Gatlin International

Integrating video into courses is essential for e-learning providers. While different e-learning videos can be used in different ways during many phases of instruction, they all must be engaging and add to learning rather than distract from it. Here are four types of videos that can make your e-learning courses go from good to great.

Virtual Reality Video
Videos that can visually display situations and allow for student participation can be an effective alternative to hands-on training. Virtual reality offers a new way to accomplish e-learning objectives by allowing the creation of simulations in a much more cost efficient manner than creating them through traditional movie making and custom animations. How can virtual reality videos be applied? Take, for example, a course on emergency management training.  E-learning providers need to visually demonstrate defensive actions in various crisis situations that put students at the front line. To do this, trainers apply instructional design to the virtual reality video, present each scenario in a logical sequence, and attain realism by giving learners suspension of belief. The virtual reality scenarios do a good job of immersing students in real-life experiences and allowing them to practice the skills they have gained. Just remember to keep the video as more of an instruction tool than entertainment.

Demonstration Video
Demonstration videos show rather than tell. For example, a course for wedding planner certification might use a demonstration video to show students how to put together a floral centerpiece or arranging the wedding procession. Demonstrations that require more detailed explanations can use text documents to clarify. For the demonstration video, the camera should be on a steady platform, like a tripod, and the zoom feature should be used on any important procedure.  Dr. Peter Fadde advises to keep demonstration videos short, simple, and shot close up since learners could be using mobile devices with small, low-resolution screens.

Lecture Video
Video lectures are probably the easiest type of video to produce. It can be a trainer simply talking into a webcam or a series of lectures produced into webisodes (short, mini-lecture videos on a single topic). Lecture videos can be as serious or informal as wanted, and they should be formatted with lead-in music and title slides if several different topics are being presented in one video. One important thing to remember when making a lecture video is it’s important to shoot in the viewpoint as a student looking at the blackboard. Also be sure to zoom in on any important words or figures the lecturer is explaining.

Interview Video
An interview video can be a great learning tool. These videos typically follow a simple Q and A format and cover exclusive commentary on any given topic freely, without the use of scripts. To produce this video, use the format of a television interview as a guide. Use a live person to interview rather than a narrator, and position the camera on the interviewee while he/she is talking. The interviewee can speak to the interviewer or directly facing the camera to make viewers feel like they are in the room and part of the conversation. If possible, the interviewees should wear a lapel mic since the microphone on a camera will pick up miscellaneous noise such as shuffling feet or coughing occurring yards away. Remember to pick a setting for the interview that is well lit and has a background that won’t distract the learner.