Videos are a crucial component of eLearning course creation, significantly enhancing information retention. Studies show that people retain 95% of a video’s message, compared to just 10% when reading text. However, effectively integrating videos into your courses requires careful consideration. Here, we explore the best practices for using video in eLearning and address common challenges such as heavy file sizes and loading times.
Case Study: PEP Training for Alcon Corporation
The Practice Elevation Program (PEP) was designed to enhance customer experience for potential contact lens users. This training utilized three types of videos: live-action video, character animation, and animated GIFs.
1. Training Videos with Actors
In PEP training, actors played patients to depict the customer journey, from scheduling appointments to selecting the right contact lenses. Live-action videos are excellent for staff training or customer explainers due to their high retention rates but require significant budgets for production teams, actors, and locations.
Tip: Save on production costs by writing a script and using your staff to shoot the video. While it may not look as professional, your team’s familiarity with internal processes can result in effective training materials.
2. Hosts
Hosts can be professional actors, animated characters, or AI avatars. For instance, in PEP training, “PEPpy,” a talking contact lens, guided viewers through the course. Hosts help retain attention, clarify nuances, and aid in memorization.
Tip: Consider using AI avatars from platforms like Synthesia.io. They have advanced features that look natural and express emotions. Choose between animated, AI, or human hosts based on your course content and budget.
3. Animated GIFs
To address slow loading times, PEP training used animated GIFs for simpler concepts and long character dialogues. GIFs load faster, maintaining viewer engagement.
Tip: Use animated GIFs to speed up loading times, but be mindful of their size and length limitations.
Peppy Animated Host for Alcon PEP training
4. Webinars
Webinars are cost-effective and can reach a large audience. Recorded webinars can be reused for future training. However, retention rates are typically lower unless the audience is highly motivated.
5. Screencasts
Screencasts are ideal for demonstrating SaaS products and onboarding new employees, providing clear visual instructions on software usage.
6. Animated Explainers
These videos explain how products or services work, often using 2D or 3D animation. Tools like Vyond can simplify production, though they may lack originality.
7. Motion Graphics
Motion graphics, such as animated graphs and charts, increase interest and retention. They are widely used for educational purposes, illustrating complex concepts clearly.
In the following video explains how blockchains works:
8. Stock Footage
If budget constraints prevent you from producing custom videos, stock footage from services like Storyblocks or Envato Elements can be a viable alternative. These clips can illustrate your script but be aware that they are commonly used and may appear in other videos.
Conclusion
Incorporating various types of videos into your eLearning courses can significantly enhance learning experiences and audience retention. For instance, the following training video for New York City Transit utilized AI avatars, live footage, and motion graphics to great effect.
What are you waiting for? Get started on your video strategy today by contacting our team!
Ivan Fedorych – Founder of Trefoil.studio, animator, content creatior.
