Technology is always the backbone when developing custom e-learning courses. Modern learners can now view a variety of e-learning solutions through different devices – laptops, mobiles, tablets or smart-phones. This opens the avenues of developing media rich content that has a strong impact on the learner, thereby fulfilling the foremost learning objective of any e-learning course. In this scenario, Video has become a popular media insertion in online training courses in the current scenario. Developers are always looking for ways of grabbing the learner’s attention and video is a sure-shot way of doing that. Here are three strategies that can be utilized to create impactful video-based e-learning solutions.

Short learning nuggets are impactful

• Short bursts of videos are more likely to have a sustained impact. Longer videos do not contribute to the overall learning objectives of an online training course.
• Short learning videos can be developed that encapsulate concepts or topics through a mix of minimalistic text and basic graphics. These videos provide a quick and instantaneous learning opportunity for the learner, which helps them gain quick knowledge out of an online learning course.
• Graphics should be kept bare minimum – so as to make sure that the attention of the learners do not waver. This also helps in keeping the videos light – so that it can be accessed on all devices and with varying internet speeds.
• Audio accompaniment can give the learner the choice to ‘hear’ the module and learn instantly – without the need to look at the screen.

Utilizing real life images and videos

• Videos of people have the best impact. Not only do they have a humanizing effect on the content, they are also most likely to inspire. That is why inspirational videos of people excelling in games or other group activities or talking about their achievements are often a part of soft skills trainings.
• But that being said, photographs and videos of actual places or processes can also be utilized as a part of the e-courses.
• Keeping it simple, videos cab be shot at actual locations like factory floors – showing the learners the nitty-gritty of the various processes.
• The real-life videos make sure that learners find an instant connection with the learning material. It also provides practical know-how on the actual workings of machines or other processes. This increases the learners’ confidence as well as boosts productivity.

Creating Animated Videos

• A popular grouse against videos is that they are not easy to create – at least not the ones that have a lasting effect on the learners. You need good actors, appropriate settings, lighting, and so on. It also takes considerable time to shoot and prepare an impactful video. With developing technologies in graphics and animation, this problem can be well-tackled and hard-hitting animated videos can be created on a variety of subjects.
• Animated characters can be created, with a scenario that strikes a common chord with the learners. By creating such a character and a scenario, a certain amount of empathy can be created in the learners.
• The content can be infused with humor and light-hearted camaraderie that often exists in working relations between employees. Humor is also introduced to make the characters real – with real fears and real lives. This provides relief for the learners as well as ‘humanizes’ the characters, so that the learners can further identify with them and thus learn more.
• The animated characters make sure that any racial or other biases do not creep in and the video is suitable for a variety of audiences.

The 3 strategies above are some of the many ways that videos can be built and utilized to create impactful video-based e-learning solutions.