I’ve written about it before, but when I was in high school, I was the first of my peers allowed to submit videos in place of written papers or live presentations for a few of my classes.
At the time, it felt groundbreaking, but it's now become a relatively standard practice.
The way we all learn is changing. And will continue to change.
Some of this is driven by shifts formed from the pandemic. Some of this is based on the evolution of learning technologies.
But no matter the cause, digital education is now a huge part of our lives. And whether you’re a marketing professional brushing up on SEO tactics or an educator getting more comfortable with classroom techniques, effective digital learning can have a profoundly positive impact.
At Demo Duck, creating video learning courses for Learning Management Systems (LMS) demands not only creativity but also a strong understanding of effective instructional design. As educators and course creators strive to enhance learner engagement and retention, there’s new practices rolling out all the time that push the boundaries of traditional video learning.
So, based on our experience creating training video content with our partners over the last several years, here are nine innovative practices various organizations and companies are using as they develop video learning courses, providing insights into both the "how" and the "why" behind each approach.
1. Utilize Microlearning Techniques
What It Is: Microlearning refers to the practice of delivering content in small, easily digestible segments. Typically, these segments last anywhere from a few seconds (~30s) to a few minutes.
How to Implement: Instead of lengthy videos that cover a wide range of topics, break down content into bite-sized lessons focused on specific skills or concepts. For instance, if you’re teaching software skills, you might create short videos that cover individual functions, like how to format text or insert images, rather than one long tutorial. This can also be done via effective chaptering of your content as it’s uploaded to your specific LMS. Either way, it’s important to keep it bite-sized, so you’re not giving the viewer too much to chew on.
Why It Works: Microlearning caters to the short attention spans common in today’s digital environment. It allows learners to engage with material in a way that fits their busy schedules, making it easier to integrate learning into their daily routines. Additionally, short bursts of content promote better retention and recall, as learners can focus on one concept at a time.
2. Incorporate Interactive Video Elements
What It Is: Interactive videos allow viewers to engage with the content actively. This can include quizzes, clickable links, and branching scenarios that adapt based on learner choices.
How to Implement: Most LMS platforms support interactive elements to create videos where viewers can answer questions, make decisions, or explore additional resources—so explore what’s at your disposal. For example, a video on customer service might include a scenario where the learner can choose how to respond to a customer complaint, leading to different outcomes based on their choice. For the production of the videos, make sure the edits are moving too quickly in the spots where you plan on putting these interactive elements, so it’s easier to add them in the LMS without clipping any of the content.
Why It Works: Interactive elements foster engagement by making learners active participants in their education. This interactivity encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as learners must analyze situations and make decisions, rather than passively absorbing information. Studies show that interactive learning experiences lead to higher retention rates and greater satisfaction among learners.
3. Integrate Gamification Strategies
What It Is: Gamification involves applying game design elements in non-game contexts, such as education, to enhance engagement and motivation.
How to Implement: Incorporate elements like points, badges, leaderboards, and challenges into your video courses. For example, you could create a series of video challenges where learners earn points for completing modules, with additional rewards for those who achieve a high score on assessments. Perhaps, there’s some from video elements or animations that play once a new achievement is unlocked—making it clear the user has accomplished something fun and exciting.
Why It Works: Gamification taps into intrinsic motivators, making learning feel more like a game than a chore. It creates a sense of achievement and encourages healthy competition among peers. The incorporation of game elements can lead to increased participation, motivation, and a more enjoyable learning experience overall.
4. Apply the Flipped Classroom Model
What It Is: The flipped classroom model reverses the traditional learning structure by introducing new content through video before class time, allowing in-class time for discussion and application.
How to Implement: Create instructional videos that cover the foundational material learners need to know. Assign these videos as homework, freeing up class time for hands-on activities, discussions, and collaborative projects. For example, in a business course, students could watch videos about marketing principles at home and then work on developing a marketing campaign together in class.
Why It Works: The flipped classroom model empowers learners to take control of their learning pace and allows for deeper exploration of content during class time. It fosters a collaborative learning environment, where students can engage with one another and apply their knowledge in practical ways. This model has been shown to improve student engagement and comprehension.
5. Use Various Styles or Talent
What It Is: Instead of sticking with one animation style, or 1-2 on-camera talent, across your entire course—diversify the visuals in a way to make the various modules feel visually different.
How to Implement: Consider casting a larger range of on-camera talent to be used across the various video modules or lessons within your LMS. These are essentially your teachers, and it’s important to have a few educators used across the curriculum. Similarly, the design style of your animation could change, by a lot or a little, across the modules as well.
Why It Works: Everyone learns differently, and carries their own internal preferences as well, so this allows you to better appeal to your broad audience of learners. Think about Sesame Street, the visuals in a single episode spanned a large range of styles: puppets with actors, full animation, stop motion, etc. It’s much more difficult for a viewer to get bored if the visuals continue to serve them something that feels new.
6. Use Data Analytics for Personalization
What It Is: Data analytics involves using data to gain insights into learner behavior and performance, allowing for more tailored educational experiences.
How to Implement: Leverage the analytics tools within your LMS to track learner progress, engagement levels, and assessment results. Use this data to personalize content delivery, providing additional resources or targeted feedback based on individual learner needs. For example, if a learner struggles with a specific topic, offer supplementary videos or resources that address their weaknesses.
Why It Works: Similar to the point above, personalization caters to the unique needs and preferences of each learner, making the educational experience more relevant and effective. By using data to inform instruction, you can create a more adaptive learning environment that responds to learner challenges in real time. This tailored approach can lead to improved outcomes and increased satisfaction.
7. Embrace Storytelling Techniques
What It Is: Storytelling is the art of conveying information through narrative, making complex concepts more relatable and memorable.
How to Implement: Structure your video content around a narrative that relates to the subject matter. For instance, instead of simply explaining project management concepts, tell the story of a team navigating a complex project, highlighting challenges and successes along the way. Use real-life case studies or fictional scenarios to illustrate key points.
Why It Works: Storytelling creates an emotional connection that enhances engagement and retention. People are naturally drawn to stories, and when information is presented in a narrative format, it becomes easier to understand and remember. This technique can make even the most technical content feel accessible and relevant.
8. Optimize for Mobile Learning
What It Is: Mobile learning (m-learning) involves delivering educational content on mobile devices, enabling learners to access materials anytime, anywhere.
How to Implement: Ensure that your video content is optimized for mobile viewing. This includes using responsive design, ensuring quick load times, and keeping file sizes manageable. Consider creating shorter videos that are easily consumed on-the-go. For example, a language learning course might feature daily vocabulary videos that learners can watch during their commute.
Why It Works: With the rise of mobile device usage, optimizing for mobile learning meets learners where they are. This flexibility increases accessibility and allows learners to engage with content at their convenience, leading to higher completion rates and greater satisfaction.
9. Continuously Evolve Your Content
What It Is: The world of knowledge is always changing, and courses must evolve to remain relevant and effective.
How to Implement: Regularly review and update your video content based on learner feedback, industry developments, and emerging technologies. Stay informed about trends in your subject area and be willing to adapt your materials accordingly. For instance, a course on digital marketing should incorporate the latest trends in social media and SEO practices.
Why It Works: Continuous evolution ensures that your course remains valuable and relevant to learners. It also demonstrates a commitment to quality education and responsiveness to learner needs. Regular updates can reinvigorate interest in your course and encourage returning learners.
Conclusion
Innovative practices in video learning course creation can significantly enhance the educational experience for learners in an LMS. By incorporating microlearning, interactive elements, gamification, immersive technologies, and other cutting-edge strategies, course creators can engage learners more effectively and foster deeper understanding.
These approaches not only cater to diverse learning preferences but also create a more dynamic and inclusive learning environment. As the field of digital education continues to evolve, embracing these practices will ensure that your courses remain at the forefront of effective learning experiences.
Hopefully your audience is as receptive to your videos as my eighth grade teacher was to mine. Thanks Mrs. Brown!