Applications training using screencast videos

With a large staff base spread around the country, there is an ever present challenge to deliver applications training remotely and where possible, to avoid having a trainer tied up administrating and delivering repetitious training.

To meet this challenge, I find screencast videos a great way to go. Below is an example of one that I created to train our Support Workers in the application they use to record billable time and case notes out in the field.

Camtasia is my go to tool to capture and edit screen content which allows me to produce a really effective training video. Depending on where the video is being hosted, I can add some really cool features like a clickable table of contents for larger videos where it may not be necessary for the viewer to watch the entire video — simply click a topic and skip to that part of the video. Or add a quiz to test the viewers understanding of the content with the results being emailed to me — a great way to track training completion.

Of course a screencast video is not suitable for all applications especially those that undergo regular interface changes. What looks like a simple change to the interface can mean hours of editing your video frame by frame.

We’ve previously hosted our videos either on our Intranet or Youtube but more recently I’ve been involved as the system admin in introducing a Moodle based elearning platform, which is really exciting. This now allows me to use tools such as Articulate Rise to embed my videos into a complete training package where I can include documentation, testing and interactive components, as well manage enrollments and track progress and completion. But more on that later…….