lot. They face challenges of distractions and multi-tasking, and they certainly do not want to carve out a large block of time for training. They want the training to be flexible, on the go (Mobile Learning), focused, and bite-sized that helps them learn or solve a problem (Microlearning) delivered in engaging and immersive formats that help them learn, practice, or handle a challenge.

For remote learners, videos are the preferred medium for learning and have proven useful for Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) and training in a Blended mode too. Video Based Learning offers a great way to create immersive learning experiences for remote learners while leveraging mLearning and Microlearning that learners love.

What are the benefits of the Video Based Learning strategy?

While using videos for training is an established practice, it is in the recent past that they have come to the forefront. This acceleration to adapt videos as a core component of a learning strategy is on account of remote learning due to the pandemic and the wider adoption of mLearning and Microlearning based training. Both leverage extensively on videos in many formats for Formal Training, just-in-time learning aids, Informal Learning, Social Learning, supporting ILT/VILT.

The benefits of a Video Based Learning strategy are as follows:

1. Videos appeal to the multi-generational workforce.
2. They offer a high engagement quotient.
3. Videos can be used to supplement most of the corporate training needs.
4. When offered as a part of learning paths featuring Microlearning nuggets, videos can be used for Formal Training as well as for Performance Support.
5. They can be used extensively to support ILT/VILT sessions.
6. They can be used to promote Social Learning.

Why are eLearning videos a powerful medium in employee training?

There are several reasons why the use of eLearning videos makes for a powerful learning experience.

• There’s none so compelling a motive for the use of eLearning videos than the fact that they compel consumption and improve retention levels. Given a choice of reading a 5,000-word lecture transcript versus watching an 8-minute animated video illustrating the lecture’s central idea, it’s easy to say which one is the preferred learning tool.
• Interactive Videos create more engaging courses, and the emerging trend of using 360-degree videos deliver an immersive experience beyond the standard “point and record” video content.
• More importantly, the power of video, as an eLearning tool, lies in the fact that it is a cross-generational resource. From Gen C (the YouTube generation), to Boomers, Gen X, Y, and Z – workforces across the generational divide can benefit from the use of eLearning videos.

What tips and strategies can make your eLearning videos engaging?

Here are 5 proven tips for using transformational strategies that’ll turn “ordinary” eLearning video content into highly engaging and addictive eLearning resources:

• Spark curiosity: It’s no coincidence that NASA names its Mars rover “Curiosity.” This is an innate human quality that drives the urge to learn through exploration. eLearning course creators would do well to tap into that aspect of human nature. One way to do this is by featuring snippets (of the more interesting bits) of the video as explainers or as the introduction to eLearning videos. Tactics, such as the use of teaser videos, help spark curiosity and raise awareness among learners and fan their desire to know more about the featured topic or module.
• Hook your audience’s attention: Upon igniting a learners’ curiosity, it is imperative that trainers retain that attention throughout the video lesson. One way to do that is to use analytic tools to gauge which parts of the video grab the most attention: Upon launching the lesson, are learners quickly forwarding to a specific chapter? Do they most frequently replay/rewind and watch specific segments of the lesson? Understanding learner behavior at this level allows course designers to revamp and re-work audio content. Do it to leverage the more attention-grabbing segments of video lessons to keep learners engaged. And…keep them short (8 to 10 minutes each)!

• Use eye-catching visuals: The way to make learners benefit from eLearning videos is to make the content appealing. Avoid boring PoV-type videos. Instead, give learners eye candy video treats by incorporating graphic imagery, breath-taking animation, and high-fidelity video quality.

• Leverage audio: As quickly as eye-catching visuals can draw learners to your videos, poor quality audio can turn them off. Make sure the video and audio are synched perfectly. Avoid using overbearing background music/soundtracks during narrations. Most importantly, use a narrator with a strong, powerful, and accent-less voice.
• Incorporate storytelling: Audiences love a good story – and those watching eLearning videos aren’t an exception. The secret to successful use of video content, as an engaging learning aid, is to weave elements of suspense, purpose, cause-and-effect, and final outcomes/accomplishments within the video.

Why should you integrate videos into your corporate training strategy?

Videos have emerged as a must-have strategy for remote learning and have proven useful for Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) and training in a Blended mode too.

You can use videos to address the complete spectrum of corporate training needs spanning across the following:

• Online Formal Training that can be consumed “on the go.”
• Support Instructor-Led Training (ILT) – Pre-workshop, During, and Post-Workshop.
• Instant or just-in-time learning aids.
• Informal Learning.
• Social Learning.

Besides learning (Formal, Informal, online, or to support ILT), you can leverage videos for your key or strategic corporate initiatives, including:

• Creating awareness.
• Supporting change management (pre and post).
• Establishing an ongoing connect with the learners (even after the completion of the training).

You can use Interactive Videos and videos in Next Gen formats for creating highly engaging and immersive learning experiences for your remote learners.

What is driving the wider usage of Video Based Learning strategies?

Video Based Learning is seeing a wider adoption on account of the acceleration of the following trends.

1. You can use videos for remote learning, and they have proven useful for Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) and training in a Blended mode too.
2. You can use videos to address the complete spectrum of corporate training needs.
3. Besides learning (Formal, Informal, online, or to support ILT), you can leverage videos for your key or strategic corporate initiatives.
4. With increasing popularity and widespread adoption of Microlearning based training, videos can also be adapted to this mode.
5. You can also opt for the next avatar of the traditional videos, that is, the Interactive Video. You can use it to offer longer run length videos that can address more complex concepts.
6. You can leverage Video Based Learning for decision making, analysis, or critical thinking by using Branching Videos.
7. To successfully create a culture of continuous learning, you need to have engaged learners. One of the techniques that can create an environment of inclusive learning is to integrate User Generated Content. On similar lines, crowd-sourced or User Generated Videos can be used and can form an important asset format of this strategy.
8. The Interactive Video framework can also be used to integrate public domain videos (from YouTube) and User Generated Videos to create highly immersive learning experiences.
9. You can combine the power of 360-degree videos with Virtual Reality (VR) to create highly immersive learning experiences.
10. Learners carve out time from their work schedule or personal time for training and they certainly want to maximize the value of these sessions. Instead of generic online trainings, they want to see relevant, personalized trainings. This is true for Video Based Learning too.
11. Provide an option to rate and recommend the videos (more likes reflect relevance for the targeted user group), and you can meet the requisite L&D mandate through this simple feature.

Why is Video Based Learning better as compared to other mediums?

1. Videos are a high-impact medium, and they have a universal appeal. This enables them to be used for today’s multi-generational workforce training.
2. So, their usage in employee training leads to a higher engagement and better completion rates.
3. They offer a more sticky learning experience on account of a better retention and recall.
4. You can deliver them as stand-alone nuggets or as a series of videos connected over a learning path that is connected through a master narrative.
5. They are a very versatile medium and they can be used to meet diverse training needs including:
   1. For Formal Training that can be consumed “on the go.”
   2. As Performance Support intervention – as just-in-time learning aids or job aids that are available within the learners’ workflow. This helps them use them precisely at the moment of their need.
   3. To support Instructor-Led Training (ILT).
   4. To create awareness (significantly for crucial change management).
   5. As Self-Directed, Informal Learning.
   6. For Social Learning.

What are the key corporate trainings that can benefit from Video Base Learning?

You can use training videos for employees to offer or supplement your corporate trainings and see their impact soar.

Here is a list of trainings that can leverage videos for employee training:

1. Induction and Onboarding.
2. Leadership Development Training.
3. Soft Skills Training.
4. Product Training.
5. Sales Training.
6. Application Simulations Training.
7. Compliance Training.

How can you use training videos for your employees?

You can use training videos for employees to supplement your corporate trainings and step up their impact.

The flexibility of training videos enables you to use them for:

1. Formal Training (online).
2. Support Instructor-Led Training (ILT) or Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT).
3. Performance Support (learning aids/job aids to support Formal Training).
4. Social Learning.

This is not all. The true power of videos for employee training lies in their ability to contribute beyond learning or performance support intervention. They can contribute to other levels of the learning and performance ecosystem, notably to:

1. Create a buzz or awareness (before the launch of the training program).
2. Support crucial change management initiatives.
3. Continue the connect with the learners (post the training program).

Are there any drawbacks or limitations that you should be aware of as you opt for training videos for employees?

While videos as a training medium are a great option and organizations look at adopting the Video Based Learning strategy, they must also look at solutions that can mitigate its limitations. For instance:

• While classic videos do have the limitation of “passivity” as the only control they offer to the learner is a start/stop/pause, this can be overcome with the Next Gen offering of Interactive Videos.
• Till a few years ago, the Video Based Learning strategy had to factor for high costs. Today, you have a range of video development tools to match lower budgets.
• The new crop of video development tools offers rapid development and the flexibility to update quickly.

What kind of training videos would resonate with your employees?

Modern learners face challenges of distractions and multi-tasking, and they certainly do not want to carve out a block of time for training. They want the training to be flexible, short, focused, and available on the go. So, as you opt for videos for your employee training, match it with their lifestyle and accordingly, craft the learning journey.

Here is a list of the top 5 strategies you should adopt as you offer training videos for your employees:

1. Create the buzz or awareness and establish WIIFM (What Is In It For Me).
2. Set context or teach concepts.
3. Offer learning followed by practice, application, and summaries.
4. Checkpoint learners’ progress and understanding.
5. Reinforce and keep the “Forgetting Curve” at bay.

What tips can help you maximize the impact of the Video Based Learning strategy?

To maximize the impact of the Video Based Learning strategy, here are 5 tips that would help:

1. Design videos in an engaging format. Ensure that the design format enhances the stickiness of learning.
2. Keep the videos short and bite-sized.
3. Ensure that each video has a specific objective. This will help learners meet a specific outcome.
4. Plan for accessibility of videos by adding transcripts or closed captioning.
5. Opt for interactive videos. They enable you to handle the challenge of the passivity of classic videos.

With an Interactive Video based approach, you can overlay:

• Learning interactions similar to eLearning including click and reveal, hotspots, carousal, and so on.
• Gamification elements.
• Checkpointing the learning through interim knowledge checks and end of video assessments.
• Complex decision-making based learning paths that can offer different branches of learning paths based on learners’ choices.
• Learning aids including quick reference guides, ready reckoners, and learning summaries.

Are there any parts of corporate training that Video Based Learning cannot address?

While Video Based Learning is a very high-impact training, it does have a drawback of “passivity.” This means that the only control learners have is play/pause/stop.

This can become a limiting factor when:

1. The run length of the video is over 3 mins. Beyond this run length, the user’s attention wavers, and you may not see the required learning impact in longer run length videos.
2. The expected cognition level is beyond recall or understanding. To achieve the mandate of application, you need to look beyond the classic Video Based format.

However, Next Gen approaches like Interactive Video Based Learning offset these challenges and enable you to create highly interactive and immersive Video Based Learning solutions.

A very powerful approach, Interactive Video Based Learning features:

• Learning interactions similar to traditional eLearning (hotspots, click and reveal, and so on).
• Quizzes and assessments.
• Learning paths that branch to different tracks based on learner’s choices.

What Video Based Learning formats can you use for employee training?

Here are 15 Video Based Learning formats that you can use for your employee training solutions.

1. Teaser or promotional videos.
2. Videos to create awareness.
3. Videos for learning specific concepts for skills.
4. Videos to summarize a process.
5. Videos to practice the acquired skills.
6. Videos to reinforce messaging and offset the “Forgetting Curve.”
7. Videos for performance support intervention (instant learning aids/job aids).
8. User Generated Videos.

Next Gen Formats

9. Microlearning Videos.
10. Microlearning Videos for Informal Learning or Social Learning.
11. 360-degree videos.
12. Virtual Reality videos.
13. Interactive videos.
14. Personalized videos.
15. Branching videos.

What Next Gen approaches can you use to implement Video Based Learning?

1. Interactive Videos

This is a Next Gen approach that creates highly interactive and immersive Video Based Learning solutions. It includes:

• Learning interactions that are similar to traditional eLearning (hotspots, click and reveal, and so on).
• Quizzes and assessments.
• Learning paths that branch to different tracks based on learners’ choices.
• Gamification elements.
• Unlike traditional videos, Interactive Videos allow you to track learner performance, and they also offer SCORM output.

2. Microlearning Videos

These short, focused, bite-sized videos use rapid development approaches. They are particularly useful as a Social Learning tool. They are designed to be available within the learners’ workflow so that they can access the relevant bite exactly at the time of their need.

3. 360-degree Videos for VR and AR

These can take your user engagement and stickiness of learning to an all high level.

How can you personalize corporate training with videos?

At EI Design, Video Based Learning is a significant part of our Microlearning practice, and they can be used to add further value to your personalized learning.

• You can offer videos to capture the attention of different learner profiles and establish What Is In It For Me (WIIFM) so that they are meaningfully connected to the program.
• You can create different variants and formats of Microlearning Videos to match learners with different proficiencies.
• You can use Interactive Videos that provide different learning paths to the learners based on the choices they make. You can also provide highly personalized feedback based on the outcome of the choices they make.

Why should Video Based Learning be a significant part of your mLearning strategy?

Videos offer high-impact training, and they have been used to complement or supplement online training as well as face-to-face Instructor-Led Training. Furthermore,

• We see a rapid increase in their adoption on account of the wider usage of mLearning or Mobile Learning.
• Another factor that is fueling the higher adoption of Video Based Learning is Microlearning based training.

The key benefits of Video Based Learning are as follows:

1. A universal appeal that resonates with today’s multi-generational workforce.
2. High engagement and higher completion rates.
3. High recall, retention, and hence you get a more sticky learning experience.
4. Can be used to complement or supplement most of the corporate training needs.
5. Can be used as a stand-alone learning nugget (job aid) or as a series of Microlearning nuggets connected through a narrative or a learning path (for Formal Training).
6. Can be used to support ILT/VILT.
7. Can be used to promote Informal and Social or Collaborative Learning.

Why does the combination of Video Based Learning and mLearning make sense?

To maximize the impact of your online training, you can use the combination of Video Based Learning and mLearning. Training can be delivered as Microlearning nuggets and consumed on smartphones and tablets in an mLearning format.

This combination of mLearning and Video Based Learning will help you:

1. Create learning that is engaging and immersive.
2. Create a sticky learning experience.
3. Support your traditional eLearning or face-to-face Instructor-Led Training.

How can you use Video Based Learning to create high-impact mLearning trainings?

To maximize the impact of Video Based Learning, you need to work with a bigger picture or a Learning and Performance Ecosystem. With this approach, you can choose solutions that align with various learner needs and factor for creating awareness and pre-training interest generation.

Using the Learning and Performance Ecosystem that we use at EI Design, here is an overview of how you can craft your mLearning solutions as you leverage the Video Based Learning strategy.

Option 1: Video Based Learning: To Support Initiation/Create Awareness of Key Programs

1. Teaser videos.
2. Videos to create awareness.
3. Videos to support key change management initiatives.

Option 2: Video Based Learning: To Watch and Learn

1. Videos for learning specific concepts or skills.
2. Videos that demonstrate processes.

Option 3: Video Based Learning: To Practice and Apply

1. Videos to practice acquired skills.

Option 4: Video Based Learning: To Reinforce and as Instant Job Aids

1. Videos to reinforce—to offset the “Forgetting Curve.”
2. Videos for Performance Support intervention (instant learning aids/job aids).

How to use 360-degree online training videos in corporate eLearning?

Producing a 360-degree online training video involves a special camera system and software that transforms raw footage into a spherical viewing experience. As such, it’s a significant investment of both time and money. The good news is that these tools give you the power to transform ANY topic into an unforgettable online training experience. In fact, here are just 8 ways that you can use 360-degree online training videos in your corporate eLearning program.

1. Engaging online training tutorials.
2. True-to-life compliance online training.
3. Virtual walkthroughs.
4. In-depth product knowledge online demos.
5. Immersive serious games.
6. Collaborative webinars.
7. Clickable 360-degree branching video scenarios.
8. Virtual Reality case studies.

How can you use Microlearning Videos as an effective Social Learning tool?

There are several ways through which you can provide Social Learning (particularly to support its semi-structured delivery). Notably, you can leverage the power of Microlearning techniques to offer Social Learning.

Specifically, Microlearning Videos are emerging as an effective Social Learning tool as they offer a rapid development option with the following benefits:

1. They can be used very effectively to supplement or complement your Formal Training.
2. They are easily accessible to learners within their workflow (on their smartphones).
3. They are designed to offer bite-sized information (exactly what today’s learners demand).
4. They can be consumed on the go (and provide flexibility to learners to learn when needed).
5. They encourage learners not only to assimilate the information but also to share, recommend, and promote it.
6. They can be used to create personalized learning assets that can be developed and updated quickly.

What are the key differences between an Interactive Video based strategy versus a classic video?

Videos, or the classic videos, are a great option for learning, as they offer a high-impact and engaging format. However, they do not provide any control to the learner beyond the play/pause/stop.

This is certainly not a challenge when you have short videos, but it can impede the learning impact when:

1. The videos are longer (running into a few minutes of run length).
2. Organizations want to track the learner’s progress on the LMS.
3. Organizations want to check-point (through assessments) to ensure that the learner is on track.

The Interactive Video based strategies bring in precisely this control to provide interactivity in videos, and this is similar to the interactions available in eLearning courses. What’s more significant is that they can be tracked on the LMS.

What are the key gains you will see as you integrate Interactive Video strategies in your training delivery?

Research shows that the impact of an Interactive Video is 10 times that of a classic video. Furthermore, there are ways in which the adoption of Interactive Video based strategies will improve the learning experience and the training impact.

1. It appeals to all learner profiles.
2. It offers a higher learner engagement quotient.
3. It provides better recall and retention.
4. It enables you to track the learner.
5. It enables you to check-point and assess learning.
6. It can be used in combination with other techniques to amplify the impact.

How can you offset the drawbacks or limitations in Video Based Learning?

The Interactive Video Based Learning is the Next Gen avatar of Video Based Learning, and it successfully mitigates the above said challenges. In fact, it will take the learning experience up by several notches.

Through Interactive Video Based Learning:

• You can transform the passivity of traditional videos to highly engaging interactions. These include interactions that are widely used in eLearning, such as click to reveal, hotspots, carousal, and so on.
• You can validate or checkpoint the learners’ progress as well as learning through inline checks as well as quizzes or end of video assessments.
• You can also help learners understand the impact/consequences of their decisions by offering branching pathways. At certain junctures of the videos, the learners’ decisions take them to different paths. This technique can help them practice the application of learning in a safe environment.
• You can track the learners’ progress and performance on LMS.

How can Interactive Video Based Learning strategies be used to meet varied corporate training needs?

You can apply Interactive Video Based Learning across your varied corporate training needs. They can be used for:

• Formal Learning.
• Informal Learning.
• Performance Support or just-in-time learning.
• Supporting ILT/VILT.

At EI Design, we have a large practice of Video Based Learning and Interactive Video Based Learning. Here is a list of our top 5 Interactive Video Based Learning strategies:

1. Create a learning journey that has multiple videos in the Microlearning format to support Formal Training.
2. Offer Microlearning Videos within the learners’ workflow as Performance Support (job aids).
3. Offer personalized Video Based Learning paths to the learners.
4. Curate videos from YouTube and customize them for your learning needs.
5. Integrate other interesting components like Gamification, Virtual Reality, or Augmented Reality to create highly immersive learning experiences.

What are the value-adds that Interactive Video Based Learning offers?

There are several value-adds as you use Interactive Video Based Learning. Here are the top 5:

• You can use Interactive Video Based Learning as short, bite-sized nuggets. Learners can consume this on the go, on the device of their choice.
• With Interactive Video Based Learning, you need to be concerned about the run length of the video. You can focus on the learning outcome and use the rich range of learning interactions to meet the learning mandate.
• Similar to eLearning courses, you can add intermittent checkpoints or end of video assessments.
• You can offer branching options (at certain decision points, learners make choices that take them through unique pathways). This approach creates a highly sticky learning experience plus it enables you to move the cognition level to the application (from recall or understand).
• Similar to other eLearning courses, you can track the learners’ progress as the Interactive Videos support both SCORM and Tin Can API.