In the dynamic world of E-Learning, videos stand as a pivotal element in interactive and effective training. They serve various purposes, from onboarding to developing talent. Yet, a critical choice arises: should you use real or illustrated videos? This article dives into the advantages of video-based learning and examines the specific contexts where real and illustrated videos excel, guiding you to make informed decisions for your learning strategy.
Advantages of Using Videos in E-Learning
First, let's take a look at the general advantages of using videos for learning purposes:
-
Cognitive Load Reduction: By visually demonstrating concepts, videos reduce the mental effort required to understand complex topics. For instance, a video explaining the intricacies of a mechanical engine simplifies learning compared to text descriptions.
-
Enhanced Engagement and Attention: Videos captivate learners with dynamic visuals and audio, maintaining focus better than static text. For example, an animated video on climate change can visually depict the effects, making the content more engaging.
-
Higher Retention: Videos help learners remember information longer due to their audio-visual nature.
-
Learning Stickiness: Engaging video content, like a well-narrated documentary or an interactive E-Learning module, encourages learners to complete courses and revisit them for reinforcement.
-
Promoting Behavioral Change: Videos, especially in simulations, effectively demonstrate behaviors for learners to emulate, like a video on customer service scenarios for training sales staff.
-
Appeal to Multi-generational Workforce: Videos, especially shorter formats, are effective across age groups, offering a universally appealing learning medium.
-
Versatility in Corporate Training: Videos adapt to various training needs, from onboarding videos to detailed software training, supporting a wide range of learning objectives.
-
Immersive Learning Experiences: Interactive videos can create engaging, immersive experiences, enabling learners to explore and interact with content.
-
Cost-Effectiveness: With modern video creation tools and especially with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), producing high-quality E-Learning videos can be more budget-friendly, allowing for wider adoption in training programs. Also, localization of videos is nowadays more cost-effective than ever with AI-tools like Storyshell.
Real vs. Illustrated Videos
The choice between real footage and illustrated video isn't merely aesthetic; it's a decision shaped by multifaceted considerations spanning production capabilities, time and budget constraints, update requirements, and thematic relevance. Let’s take a look at potential use cases and advantages.
Real Videos are useful when demonstrating practical skills, such as a technician performing machinery maintenance. They offer an authentic view of real-life processes and interactions, enabling learners to observe and understand the nuances of actual task performance.
Illustrated Videos can be used to visualize abstract concepts, such as the evolution of technology over centuries. Illustrated videos excel at breaking down complex ideas into understandable visuals, making learning more accessible. They are also perfect for creative storytelling, where imagination isn't limited by real-world constraints, enabling more engaging and visually appealing content.
When creating e-learning courses for onboarding of croupieres for our client Casinos Austria we combined both kinds of videos - the handling of jetons was filmed in real-life, while the history of roulette was depicted in an illustrated video. The learners loved it - watch their feedback here (English captions availalbe):
Use Cases for Real vs. Illustrated Videos in E-Learning
The boundary between use cases for real versus illustrated videos can blur, as some topics lend themselves well to both formats. Here, we'll examine examples of use cases for both formats.
-
Video Drama: Engages emotionally especially if you use real video, but can be costly. For example, a company might produce a video drama about Cyber Security, using own employees as actors to portray various scenarios.
-
Intro Videos: Similar to the Video Drama example, you can use an real video as an introduction to your e-learning content to engage and create an emotional connection. This could be e.g. the CEO explaining why the presented topic is relevant to the company and the employees.
-
Interactive Video: Boosts retention; complex production; real as well as illustrated videos can be a good option. An example is a safety training video where viewers make choices about how to respond to workplace hazards, seeing different outcomes based on their decisions. Using illustrated videos can give you more flexibility.
-
Lecture Videos: Offers knowledge flexibility; may lack engagement. Providing recordings of lectures allows your user to watch and learn at their own pace, e.g. as part of a hybrid congress.
-
Software Tutorials: Visual step-by-step guides; potential for information overload. A step-by-step guide on using a software like an training for administrators on how to work with the Talent Experience Platform Totara.
-
Demonstrations and How-Tos: Practical task demonstrations; time-intensive creation. We created a crew training for McDonalds demonstrating on e.g. how to make the different sorts of coffee.
Watch an McDonald's employee's feedback here (English captions availalbe):
-
Storytelling: Emotionally connective and memorable. Storytelling is of course possible with real and illustrated videos. However, illustrations give you more flexibility and variety. For our client Remax Europe we created various illustrated day-to-day scenarios for their Compliance Training, as you can watch here:
-
Simplifying Complex Information: Ideal for abstract or intricate topics. This could be e.g. an animation explaining chemical process or electricity price and energy market components.
-
Illustrated or AI-generated Avatars: Engaging alternative when filming isn’t feasible. Avatars can lead learners through your content and add a human-like touch to the learning experience, making the content feel more relatable and friendly. For our client Remax we used the AI-created avatar "Pia", representing the legal department and making the topic more approachable - as you can watch here:
Conclusion
Both real and illustrated videos offer unique strengths in E-Learning. Real videos provide authentic experiences and are great for practical demonstrations, while illustrated videos excel in visualizing complex concepts and engaging learners. The choice depends on your specific learning objectives and content nature. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively leverage the power of video to enrich your E-Learning initiatives.
Get in touch
You want to incorporate videos in your next elearning but your're not sure how? Let's discuss it together and find the right solution for you!
