Video Based Learning: The Key to Engaging and Retaining Students
Tue 23 Jul 2024

Angela Tracey-Brown
Product Manager - CMI
As a Digital Learning Designer , it's vital to ensure you create engaging eLearning programs for corporate developmental courses.
Over the past decade, video-based learning has become an important aspect of L&D programs and a required skill for digital learning designers .
In this blogpost, we will discuss what video-based learning is, the advantages of implementing it into developmental programs, the different types of video learning, and how to implement it effectively.
What is video based learning?
Video-based learning is a type of education that involves using video as the primary medium for delivering content and instruction. This can include online courses, lectures, demonstrations, simulations, and other types of educational videos.
Video-based learning can be self-paced or live and can be used in a variety of settings including classrooms, workshops, and online learning platforms.
With the rise of YouTube throughout the decade, video-based learning has become a standard eLearning format.
With a multi-sensory aspect, and its ability to incorporate voiceovers, music, sound effects, animations, slideshows, camera footage and more, video-based learning is often the first choice for digital learning developers when developing L&D programs.
The benefits of video-based learning
Video content is versatile
The beauty of video-based learning is that it is versatile. Pretty much every topic your mind could think of can be taught through a video, and it transcends every department and age group, from primary school classes all the way to corporate development courses.
From learning how to arrange flowers, code websites and use Photoshop, the multi-modal aspect of video learning allows an infinite number of topics to be taught, so by learning how to develop video-based learning programs, you can work in any L&D across a plethora of companies.
Video based learning is flexible
Unlike a lecture or a conference, watching a video has time flexibility. Whether you’re a slow learner, a fast learner, or a forgetful learner, video learning allows learners to pause, rewind and recap at their own pace.
Gone are the days of writing notes at 100 miles per hour, with little time to pause and retain information. Videos can be paused and returned to at the e-learner's pace, so everyone's learning style is accommodated. This makes for a more inclusive and effective learning experience.
Videos are multi-sensory
Multi-sensory learning has long been proven to be an effective method of educating students and learners. By appealing to auditory and visual senses, learners are more likely to retain information.
The multi-sensory aspect means a variety of media tools can create a more fun learning experience. Animated videos with characters and visual explanations can make somewhat dull corporate training into a mentally stimulating, engaging experience where learners feel positive about their development program.
Video learning is cost effective
Not only has modern technology made video production easy, accessible and cheap, but it only requires a one-time cost. As long as the content materials remain relevant, the video can be used repeatedly, without any cost to rerun.
This saves companies a lot of money from their L&D budget, as video training means they no longer have to spend large amounts of money on learning courses.
Video learning is widespread
With the digitalisation of modern society, video learning has become one of the biggest forms of learning across the world. As a digital learning designer, pushing your content out on a global level has never been easier.
YouTube has now become the second most visited website, right after Google, with over two billion users worldwide using the website every day!
So, whether a company works remotely, in an office, or both, video learning is the best option for accessible and effective learning for their L&D training programs.
How to implement video learning in L&D courses
Determine the objectives of the organisation
Before developing video content for an L&D program, it is essential to determine the main objectives of the organisation.
What are they trying to achieve? Whose skills are they developing? These are essential questions to understand in order to create an effective video learning program.
Whether your learners are beginners, intermediate or experts in their field, it is important to tailor the information in the video to suit their needs and skill sets. Without this, you run the risk of creating an ineffective program where learners become disengaged.
Determining the objectives of the organisation also allows you to measure any results in comparisons to the objectives. You can see if the video learning was successful by aligning the results of the learners against the objectives.
Without objectives, you wouldn’t know what the learners should successfully achieve, nor would you know how to develop the video content.
Engaging video learning content
We already discussed how video learning is typically a more engaging learning experience, but don’t forget about all the tools you can use to make your video an engaging and fun experience.
Videos with just text and/or voice overs can be dull, one-dimensional and boring, so make the most of the unlimited possibilities of video learning and the tools available to you! Use interesting graphics, fonts and colours to engage the learner. You could even have animations explaining the topic at hand.
Make interactive video content
The learning objectives of workplace training programs are to increase employee competency, so they can use their newly acquired knowledge and skills in the workplace. Learners will get the most out of the learning experience when they are interacting with the content.
Give your learners scenarios similar to the type of occurrences they will encounter in the workplace. After each bite-sized video, use a gamification technique lsuch as a quiz or an opportunity to write down their response to a thought-provoking question.[1] [DK2] [3]
Make your videos bite-sized
There’s nothing worse than sitting through a presentation that has gone on for too long, so think no differently when developing video-based learning programs. Learners don’t want to sit through a long, winding video, so make sure to make the video short and sweet.
Some topics may be extensive and require longer videos, so make sure to cut the video into digestible chunks, with activities in between to keep the learner engaged.
Keep a consistent tone and style
When developing any learning and development course content, the key to effective learning is to make sure the content is consistent in style and tone.
People learn best when the only thing they have to be concerned about is the course content. Keeping your content consistent throughout the program takes away any unpredictability which can unnecessarily overstimulate your learner.
Constantly changing the font, colour scheme, voice or animated characters can distract your learner and prevent them from paying attention to the more valuable parts of your content.
Examples of video-based learning
Live action demonstration videos
Acting out a scenario with an explanation can be a great way of demonstrating to learners how to put their acquired knowledge into action. However, if they require a lot of production, they can be a little bit expensive to produce, and can be a lengthy process to develop.
However, sometimes they are the only option and may not necessarily require a high budget. Think of a car mechanic demonstrating how to change a tyre, or a clay artist showing you how to use a kiln; many of the YouTube videos we watch are live action tutorials.
Whiteboard animation videos
The simple concept of drawing out diagrams and animations onto a whiteboard has become a popular choice for video-based learning in the past few years. This option really highlights the time-effective element of video-based learning, as it cuts out the length of time it takes to draw on a whiteboard in a classroom environment.
Rather, learners are seeing a neat visual that is sped up to meet the explanation given during the voiceover. This makes for an effective, multi-sensory learning experience.
Talking expert videos
This concept takes all the effectiveness of a live conference and puts it into an engaging video. Using an expert to speak directly to the learner can make them feel more engaged and valued.
Screen-sharing videos
Sometimes an explanation doesn’t cut it, and a learner may need to visually see a demonstration in action so they can know exactly what to do. For software training, videos where the expert is sharing their screen can be very effective, especially when the learner needs to go back to the video when they need to use their knowledge in the workplace.
Interactive videos
Although most videos can have an element of interactivity, some video streaming platforms can allow users to click on certain elements of the video.
If the learner is required to pick an answer, they can click on the screen and be taken to another segment of the video.
This interactivity keeps the learner engaged and focused on the content of the video. It also makes for a more fun learning experience, emulating somewhat of a typical classroom environment that the learner is more familiar with.
This level of interactivity bridges the gap between the learner and the educator, as it more closely resembles the interactive dynamic between a teacher and student.
Challenges and solutions to video-based learning
Finding information
Finding information in a video can be like finding the right page in a book. If a learner has to refer back to a certain key part of a video they watched, it can be difficult to find the exact time reference for the necessary information was discussed.
The solution to this lies in two easy steps which can help make navigating through video content a whole lot easier.
As mentioned earlier, breaking down video content into bite-sized chunks will help users navigate through different topics and areas of discussion. Make sure to give each video a relevant title that accurately describes the content of the video.
Secondly, note down any time stamps for when key topics are discussed throughout the video in the description box. Learners will have a much easier time going back to any information this way.
Equipment is required
As with any digital learning media, video learning requires the learner to have access to a device that has access to the internet. Although the internet is becoming more widespread with each year, many people in poorer countries have little to no access to the internet, or a smart device.
It is at the discretion of the L&D manager to assess the situation and understand which method of learning is best for their team. Of course, in many developed countries, everyone has easy access to the internet, either from their home, a library or the workplace.
Smartphones have now become the norm, and almost everyone in developed countries has access to a device that can connect to the internet and play videos. Many companies may choose video-based learning, knowing that their employees can have easy access to it.
Video editing and production
Developing, producing and editing a video can be a difficult process that requires a lot of skill. Besides coming up with an initial plan for the video, editing it to appeal to learners can require special attention and a good knowledge of how videos can be used as a learning medium effectively.
A skilled digital learning designer will have an all-encompassing knowledge on how to develop video content for L&D courses.
Video learning promotes individualism
It can’t be denied that remote learning has made the learning experience more individualistic, however, there are many ways to tackle this issue to promote team building and discussions amongst peers.
Course conductors can assign people into groups, and every so often they can return to the team via Zoom or Microsoft Teams and discuss their newly acquired knowledge.
This works the same as any other non-digital seminar or conference, when individuals listen to the content and hold discussions after each key topic.
With the rise of efficient group calling technology, most of the social elements of a non-digital learning environment can be emulated online.
Video-Based Learning FAQs
How is video-based learning different from traditional in-person education?
Video-based learning allows students to access educational content from anywhere with an internet connection, at their own pace. It also allows for the use of multimedia elements such as video, audio, and interactive elements to enhance the learning experience.
Why is video-based learning effective for engaging and retaining students?
Video-based learning can be more engaging for students due to the use of multimedia elements and the ability to pause and revisit content as needed. It can also be more convenient for students, allowing them to access the material at their own pace and schedule. This can lead to better retention of the material as students are able to review and practise the concepts at their own pace.
How can educators use video-based learning to engage and retain their students?
Educators can use a variety of strategies to make video-based learning more engaging and effective for their students. This can include using interactive elements such as quizzes or polls, incorporating multimedia elements such as images and audio, and providing opportunities for students to apply what they have learned through activities or projects.
Are there any challenges to using video-based learning?
Some potential challenges of using video-based learning include the need for reliable internet access, the potential for technical issues with the video platform, and the need for students to have the necessary technology to access the content. Educators can address these challenges by providing support and resources for students, such as troubleshooting guides or loaner technology.
Is video-based learning right for every subject or learning environment?
Video-based learning can be effective for a wide range of subjects and learning environments, but it may not be the best fit for every situation. Educators should consider the learning objectives, the needs and preferences of their students, and the resources and technology available when deciding whether video-based learning is a good fit for their course.
Are you looking to take your expertise in the L&D field further? Find out more about our Digital Learning Design course to advance your career today.