Friday, April 12, 2013

The Benefits of Educational Video & Tips


The Benefits of Educational Video & Tips

Educational videos can be a powerful and enjoyable tool.
We've all been there sitting in class listening to a lecture, drifting in and out of what is being presented while our other senses seem to pull us away. As simple as it seemed when a teacher paired a lecture with a slideshow it made it a lot easier to focus and video makes it easier yet.

Many educators are turning to video to help make boring or complex topics easier to understand and to improve the ease of keeping one’s attention. Video gives us something we can watch, listen, replay, download and read.

Making the Complex more Understandable

Visuals are a great learning tool.
One of the biggest benefits of video is that you can take a complex or abstract concept and show what you mean. Whether you are trying to define a medical procedure or how to build an organic shape in 3D the ability to show what you are talking about gives the viewer far more of a chance of understanding what is going on. Many of us are visual learners and seeing something demonstrated can be a huge help, the only thing better is having the hands on experience which isn't always possible.

Allows Users to Revisit Content

You can also give users the ability to access content from home.
Video isn't flawless, but it is easy to hit replay or drag the scroll back to re-watch a part you don’t get. This isn't something you can do with a lecture or a slideshow you see in class, but a video you can go back to the night before a test or when something just isn't making sense. Giving viewers access to download or log in to view content is a great tool that opens the door for users who might also have a hard time focusing during normal hours or might have a learning disability.

Demonstrate Directions and Instructions

Guide your users through a complicated process.
With video you can walk every viewer through all the steps of a complex series of steps. They can pause while they get caught up, or go back if things move too fast for them. From assembling a desk to building a website having someone walk you through it step by step really can make the process easier.

Making Learning Fun

Mobile video delivery makes it easy
for users to access content on the go.
Not only can you provide educational videos but your users can as well! Assign a project or process that your user can research and have them create a video. Then after you review it you can upload it, sharing what that user learned with other users. Unlike a 1 time presentation this video is something they can share in portfolios later on.



Tips for Educational Videos

  • Be sure to provide natural breaks in the video for users to mimic a step or suggest that they pause.
  • Giving users a rating tool or feedback tool will help you gauge where you could improve.
  • Keep the language simple enough for your target audience.
  • Make sure visuals used match up to what you are covering.
  • Provide Closed Caption.
  • Provider users with a link or bookmark tool so they can come back and watch the video later.
  • Providing downloads or transcripts can make the learning process even easier. Remember you can upload PDFs to your Bizideo system.
  • When using background music keep it quiet enough that it doesn't overwhelm your voice.
To learn more about the video delivery options please contact us or check out our website.