Recent eLearning Guild research has found that many job postings for instructional designers in 2019 include a desire for expertise in video production and editing. This is a significant addition to the skills that employers said they were looking for in 2015. On top of that, video is undoubtedly the most flexible medium for microlearning application, which has become a very attractive format for eLearning. As a result, personal career development priorities for instructional designers and others in the eLearning field should certainly include microlearning video skills and at least a general strategy for microlearning.
This article outlines some important considerations about how to do this, including an opportunity that the eLearning Guild is offering in September 2019.
Why video?
Video as a medium for microlearning makes sense for a number of reasons. It is attractive to eLearning developers because video runs on every platform. Even more important, video runs on mobile devices. Building on this, video meets employee expectations for flexibility—they can access it while in the workplace, as well as when working from home.
In addition, video can be quick to develop and offers L&D a rapid way to eliminate skill gaps as they are identified. Unlike some other forms of eLearning, tracking learner experience with microlearning video via xAPI is simple and straightforward. Finally, developers have a choice of different video types to select for different requirements and learning objectives.
Microlearning video sources
Among the different kinds of video that designers can choose for microlearning, there are five standouts:
• Animations
• Whiteboard capture
• Screen capture/compiled video
• PowerPoint
• Photographic video
Each offers different functionalities and affordances that make it suitable for particular uses or objectives.
Delivery strategies
Microlearning is simple, but to be successful the developer must have a strategy in mind. This is especially true for video microlearning, where you will not be delivering an entire “course” on video. Remember this is MICROlearning, not video lectures! Each video is only 5 - 10 minutes long, covers only one objective, and one topic.
Here are three basic strategies.
• Use short videos to deliver prerequisite training to remedy known skill and knowledge gaps for individual employees before more in-depth training
• Use short videos to provide reinforcement/refresher/review of one point
• Provide an individual video to guide performance at the time of need on one individual task, where “show me” is the best approach
The eLearning Guild’s Microlearning Design Online Conference
On September 18 to 19, 2019, The eLearning Guild is offering the Microlearning Design Online Conference. Nine expert presenters will cover different types of microlearning content, including when and how it can be used, and tips and techniques for being strategic with the approach.
A key session is “5 Ways to Create Standout Microlearning Videos” with presenters Julia Shawver and LaTarshia Wooten from GAAP Dynamics. Video microlearning is a key technique in their practice. During their session, LaTarshia and Julia will present information about the way they are using video in their work. They will discuss using a digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR) for shooting photographic video, lighting, and audio gear, including choosing and using microphones. They will talk about software for video and audio editing, and will also address production workflow, cost and time budgets, and share some tips and tricks.
Registration
Registration for the conference is open. An Online Conference subscription offers additional benefits that you may wish to consider.