Producing Effective Just-in-Time Training with Microlearning Videos
The first moving picture was shot over 129 years ago and elicited the usual oohs and aahs from viewers who found it fascinating to see pictures come alive. Today, video technology is so much a part of our lives, it’s quite impossible to imagine not having it around for entertainment and education. In fact, with the advent of the Internet, video has become the best portal for delivering a powerful message accurately and in a timely manner; thus, the growing popularity of microlearning videos, also known as short-form educational/training videos.
Video Tutorials and Online Training
Studies show that the use of video for tutorials and online training enriches the learning experience and improves performance. However, a direct correlation exists between the quality of the video and the amount of information digested and fully comprehended.
Video-sharing websites, like YouTube and Vimeo, understand how consumers are drawn to videos and encourage high-quality digital files. Fortunately, these kinds of files are easy to produce with the available software.
“With the advent of the Internet, video has become the best portal for delivering a powerful message accurately and in a timely manner; thus, the growing popularity of microlearning videos, also known as short-form educational/training videos.”
Learning Issues Can Be Solved with the Use of Videos
Sometimes words just cannot convey a message accurately, especially in the healthcare industry.
It takes longer to talk about a topic than to present it in video format. Consequently, videos can save a lot of time for those who need to be trained.
Although a video does not normally encourage any interaction, with microlearning video modules, you can establish a rapport between trainer and trainee or supervisor and employees.
How to Create Just-In-Time Training Videos
Just-in-time training videos are short training sessions composed of microlearning video modules that address specific topics to be learned immediately. In hospitals, nurses are always under pressure to retain a seemingly impossible amount of information: medical instruments, procedures, illnesses, how to handle patients with delicate conditions, and more. Nurses can’t always remember all of this information, and there are no complete, easily accessible resources to provide it. These video modules provide nurses with immediate and precise access to that critical information, resulting in the best possible performance of their duties—without taking them from their work environment.
“Creating a microlearning video is an art but it can be learned and perfected with practice and diligent attention to detail.”
In order to create high-quality videos, here are a few vital tips:
First, keep it simple. No need to create complicated visual effects, but you should have a script, proper equipment, and the right room to enhance the vocals, while minimizing background noise. A carefully prepared script will prevent you from getting off topic, being monotonous, and forgetting to add important information.
Second, for high-quality videos, you will need a microphone, digital camera, and tripod to avoid shaky shots.
Other effective video tricks include:
Shots should be a maximum of ten seconds, utilizing a limitless number of angles, provided each enhances the message rather than detracts from it.
Avoid long introductions. You don’t want to bore your viewers and lose their attention. Instead, open with important facts and provide the supporting information later on.
Practice, and do several takes to perfect the video.
After shooting the video, you should edit it – not necessarily to add special effects, but to delete unnecessary shots and duplicate content. Then you can use simple graphics (like doodles) to add texture to your message. Studies show that excessive talking is less likely to accurately convey your message than illustrations and visuals might. However, be aware that using too many visuals has the potential to draw attention away from your message.
Your objective is to create a video that does not exceed three minutes, but you should be careful to give your audience enough time to read any text. This means that you should avoid rushing your shots to stay within the three-minute marker.
Other options you may want to consider are:
- Closed captioning for non-native English speakers
- Breaking down your video into thirty-second sections
- Using easy-to-understand sentences.
“Professional services can produce more effective microlearning videos to save you time and money.”
Professional Assistance
You may also take advantage of readily available videos, which can either be free or paid. These videos may or may not convey the exact or complete message you want to communicate.
With respect to paid options, there are subscription-based tools or downloadable software you may opt to utilize when producing video content. You can also hire a professional videographer or editor for further assistance until you are confident in your ability to create the material on your own. Watch tutorials online or attend seminars to learn how.
Creating a microlearning video is an art, but it can be learned and perfected with practice and diligent attention to detail. You can use microlearning to enhance or replace traditional training because it is proven to be more efficient, more cost-effective, and to generate a better response from employees.
Article Sources:
- LearnTechLib
https://www.learntechlib.org/p/171825 - MediaPlatform
https://www.mediaplatform.com/2015/01/benefits-video-learning-training
