The video is slowly taking off in the eLearning world and is definitely a great tool for your content’s efficiency. Putting video clips into your eLearning course will not only entice and perk up your learners, but may also fill in for the visual gaps. For instance, if you have a distinct object with several parts and your learners need to know where these are located, you may either offer learners 2D diagrams or use a video where they can see it as a whole. The video will be able to offer a clearer picture and better understanding for the object. Videos are also helpful in showing off real world situations like day to day social interactions. You will always understand conversions that are done through audio or text, but a video component may display other significant cues in the characters’ body language that you might miss.

The power of video in eLearning platforms goes way beyond its given educational aspects. Having this intimate connection between instructors and learners is the secret to knowledge retention, and in the event where face to face interaction is not plausible, eLearning video courses are important.

The current advances in communication technology and multimedia have resulted in efficient learning systems that use video components. Instructional video improves learner engagement and therefore enhances learning effectiveness. Instructors may now portray comprehensive demonstration to their students by recording their own movements on the computer screen. These features essentially make video courses more interesting and interactive, enhancing learner engagement. Here are some of the most common videos used in eLearning courses.

• Narration. The instructor narrates all the information found on the page. There are plenty of individuals saying that this kind is the ‘talking head’ typecast but there are plenty of instructors who find this type very useful especially if the information is something that learners will have a rough time comprehending. The issue with narrative videos is the lack of interactivity among learners but this kind depends mainly on the type of course and reason for instruction.
• Vignettes. These videos are used when a certain video supplements text. The instructor usually provides tips and advice that will relate to the course without fully giving away all the info. Vignettes can help the course be interactive and also aid the learner in understanding the material at his own pace.
• ‘How to’ videos and demonstrations. Instructors may develop how to instructional materials and demonstrations. The videos may be added to the course. The instructor gives an explanation as the visual demo is shown.
• Role play. In this video, a scenario is being played and videotaped to show learners how specific situations are handled. The video may require more work and professional student actors are suggested for high quality video clips. For instance, if you re training your new hires on the proper way to greet customers, you may show a video role play on how it is performed immediately.
• Simulations. Learners may fully immerse themselves in these simulations. This kind is perfect for online instructions and many hands on learners. These videos may be harder to make but very beneficial to many learners.

Aside from choosing the right video for your learning course, there are other issues that need to be taken care of such as authoring tools, file preparation and other specific learning platforms. Getting your learners engaged is of primary importance and interactive learning videos can help boost retention and keep people involved.