The Value of Video Learning

Most of my previous articles have explicitly established the importance of online learning, online teaching, MOOCs and so on. In this article, I would be focused around one of its most important elements that contributes significantly towards its success, and that is the video learning. Though online learning modes are increasing in popularity (online enrolment in the United States currently is 33 percent, showing a sharp increase since last few years[1]) , yet unluckily, it is taken as a broad technology and thus its elements on individual level, are often neglected, resulting in unsatisfied learners and instructors. The video learning is one of the graphical elements of online learning experience, which not only enhances the understanding level of material, as indicated by latest MIT research[2], but can also be improved to an amazingly appealing level, both for the learners and instructors.

The internet is able to get a lot of same activities students take in while having learning in traditional classroom settings. For instance, the video conferencing in real time enables instructors and students to interact visually, and message boards and chat rooms help construct relationships, make it easier for the students to help one another and enhance accessibility to the instructor. These classrooms tools and resources are always at learner’s finger tips, so that they can also access past lectures, communicate via message board and interact with their fellows when it is easier for them[3]. This makes sure that students are least likely to miss or fall behind any lecture, since class information, lectures and resources are always available online.

It is to be noted that video learning is not confined to academics at all; rather it’s also becoming a concrete part of corporate trainings and online learning experiences. I recently came across one such case. The head of the sales training in a big manufacturing entity had the task of giving his team members the new maintenance processes. With the range of video technologies available, it would definitely have not been wise of him to just provide them with written guidelines and how-to-do manuals. Instead, he presented a video with all the information regarding new procedures while demonstrating the new maintenance execution. He also connected supporting documents to the video he made, as a reference material. Eventually, he found out that video put a greater impact on team members in learning and storing the important information in their mind.

Most of big companies have employees spread all across the world and it’s quite difficult to keep an update of each and every team member at a time. What can be the solution? Are you thinking of going the traditional road and route out an email and hope it would be read by everyone and is effective? While the email might help you attain your end objective, distributing the on-demand video would be more beneficial. On-demand video is there whenever, wherever, just like the email would be, however, video brings personal touch, making employees feel clearer and more comfortable about the message delivered. Multi-language closed captions may also be integrated for non-English speakers in team[4]. With video, all win, especially those who are time zones away.

When it comes to maximizing the value of video learning, certain design tips can just be great. Massachusetts Institute of Technology developed its own system for annotating videos, in which lessons were split into discrete sub goals and were labelled on a site named Crowdy[5]. The site functions by capturing instructional YouTube videos from learning sites and stopping the watcher periodically to watch the part of the video he or she wants to.  The responses of the users made the college decided to generate the sub goal label. The purpose behind sub goal labelling was to break the video matter into more hierarchical and sensible how-tos. The label came up as a great hit for the users.

But which format to use for videos?

The major factor that implies which format to use is the goal of the online course, MOOC and the course content. The video format is selected by the course design team during the course design phase when the instructional strategy is developed, for instance, the video formats are selected, the content selected for each, related student tasks, activities or assessment selected, etc.

Another factor is based on the resources (dollars and human resource) available for video formation. This is determined on the basis of the program, tool or hardware that is to be used for video production. A recent research conducted by the edX MOOC platform, showed the following findings that can be used as tips for maximizing the value of video learning[6]:

• Shorter videos tend to be more engaging since learner’s engagement level drops after 6 minutes.
• Engagement trends vary between two video formats; engagement is higher with lecture style videos because of more personal feeling, as per researchers.
• For demonstration or tutorial videos, the format at Khan Academy that draws tablet and narrates, was revealed as a tool for engaging students more effectively than the screen cast.

[1] http://www.salary.com/the-value-of-online-learning/
[2] http://bostinno.streetwise.co/2015/02/16/mit-study-shows-how-educational-videos-could-be-better/
[3] https://onlinelearninginsights.wordpress.com/2014/04/28/mooc-design-tips-maximizing-the-value-of-video-lectures/
[4] http://www.business2community.com/sales-management/visual-learning-the-importance-of-training-through-video-0206924#eUA0C5D0K7rhVoZL.97
[5] http://danielschristian.com/learning-ecosystems/2015/03/27/mit-study-shows-how-educational-videos-could-be-better-plus-other-tips-tricks-tools-resources-re-digital-video/
[6] https://onlinelearninginsights.wordpress.com/2014/04/28/mooc-design-tips-maximizing-the-value-of-video-lectures/

Copyright 2015 Bryant Nielson. All Rights Reserved.

Bryant Nielson – Managing Director of CapitalWave Inc.– Being a big believer in Technology Enabled Learning, Bryant seeks to create awareness, motivate adoption and engage organizations and people in the changing business of education. Bryant is a entrepreneur, trainer, and strategic training adviser for many organizations. Bryant’s business career has been based on his results-oriented style of empowering the individual.
Learn more about Bryant at LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryantnielson