Video-Based Training Is Like Pizza

Videos keep employees glued to a course. In fact, they do it much better than do simple page turners. Videos enable accurate demonstration of a complex concept. Moreover, they prove to be a great pedagogical tool to periodically reinforce information that has already been taught.

It’s pretty evident that in today’s learning and development sphere, it’s almost impossible to find reasons to exclude videos from training modules.

Right?

You may or may not find this surprising, but not enough L&D professionals are putting their bets on video based content.

The big question is… Why? Why do we hesitate to turn to one of the most effective mediums of learning? Why are articles like this one still needed?

It seems that even though everyone is aware that video is crucial and that most millennial learners prefer video to other training methods, we are downright afraid of cameras.

Where does this fear come from though? Fear of looking silly? Fear of losing credibility? Fear of your voice sounding funny?

The truth is, there’s absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Because,

Video is just like Pizza.

When it’s good, it’s great. When it’s not good….well, it’s still pretty great.

With a little practice, you can become skilled with a camera and your employees and colleagues will love you for bringing pizza to the party.

Here’s why video is great:

It’s Portable

Videos can be viewed just about anywhere. For eg, A how-to video on reimbursement forms can be delivered to employees spread across the globe.

It’s Powerful

The combination of audio and video content allows the employee to grasp concepts faster and more effectively.

And It’s Flexible

An employee can pause, stop, and rewind the timeline of her learning. Unlike traditional classroom training, video-based learning prevents the employee from missing out on key concepts. As long as she has time, she can always go back and learn again.

And here’s the best part… you don’t have to be the only one in charge of recording training content!

There is heaps of talent out there. Allow learner-generated content to take centre stage. Let the creativity juices of your millennial employees flow. Allow them to teach each other using short videos.

Combine community learning, peer-peer learning, and video-based learning using an appropriate platform to witness the true potential of your organizational learning culture.

Now, I understand that some of you have authority issues. “What if they make a mess out of it? What if they spread wrong information? What if they render the learning ecosystem useless”

But what if they don’t? What if your user-centred learning initiative is hugely successful? You and I both can go on and on with the “What-if’s”. In fact, they’re pretty similar to the “Yeah, but’s” that seem to plague most L&D professionals.

But the reality is that sometimes, some things need to be done. It’s up to you to decide whether you want to bring about a change or not.