What Is Video-Based Learning? (Benefits, Examples & Tips)

There was a time when corporate training was all about presentations, in-person lectures, and numerical charts. 

The times have changed now!

Organizations have adapted to video-based learning. 

Here's why: 

• Employees are 75% more likely to watch a video rather than read an email. 
• Videos boost memory recall and retention by 83%. 
• Videos are simpler to consume and comprehend. 
• The Gen Z and millennial workforce find it easier to adapt to video-based learning.

In 2021 alone, YouTube (a complete video streaming platform) had 2 billion global users, becoming the world's 2nd most visited website. 

Most of these youtube videos are some or the other form of learning videos - such as how-to videos, tutorial videos, training videos, etc. 

Source: Think with Google

By now, we all know that video learning is the way of the future. 

In today's post, let's explore a few of the important topics around video-based learning. Here's a list of topics we cover: 

1. What is video-based learning?
2. What are its benefits?
3. Different ways of using video-based learning (with examples)
4. A few useful tips to help you get started with video-based learning 

Video learning is the concept of using videos to teach new skills or technology. Videos create a multi-sensory learning experience as they include interesting graphical elements, animation, live camera footage, and sound effects.  

Since video-based learning is more effective and convenient, an increasing number of companies are catching up on this eLearning trend. 

In fact, more than 90% of companies have already started using some or the other form of video-based learning methods for corporate training. 

Now, let's see what are the various benefits of video-based learning. 

1. Enables microlearning 

Video-based learning is not all about lengthy learning videos. 

Since learners (especially corporate learners) are occupied with so many other things in their day-to-day lives, they have a reduced attention span. Hence, creating short bite-sized training videos can help in building a more meaningful learning experience. 

2. Convenience 

Organizations no longer need to ask employees to travel to different training locations. 

By creating video-based e-learning courses, organizations give employees the liberty to participate and finish the training courses at their own convenience. 

3. Enables on-demand learning

Videos help learners save a lot of time. If a learner wishes to see only a specific part of a video, he/she can easily skip to that section without having to watch the entire video from the beginning. 

4. Reduces employee training costs 

Video-based learning costs way less than face-to-face training. 

Let's have a look at the example below to gain a better understanding. 

Example: A few years ago, IBM launched its own video-learning program to train its employees. This shift to video-based learning reduced IBM's training costs from ~ $320 per hour per participant to $17. 

5. Increases engagement & productivity 

As we discussed earlier, our brain processes visual information better than text. They also stay in our memory for a much longer time. 

Here are a few video learning examples that reflect various design approaches. 

1. Animation videos 

Describing concepts with the help of colourful images, animation, and audio creates a high-impact visual experience. 

Animations deepen visual understanding and help explain abstract concepts in a way that's easily understandable by all age groups.

Animation videos can be used to create a variety of learning videos such as technical training videos, explainer videos, compliance training videos, leadership & management training videos, soft skills training videos, and company culture videos. 

Take a look at this corporate training video template created by Animaker for inspiration. 

2. Scenarios or story-based videos 

These video formats have high-impact contextual imagery and include real-life objects/people. Conveying the information in the form of a story or a narrative featuring real-life elements helps learners relate well to the concepts explained in the video.  

3. Expert-led explainer videos 

People love expert advice and guidance. 

Adding expert insights, tips or instructions to your videos helps build credibility and plays a huge role in increasing your overall video engagement.

YouTube is filled with expert-led explainer videos covering almost every subject that a user might be interested in. If you're looking for some inspiration to create one, you can have a look at a few of those expert-led explainer videos. 

4. Kinetic typography 

Sometimes, minimalism triumphs over visuals. 

The kinetic typography is one such minimalistic video style that combines text animation with sound effects. These videos can have two types of backgrounds - a static background or a video background. 

5. Interactive Videos

E-learning videos can always be enhanced 10X times with interactive elements. They allow learners to control "what to do next," and let them overlook the characters in the video respond to their answers/choices. 

In some cases, learners are also allowed to participate as a character in the narrative. 

Here are some productive tips to help you craft your video-based learning strategy. 

1. Determine your organization's learning objectives 

Setting the right end goals will help you stay on the right track throughout your content creation journey.

So, pick the right set of topics that suits your learners' needs and interests. If the topics you choose aren't relevant to your learners' interests, you might end up losing their attention early on in the video. 

Be clear about your organization's learning objectives before you start creating your e-learning content.

2. Keep an eye on your video length

The average human attention span is only getting shorter every passing day. 

Hence, it's time for organizations to experiment with different learning techniques and see what types of learning videos work well. 

For instance, if employees find it difficult to process large chunks of information, you can try breaking the information into smaller bite-sized videos. This will not only help them engage better but also reduce the risk of them feeling overwhelmed by an unfamiliar topic. 

Also, since employees engage better with micro-videos, you don't have to add too many interactive elements to keep them engaged at regular intervals. 

3. Add engaging animation 

Even though videos are considered to be more engaging than text, not all videos engage the viewers. 

If you're only relying on text-based visuals, and slides, your videos would not be appealing to your audience. 

In order to make your videos interesting, you should try adding interesting animations, graphical illustrations, and captivating sound effects. 

4. Add interactive elements

By incorporating interactive elements into your videos, you give learners a chance to stay engaged throughout the video. They'd be able to click, scroll, gesture, hover, drag, and perform many other digital actions just like how they'd interact with web content. This will ensure they don't lose focus while watching the videos. 

Vmaker Train is an all-in-one video creation suite that helps organizations create, manage, edit, host, and track video-based eLearning courses seamlessly in one go. It's a combination of three wonderful tools - Animaker (a DIY animation tool), Vmaker (screen + webcam recording tool), and Show (a video hosting and management platform/software). 

Animaker comes with tons of pre-made templates to help you get started easily. 

Sign up for Vmaker Train and create intriguing video-based courses now! 

Recommended Reading:

7 Best Explainer Video Software For Windows and Mac

5 Engaging Video Types for Corporate Training

Top 10 Styles of Animated Explainer Videos (With Examples)

How to Use Screen Recording Software for Video Creation