Archive for category: Video and education

To create great online learning, you will need a great tool kit. These days, that tool kit is made up of hardware such as cameras and microphones. Digital tools including online editors are also a great way to bring your video to a professional level.

Our mission at Vidversity is to democratize the creation of online learning and training and video is a great way in. It’s easy to capture, easy to update and 70{3c9f23d7bbf60c2613cffc120335444c21b5ea582d0fc73152676a41f8ff5ec2} of learners prefer it to text based learning.

So read on for our wrap up of the best tools for creating great video based learning and training.

 

1. Best camera. 

A webcam will lift your video quality to professional standards and it won’t set you back much at all. At VidVersity, we are devotees of Logitech. There’s a camera for every price range from $100 upwards. Look for a directional microphone and you may not need a separate mic set up.

2. Best desk microphone

The Blue Yeti Nano is a well priced microphone that is ideal for desktop. It’s compact enough to move from place to place but not too small with an adjustable stand.  At around $140 AUD it’s a great price too. It has a USB plug for fast setup. Plus it looks great on the desk with a retro vibe.

 

3. Best lapel microphone. 

As an Australian company, we love to recommend other Australian brands. Rode is one of the best. Try the RØDE SmartLav+ Smartphone Lavalier Microphone. It’s well priced at around $80 and it’s hard to go past Rode for quality. If you want a lower priced option, for around $45 you can pick up cordless lapel mics that will plug directly into your mobile for quality sound recording on the go.

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00EO4A7L0?linkCode=gs2&tag=aaau-22&th=1

 

4. Best video editing software. 

We love Movavi for editing and adding great animations although there are many editing options on the market. When noise quality is an issue, Veed is a great product to remove background noise and improve audio quality. Poor audio is more distracting to the viewer / learner than poor video as the latter can always be improved by overlaying other images, graphics or by editing in B roll footage.

 

5. Best animation creator. 

Animation is a great option where you don’t have video footage but want to provide an engaging visual denomination. It’s also ideal for scenarios that are hard to film such as inappropriate workplace behaviour or showing something like fire safety. We recommend Vyond for animation creation.

 

6. Best design tool for slides and backgrounds. 

Canva has been in the news for the extraordinary rise of this Aussie company and it’s no surprise. Canva makes the creation of slides and other graphic design processes intuitive and easy. Use Canva to create digital backgrounds to record video on Zoom or create visually impactful slide decks to then use in your video recordings.

 

7. Best voiceover. Real humans!

We have used voice actors to provide voice overs for promotional videos. The result is very professional but it is an expensive option. For a cheaper option why not try a platform like Fiverr. But remember that continuity to updating content may be an issue so think about the longevity of the project before you commit.

 

8. Best voice over. Digital.

AI voices haven’t been convincing or realistic…until now. We have been testing 11 Labs this year to replicate real voices and we are really impressed with the results. You can use a real voice for the AI tool to replicate meaning there is a consistent and relatable ‘character’ to your voiceovers. Ideal for adding to animations or even Powerpoint presentation recordings.

 

9. Best platform to create online learning – Vidversity.

There are other authoring tools out there of course but here is why Vidversity should be your first choice when it comes to creating video based learning and training. Firstly, it’s easy to use. Next, everything you need is included in your subscription package,so there’s no need to look for a hosting solution or even a Learning Management System (although we will work in yours if you do!). And finally, we provide real humans to provide onboarding, training and any support your need during the year. And we are Australian owned, operated and hosted, so you know your content will be secure. With Vidversity, we can help you bring your online learning and training to life in 2024. 

 

10. Best App to capture video on the go! Vidversity. 

If you have worked with video, you will know that moving video from one device to another can be tricky. We created a simple App so you can ask creators out in the field or in other locations, or even just across the office, to create or upload and send you video. It will drop straight into your Vidversity creator platform ready to edit and add to create video based learning. With the Vidversity App you can create employee experiences, or capture onsite training such as how to use equipment in the field. You might even just want to create site specific induction such as filming where dangerous chemicals are located on site. 

 

Honourable mention. 

A quick shout out to PowerPoint for the great addition to the suite in the ability to record using powerpoint. This makes video based training video fast and easy to produce. Here’s a quick ‘how to video’ on how it works.

You can also try a teleprompter app on your laptop or phone to save those endless re-recordings. There are loads of free options. Remember to adjust your camera height so text and eye view are in line for a natural result.

Want to learn how to create online learning in 2024. Join our live (on Zoom) workshop commencing February 2024. 

Click on the link for more information: https://vidversity.com/workshop-series/

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, accessible software training has become essential organisations to ensure staff are competent and efficient users of internal systems. Video-based online software training has emerged as one of the most effective and popular methods to impart knowledge and skills. By blending visual and auditory elements, it caters to various learning styles, making the learning process engaging, accessible, and efficient. It is also fast to create and easy to update.

In this article, we will explore the best practices for creating video-based online software training that ensures learners can grasp complex concepts, retain information, and apply it effectively.  

Define Clear Learning Objectives

Before diving into content creation, it is crucial to define clear learning objectives. Ask yourself what the learners should achieve after completing the training. Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives will guide you in developing focused and impactful content. But also ensure learners know where they are headed and how they can revisit any element of that content at any time. 

Know Your Audience

Understanding your target audience is paramount. Consider their existing knowledge of the software, their roles, and their preferred learning styles. By tailoring the content to meet their needs, you increase the chances of keeping them engaged and motivated throughout the training. Consider key factors such as English as a second language, accessibility issues (subtitles etc) and the time they have to access learning. 

Keep It Concise and Organised

In the digital age, attention spans are limited. To maintain learners’ interest, keep the training videos concise and to the point. Organise the content logically, breaking it down into smaller modules or chapters. This approach enables learners to absorb information incrementally and review specific topics as needed. Keep content short, no longer than 3 minutes if possible and embed additional learning resources by highlighting key points and providing summaries. 

Plan your content but don’t overthink it!

As experienced learning consultants we often see organisations trying to ‘boil the ocean’ when planning online training. Planning is important but also ensure you get information to your staff quickly. If there is an update to existing software, record a short video and update the training immediately. If you are spending months planning the content, your learners is left without any training resources. Remember, learner first! 

Create engaging learning but don’t forget the learner! 

Visual elements play a vital role in capturing learners’ attention and enhancing understanding. Movavi is a great editing tool to enable you to zoom into screens, highlight key elements and add visual interest. Keep in mind that software does change and you will need to balance the complexity of the online learning you create against the that you will need to regularly remove content and update it. 

Provide Hands-On Practice 

Effective software training involves hands-on practice. Consider incorporating interactive elements such as simulations, quizzes, and exercises that allow learners to apply what they have learned. Hands-on practice reinforces understanding and builds confidence in using the software effectively.\

Use a Conversational Tone 

Adopt a conversational and approachable tone throughout the training videos. Avoid using overly technical jargon, and explain complex concepts in simple terms. This creates a friendly learning environment, putting learners at ease and encouraging active participation. You can address your learner directly by using direct language such as ‘you’. And don’t forget that you can acknowledge the online format in any voiceover content. Speak directly to the learner by telling them they will ‘now complete an online quizz’ and how to access additional help. 

Optimise for Mobile Devices 

In today’s mobile-centric world, learners access training content from various devices. Ensure your videos are responsive and optimised for viewing on mobile devices. This flexibility enhances accessibility and enables learners to engage with the training on-the-go. Don’t forget many of your staff may not be sitting at desks. Health care workers, drivers and warehouse workers will be on the move and mobile learning may be the most effective. 

Seek Feedback and Iterate

Encourage learners to provide feedback on the training. Feedback is invaluable in identifying areas of improvement and refining the content. Act on constructive criticism and continuously update the training to ensure it remains relevant and effective. And don’t forget to respond to that feedback by keeping online learning up to date and by responding quickly to changes.

Conclusion

Video-based online software training is a powerful tool for giving your staff the skills they need to thrive in the digital era. By following these best practices – from defining clear objectives and knowing your audience to creating engaging visuals and seeking feedback – you can create highly effective and impactful training that empowers learners to master software with confidence. Remember, the key to success lies in creating content that is informative, engaging up to date, and tailored to the needs of your audience. Happy training!

Subscribe to our newsletter to find out about our upcoming webinars, workshops and to access the latest and greatest in online learning. Visit the Vidversity website.

By Liz Kollias. An interview with Natalie Wieland, CTO and co-Founder of VidVersity.

Teenagers are using video for learning everyday.On my daily scroll through LinkedIn, I read this comment “To create a proper e-learning you need to be or have available, a graphic designer, instructional designer, subject matter expert, storyteller, photographer, illustrator, video-expert, illustrator, animator, developer and accessibility expert.”

Imagine telling a classroom teacher who is about to teach Romeo and Juliet to a High School English class, “ok before you can teach your students, you will need to submit your lesson plan to the Project Manager. That person will then check your content. You will need to
attend a rehearsal where there will be a voice projection coach and a communications expert. Once we have their feedback, we will update the plan ready for you to read over again. Before the presentation, you will need to have professional hair and makeup done and there will also be a lighting expert coming in to make sure the kids can see you at your best. If you submit your plan today, and we coordinate all these people, you should be ready to teach the kids this lesson in about 6-12 weeks.”

Of course this is a crazy proposition. Certainly, some online training needs to be highly produced and may need input from all these professionals, but not all. The pandemic taught us the potential life saving power of delivering training quickly and effectively and using video for learning. Changes to legislation and the impact on health care providers such as the Serious Incident Response Scheme required the development and delivery of rapid, tailored training to meet compliance. For teachers, this might mean creating video based lesson summaries to support learners or kids who missed class and it’s needed on the day the live lesson took place. In the workplace, this might mean creating instant updates on new policy changes, updates to software or a way to introduce key new staff to the firm. If there is a new CFO for example, an introduction could be videoed and added to induction content.

So what has been forgotten when we bloat the process of online learning? Usually the 2 key people – the teacher and the student. And how do we address this over complication and make the process simpler? Today, I am interviewing Natalie Wieland, co-Founder of VidVersity and also a sessional lecturer and consultant who has trained legal professionals from ‘baby’ barristers through to judges. Natalie has the unique perspective of being at the frontline of classroom and workplace teaching as well as designing and creating online learning.

Nat, firstly I want to chat about this quote. What’s your take on having all these people involved in online learning creation? Is it necessary and does it create great learning?

One of my biggest issues with the creation of online learning is how many people need to be involved, there are way too many ‘chefs in the kitchen’. Compare this to the creation of traditional face to face learning, whether by a teacher, a trainer, a manager; it really is only that person who creates and delivers the training or learning content. The focus is not on the branding, the look and feel (imagine being told what to wear as a presenter) but rather the content and the needs of the cohort. For educators/teachers, learning design is second nature, so there is absolutely no reason that these skills cannot be applied in a digital setting. I really believe teachers and Subject Matter Experts should be empowered to create their own digital content to reflect the needs of their students. Just because it is online does not mean it needs to be sanitised and certainly not in every instance. After all, technology is supposed to simplify processes not add layers of complexity.

In our work, we often see a disconnect between what learners want and what is provided to them, particularly in a corporate learning context. Often we hear those responsible for creating corporate learning being really concerned about learning content needing to ‘look professional’. What’s your take on this?

So much of the ‘professionally’ created online learning is not well received because it is not authentic. It’s actually pretty boring. A key to a great educator is their presentation style, their personality, so why remove that?

When did ‘professional’ training equate to this dull, santised style? I often asked subject matter experts or L&D professionals if they like the training they have created, and the answer is interesting. They have created what they think the audience wants, when in fact the audience are humans who love nuances, they love stories and they are forgiving of mistakes. In the last five years there has been a huge shift in the way the news is read on TV and radio, it is no longer robotic, without emotion, it has been humanised. If a trainer would normally lighten the mood in a live teaching environment by injecting some humour then why remove that from the online version?

For some reason when it comes to digital learning the focus is on colours, popups, reveal buttons and this very stylised approach, when in fact I don’t think that’s what is important to learners. You only have to ask how someone learns how to play guitar, bake sourdough, or practices maths. It is often on Youtube (video for learning) and what they are interested in is the content, not the style.

Don’t get me wrong, look and feel is important, but I think it is holding back the creation of digital learning in a professional environment as the whole process is too slow and lacks agility. We are both mothers of teenagers and personally I am amazed by their approach to video. They are not
afraid to create it, they are adept at editing it, adding music, effects and so on and they are also big consumers of video learning. They learn an incredible array of skills from video. In fact video editing skills are now built into the curriculum even at Primary level. What can they teach business about learning and training? After all, they are the workforce of the future.

Well every day they blow my mind. Technology is just an extension of them, so they are not frightened of it, which in turn opens up their creativity. They are also not afraid of using lots of different technology, so they might film with a phone, upload to a number of platforms (TikTok, You Tube) add images, do time lapse – they don’t think what can the technology do, they think what do I need do do and they find the right technology. We could learn a lot from that approach.

Nat, you actually created a platform specifically designed to make video learning easier. What was the initial inspiration or need that you identified?

• I personally don’t like the text based, template driven content. I know Rise content looks fantastic, but I was getting a lot of feedback from the learners. They felt it was reading an online article and they were struggling to remain engaged.
• Second I felt the process was too slow and took out the nuances of the author.

Let me tell you a story. I was watching a barrister deliver an incredible lecture on new climate legislation – he was mesmerising. I approached him after and said I would love to build an online CPD module on the topic. We spent the next few months storyboarding, writing the content and then building it. Without a word of a lie the day we launched it the legislation was repealed. That is the germination of Vidversity. I thought why can’t I film great lectures, edit the content, break into chunks, add links to the cases and legislation and even add quizzes? So I built the platform that could do all that. Using VidVersity I could have made an interactive CPD module and delivered it 24 hours after the live lecture and that’s exactly what our clients are doing now.

There are other tools for creating learning such as Storyline. But they can be difficult to use. How does VidVersity address some of these problems?

I have a number of issues with the traditional learning tools.

• 1. They are often text based and I really believe and so does the great experiment of YoutTube prove, that video is an incredible medium for eaching. A huge hurdle used to be the difficulty in creating videos. That is no longer the case. We are all carrying a high quality video camera with us at all times.
• 2. If video is used in the traditional tools it is the not the centrepiece. In fact it is often just a small part of the teaching and also if using a SCORM file, it can only be a small file – so large videos don’t work well.
• 3. Articulate is a very nuanced tool and needs a lot of training to be able to use efficiently. Rise solved a lot of this as it is much easier to use and looks beautiful, but I actually think the learning experience is quite boring.
• 4. Security is a major problem when using video. For many Australian corporate and government clients, they are not allowed to create training content which is hosted overseas. So ensuring that the platform ticked all the security and hosting boxes was key. It’s also a genuine ‘end to end’ solution for training in so far as it can be edited, built, delivered, hosted and tracked without the need for any other platform or service. But it does also work in external Learning Management Systems.

We hear a lot about digital transformation and what does this mean in the corporate learning and training space?

For me I think of it as making sure you have interesting, exciting and useful digital content for teaching and learning. It needs to come off the page, out of the classroom and into a dynamic format and no guessing for my preferred medium; video!

I think many of us can feel out of our depth with technology particularly if we aren’t digital natives.
What’s your advice?

Have a go. if you have no idea where to start, just a teenager.

Thanks Natalie!

If you would like to find out more about the VidVersity platform, head to the website

www.vidversity.com or you can contact Natalie directly natalie@vidversity.com

You can also watch this on demand webinar presented by Natalie Wieland ‘Test drive a fast, easy easy to
create video learning with VidVersity.’

https://vidversity.webinarninja.com/live-webinars/10063767/registeri