Developing training videos is an exceptional way to create scalable and repeatable educational processes. Whether for corporate training, online education, or specific instructional content, following best practices in the creation of these videos can vastly improve the learning experience. Here are some of the best practices to consider when developing training videos.
Understand Your Audience
Before you start crafting your video, it’s essential to know who your audience is. Understanding the audience’s knowledge level, interests, and learning goals can help tailor the content to their needs.
Set Learning Objectives
Clearly defined learning objectives should guide the development of your training video. These objectives determine what the trainees should be able to accomplish after watching the video, and help in creating a focused and coherent narrative.
Script and Storyboard
A well-written script and storyboard are critical elements for successful training videos. They ensure that all important points are covered succinctly and in an orderly fashion. During scripting, keep language simple and jargon-free unless it is industry-specific and necessary.
Engagement Is Key
Training videos should be engaging to keep the learner’s attention. This involves incorporating elements such as scenarios, stories, humor, or questions that provoke thought. Engagement can also be enhanced through visual aids like graphics, charts, or animations.
Professional Quality Production
High-quality audio and visuals are non-negotiable for effective training videos. Good lighting, clear sound, and professional editing make a significant difference in how content is received by learners.
Pace Your Content Appropriately
The pacing of information is vital; too fast can overwhelm learners while too slow might bore them. It’s essential to find the right balance, using pauses or breaks at appropriate times to allow absorption of information.
Use a Conversational Tone
A conversational tone can make learners feel more connected to the material. It makes the delivery seem personal and relatable, enhancing retention.
Include Assessments
To ensure that learning objectives have been met, include brief assessments or quizzes at the end of each section or video. This not only reinforces learning but also provides feedback.
Be Mindful of Accessibility
Make your training video accessible by including features such as captions for those with hearing impairments or descriptive audio for visually impaired individuals.
Optimize for Various Platforms
Be aware that your training videos may be accessed on different devices. Optimize your videos so they are viewable on phones, tablets, and computers with equal effectiveness.
Gather Feedback and Iterate
Finally, once your video is out there being used by learners, collect feedback. Use this feedback to improve future video content to better meet the needs of your audience.
By following these best practices when developing training videos, you can create effective educational content that is not only informative but also engaging and accessible to all learners.