7 Sins of Online Video Instructional Design

With the popularity of video sites such as YouTube, which now accounts for 25% of all searches on the Web http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/12/18/comscore-youtube-now-25-percent-of-all-google-searches , the consumption of video training is now a reality in most organizations and colleges.  This accessible forum has made it easier for organizations to produce and provide online training videos.  While this technology is available to anyone, companies do need to take time to consider the quality of the online training videos that they are producing and providing.

The following will give you a perspective of common, yet avoidable, mistakes most companies make when making online training videos.

1.    Not connected to learners
When creating video training. Have the SME address the camera, do not just show screen shots. Change up shots; do not keep static too long.  The more impersonal you make your training videos, the less likely your learners will feel a connection to the SME.  This will cause a less engaged overall learning experience.
Example of a connected online video: http://tv.adobe.com/#vi+f1481v1000

2.    Poor Planning before the shoot
If you are using a SME, make sure they are prepared for the day of the shoot. Ask them give you a plan that details each 3-7 minute video unit weeks prior to the day of the shoot. Make sure they practice; in particular, you might want them to practice live with you via Web cam. If they are using any type of presentation, make sure it is designed well and check for any grammatical errors. Finally, make sure the SME understands how to dress and look for taping

3.    Video length is too long
Would you like to sit down and watch a 30-60 minute video clip? Neither would your learners!  Three to seven minutes seems to be the optimum length for online video learning. Most large online training companies have moved, or are preparing to move, to this format.

4.     No close captioning
Close Caption all of your video its good for the disabled, good for compliance and good for search engine results. It can be expensive and not always practical but when possible it is best practice to close caption your videos.

5.      Video and delivery is poor quality
Use a reliable service to delivery your streaming video.  This will ensure proper video delivery worldwide. Make sure that the video is not to low quality or not too high quality for download.  Make sure the video player is simple to use and buffers before play.

6.     No comprehension
Keeping with the basic rules of the adult learning model, make sure your audience actually understands what they just watched and why. Remember knowledge transference is a major reason they are watching the video. Offer end-of-course tests and reviews; this will ensure that the learners are really learning something and that they will retain the information.

7.    No Hands-on lessons
Task your learners with hands-on lessons. Keep the lessons practical. Remember adult learners respond to relevancy?oriented training. Offering online self-paced autonomous training can greatly improve a companies overall training system.

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By: Jeremy Vest, CLO Splash Media, author of Exploring Web Design

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