Videos are developed for training purposes by the thousands every day. Video is proven to be a formidable tool in the instructional designer's toolbox across all learner demographics. Let's try and illustrate video's importance in the learning environment and our responsibility to use it in our curriculum.
Video's ability to leverage greater amounts of information, is not the only benefit and to tell you the truth it is not even the real selling point for why we ought to turn to video in support of our existing training programs. In terms of accessibility, retention, and return on investment, video out is a must have alongside its modality predecessors of text and images. That is not to say we have found the cure all or replacement for Instructor Led Training (ILT) or blended learning environments. Rather, the argument is why would an organization neglect the implementation of such a powerhouse tool such as Video?
Benefits of Video-Based Training Courses
Video-based training courses pack an impressive punch in the area of benefits. For example, a video-based training course is…
Convenient – It can be completed at home or on the go.
Self-paced – A learner can choose his or her own rate at which to advance in the course.
Knowledge retention promoting – It’s proven that video-based courses benefit learners by increasing knowledge retention.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these characteristics of video-based training.
Convenient
First and foremost, video-based training is convenient. Since learners access videos online, they can watch training videos anytime and any place, at home or at a coffee shop. A video’s accessibility makes it extremely attractive to a busy employee trying to juggle the demands of life. Also, the more accessible training materials are, the more likely it is that they will be studied. It’s safe to say that workers are more likely to watch a quick, engaging video than to complete take-home paper assignments or some other time-consuming training task.
Self-paced
The self-paced nature of video-based training is one of the main reasons for its appeal, especially to learners. Unlike traditional courses that pack a lot of information into a two- or three-hour session, video-based training can be consumed in bite-sized pieces. This helps workers retain the information their employers pay for them to be exposed to. Also, this promotes low-stress learning.
Increases knowledge retention
Any type of training can and does get monotonous. Video breaks up monotony by providing some much-needed variation in course-material delivery, which increases retention of information. The Huffington Post’s article Research Confirms Video Improves Learning Results says, “On the student side of things, video may be the best way to improve learning styles, especially when it comes to remembering key facts and figures. Forrester Research estimates one minute of online video equates to approximately 1.8 million written words.” In short, video is a must for increasing knowledge retention in employees.
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