How to create a successful eLearning video: Detailed steps
So you want to create an engaging eLearning video, but you are not sure where to start? You are not alone; creating an engaging eLearning video can be a daunting task, and many people are afraid of creating one because they do not think they will be good at it or do not know how to do it right.
If this sounds like you, then follow these guidelines.
1) Have a clear purpose
Do not make an eLearning video just because you can—make one with a purpose.
Determine whether it should be informative, persuasive, or entertaining. This will help shape your storyline and reduce any confusion over what you are trying to get across.
The first few minutes are crucial. Remember: Unlike a traditional movie, it is likely that viewers will stop watching your eLearning video before they reach its conclusion.
If you do not grab viewers' attention right away, they may move on and never come back! After all, everyone else is making elearning videos now, too—and yours needs to be unique enough to stand out from those that came before it.
2) Select the right tools for your eLearning videos
There are several options for creating an elearning video. Some options include Screen capture software.
Your computer already has all of these tools built-in; if not, free screen recording apps are available for download.
The important thing is that you pick one, have a plan, and stay consistent.
Screen capture allows you to record yourself on your computer screen while also recording your audio simultaneously.
You can make quick elearning videos that demonstrate how to complete a task or make video presentations with voiceovers and text overlays.
3) Know your target audience for your eLearning vidoes
Unless you want your elearning videos to be a random assortment of information, you will need to know your audience.
What job titles are they?
Are they technical or non-technical?
What work experience do they have?
Where do they sit within their organization?
These answers will help you better tailor your content and ensure it meets their needs.
Once you have established your target audience, please pay close attention to what types of information resonate with them.
Take notes on how effective different scenarios, examples, analogies, and applications are for them; incorporate these into future planning for more impactful elearning videos.
4) eLearning Videos creation: Keep it simple
Keep your elearning videos simple and easy to follow. A complicated elearning video is just more work for your viewers.
Instead, draw them in with a clear point of view, a charismatic speaker, or strong visuals.
Keep things as uncomplicated as possible so your viewers can focus on what you are saying and be sure they are absorbing your elearning content.
A good rule of thumb is that you do not understand it well enough if you cannot explain it.
5) Use your personality in your eLearning videos
Most people use their videos to talk about what they do and why it is great. Instead, think about how you can make your personality come through in your video.
You want it to be relatable, so do not sound too stiff or boring. Let your personality shine!
6) Use sound effects for elearning video
If you are making a elearning video, consider recording some sound effects.
There are plenty of websites with free sound effects, or you can purchase them from different sites online.
The important thing is that these are not just any sounds; they should be relevant and fit for your elearning video.
If you can find elearning videos that feature these sounds, it might be a good way to save time and try different sounds until you find ones that match your message well.
7) Captivate with stories and elearning videos
When creating an elearning video to educate your audience, it is tempting to rely on a boring talking-head style or lecture format.
To keep learners engaged, think about what stories you can tell or elearning videos you can include that help further your point without interrupting it.
For example, if you want trainees to learn how to use a new machine at work properly, it might be more engaging if they watch a elearning video of someone else operating that machine instead of looking at text and pictures.
Consider what media would engage your target audience most and then produce relevant training material around that idea.
8) Prepare additional resources for your eLearning videos
If you are creating elearning training materials for others, including links and resources they can use while learning.
This might include job aids, product manuals, slide decks, or other documents that add clarity and reinforce their knowledge within you elearning courses.
You should also consider providing your viewers with a forum where they can share any questions or ideas about what they have learned.
In addition to bringing them together as a community, forums give you insights into how people use your material and what else you might need to teach them next.
9) Script your eLearning Videos like a movie script
It is probably easier to create an engaging, professional-looking elearning video that your viewers will want to watch from start to finish. The key is starting with a solid script.
Think of it like writing a movie screenplay: You need exciting characters and a compelling story for people to latch on to.
Do some research, write out some scenes, and try different angles until you have something worth filming.
10) Put yourself into a positive mood
A positive attitude can make all of the difference in terms of engagement and production quality. If you are feeling down, your audience will feel it, too. If you do not think you can pull yourself up by your bootstraps (bootstrap?), try some mental exercises:
Go for a walk outside or listen to music you love—or even meditate, if that is something that resonates with you. Whatever works for you! As long as it gets those creative juices flowing, go for it.
How long should your eLearning video be?
Longer isn't always better. Experts agree that an eLearning video should be between three and five minutes long, with a maximum of seven minutes. Any longer than that, your audience is likely to lose interest in what you have to say or start daydreaming.
Of course, it is vital to keep your eLearning video concise, but there are other factors you should consider before putting together your eLearning video.
For example:
how many people will you be targeting?
Are you developing a training course for executives?
Or will you be creating a step-by-step solution for everyone?
Think about your content—what points need extra attention?
What examples can make complicated topics easier to understand?
Best practices when it comes to eLearning videos
When it comes to creating an eLearning course using videos, there are quite a few best practices you should keep in mind during every step of your planning process. Let's talk about some of them!
Planning is everything. Creating an effective eLearning video involves much more than simply pressing a record. A lot of preparation goes into every eLearning video you create, including developing scripts, storyboarding, and editing footage until it fits perfectly with your intended message. If you don't plan, things can quickly go off track; so give yourself enough time before shooting or recording anything! To create quality eLearning courses, it is essential to use high-quality sources to find information and make sure you are sourcing your materials correctly and ethically.
Quality over quantity: Don't be afraid to take breaks from recording or filming if needed; don't rush through any parts of your script; always look out for proper lighting (and do whatever possible to avoid glare); never zoom in on footage without zooming out first—you get the point. Always remember that attention to detail matters a lot.
Choose TheLearning LAB for your high quality and engaging eLearning videos
TheLearning LAB specializes in eLearning videos and other forms of visual learning solutions that increase the effectiveness of your training programs, often allowing you to cut costs while improving learner outcomes.
At TheLearning LAB, we consider your objectives, tone, and language to create effective content.
Furthermore, we ensure there is a cohesive flow of information while ensuring our elearning videos are not just visually appealing but also engaging.
Our team of experts will help you create interactive elearning videos with voiceover, slides, annotations, and quizzes so that your learners can learn at their own pace without losing interest or giving up out of frustration.
