Video and E-Learning: New Opportunities for Instructional Developers

DSA would like to thank Dr. Tom Welsh for contributing this month's tip on using video in e-learning. Dr. Welsh is a Professor of Instructional Design and Technology at California State University, Chico. He regularly works on DSA e-learning custom projects and teaches a DSA instructional design online workshop and certificate program sponsored by Training Magazine.

On a recent DSA project, a client wanted to convey the importance of a new training initiative to the company's worldwide audience of employees. The client knew that the best way to reinforce the initiative's importance and promote attitude change was to provide a direct appeal from the CEO. The problem was, how could they provide high quality video of the CEO and include the interactivity and tracking provided by e-learning without making the technology requirements burdensome on the employees?

Thanks to new video technologies for the web we were able to achieve all of the initiative's goals, combining the interactivity of e-learning with high quality video, and LMS reporting, in one seamless solution that is complian with Web standards.

Here are four reasons to re-consider using video in web-based training:

1. Video is one of the best mediums for conveying meaning and allowing authentic practice for instructional outcomes such as interpersonal skills, attitude change, and procedures.
2. Production costs have been driven down with the introduction of digital video cameras and desktop editing tools.
3. Video files can now be streamed from any standard ISP or web server for immediate playback.
4. Development tools allow designers to Wrap interactivity around existing video content and deliver it all in one seamless package.

Video allows instructional designers the opportunity for enhancing the impact and instructional value of e-learning. Here are just a few examples:

• While taking e-learning on selling techniques, a learner can view a video of a sales presentation and click a button when they see a specific technique in being displayed. They receive immediate feedback on their selection.
• While taking e-learning on a new corporate-wide initiative, the learner receives a one-minute testimonial from an Executive VP regarding the importance of the initiative. After the short clip, the learner is more clearly focused and ready to learn.
• While taking e-learning on how to put on emergency response equipment, the learner can view a video demonstration of the procedure along with text prompting. They can play, pause, rewind, and slow the demonstration as they practice with sample gear provided to them.

Of course, video production costs increase the overall budget for a training project. However, this is not always the case. Short, personal introductions to a course can be recorded and integrated at relatively low cost. In addition, video-based presentations of procedures and interpersonal skills in action can add depth and authenticity to e-learning.