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Your Instructional Video Style: How to Craft the Perfect Learning Experience
Ready to turn your awesome ideas into killer online courses? 🔥 Get your free trial and level up your teaching game!
you’re ready to dive into the world of online teaching with video.
Awesome! But before you hit record let’s talk about choosing the right instructional video style.
It’s like picking the perfect outfit for a big event—you want something that fits your personality looks good and helps you make a lasting impression.
Think about it this way: your video style is your signature.
It’s what sets you apart from the crowd and makes your content memorable.
It’s not just about the technical stuff like video editing and lighting—although those are important too.
It’s about how you present yourself and your material and how you connect with your learners.
The Power of Presence: Agency and Intersubjectivity in Video Lectures
Let’s get a little technical for a minute.
When we talk about instructional videos two key concepts come into play: agency and intersubjectivity.
Agency is all about the instructor’s presence and how they engage with the material. Do they dominate the screen? Or do they take a more behind-the-scenes role?
Intersubjectivity is about how the learner interacts with the content. Do they feel like they’re in the same room with the instructor? Or do they see the material as a separate entity?
Understanding these concepts can help you choose a video style that best suits your personality and teaching style.
You want to find a balance between agency and intersubjectivity that creates a sense of connection and engagement.
16 Instructional Video Styles to Engage Your Learners
Here’s where things get fun! I’ve broken down 16 different video styles to help you find the perfect match for your online course:
1. Animated Video Lectures: A Fun and Engaging Approach
Think of animated videos as the modern-day cartoon.
They’re visually captivating often using bright colors and engaging characters.
The instructor usually provides a voiceover taking a backseat to the animated action.
This style works great for explaining complex concepts in a simple digestible way.
For example a science teacher could use animation to explain the process of photosynthesis bringing the tiny molecules and complex reactions to life on screen.
2. Explainer Videos: Get Straight to the Point
Explainer videos are like mini-documentaries usually lasting just a few minutes.
They’re all about explaining something clearly and concisely with a strong call to action.
These videos are excellent for promoting products services or even concepts.
Imagine a business owner creating an explainer video to introduce their new software platform.
They could use animation live-action footage or a combination of both to highlight the key features and benefits.
3. Slides Presentation Videos: A Traditional Favorite
Slides presentations are like the tried-and-true lecture format but with a visual twist.
The instructor might be present on screen speaking to the slides or their voice might be a simple audio track accompanying a slide show.
This style is perfect for conveying information with visuals charts or graphs.
Think about a history professor using slides to illustrate key events dates and figures during a lecture on the American Revolution.
4. Handwritten Lecture Videos: Bringing Words to Life
This is where things get a bit more personal.
The instructor writes out their lecture directly on a whiteboard or digital pad often with a close-up view of their hand.
This style is engaging because it shows the process of thought and creation making the information feel more organic.
A writing teacher could create a handwritten video explaining the different types of calligraphy demonstrating the movements and strokes as they write.
5. Screencast Videos: The Perfect Tech Teacher
Screencast videos are like screen recordings perfect for teaching software technical skills or anything that involves a computer.
The instructor’s voice narrates the steps as their cursor moves across the screen.
This style is clear concise and easy to follow.
A graphic designer could create a screencast demonstrating how to use a specific design software showing each step as they create a logo.
6. Split Screen Videos: Two Worlds Collide
This style is all about creating a sense of immediacy.
The instructor appears in one frame while their slides animations or other media fill the other frame.
This creates a dynamic engaging experience where the instructor’s presence and the content seem to exist simultaneously.
Think about a marketing consultant using split screen to show examples of successful social media campaigns alongside their own expert commentary.
7. Lightboard Videos: A Unique and Interactive Approach
Lightboard videos are like a flipped classroom where the instructor writes or draws on a transparent board with a light behind it.
The camera captures the reversed image creating a visually engaging and interactive experience.
This style works particularly well for explaining scientific concepts or complex processes.
A physics professor could use a lightboard to illustrate the laws of motion drawing diagrams and equations as they explain the concepts.
8. Whiteboard Presentation Videos: A Classic with a Modern Twist
Whiteboard presentations are like the trusty flip chart—simple versatile and easy to follow.
The instructor stands in front of a whiteboard writing drawing and explaining concepts.
The background is often a plain color or a green screen to provide a clear visual.
Imagine a business coach using a whiteboard to explain a new business strategy drawing diagrams and flowcharts as they speak.
9. Full-Screen Presence Videos: The Face-to-Face Connection
Full-screen videos are like a personalized video call with the instructor taking center stage.
They might use a green screen to create a virtual background or just a plain wall.
This style is great for creating a sense of personal connection with the learner.
Think about a motivational speaker using full-screen video to deliver an inspiring message looking directly into the camera to create a sense of intimacy.
10. Cueing Videos: Highlighting Key Concepts
This style involves the use of cueing techniques which means adding keywords phrases or other visual elements to the screen to emphasize important points.
The instructor may talk over these cues or simply have them appear during key moments.
This style is great for emphasizing important information and helping learners remember key concepts.
For example a financial advisor could use cueing to highlight key financial terms during a lesson on investing making them easier to remember.
11. Selfie Videos: A Casual and Personal Touch
Selfie videos are all about creating a sense of spontaneity and authenticity.
The instructor uses their phone or a handheld camera to film themselves directly often in an informal setting.
This style is perfect for casual learning experiences or sharing personal insights.
A travel blogger could use selfie videos to share their adventures giving viewers a glimpse of their day-to-day experiences.
12. Autobiographical Footage Videos: Sharing Personal Stories
These videos go beyond just sharing information—they’re about sharing personal stories and experiences.
The instructor uses footage from their own life to illustrate a point or teach a lesson.
This style is great for connecting with learners on a more emotional level.
Think about a chef sharing their journey from aspiring cook to successful restaurateur using personal footage to illustrate their triumphs and challenges.
13. Group Discussion Videos: The Power of Collaboration
These videos are all about creating a sense of community and collaboration.
The instructor leads a discussion with a group of people sharing their insights and perspectives on a specific topic.
This style is great for creating a sense of engagement and encouraging dialogue.
A panel of experts could participate in a group discussion video on the latest trends in technology sharing their perspectives and insights.
14. Micro Videos: Bite-Sized Learning
Micro videos are like mini-lessons usually just a few seconds or minutes long.
They’re perfect for delivering quick tips reminders or explanations of specific topics.
This style is great for learners who have short attention spans or need quick information bursts.
An online fitness trainer could create micro videos demonstrating specific exercises providing quick and easy learning opportunities for viewers.
15. Training Videos: For Businesses and Organizations
Training videos are often used in corporate settings or by training organizations to teach employees new skills processes or policies.
These videos are typically more structured and formal than other types of instructional videos.
For example a company could create a training video for new hires on their company’s safety procedures.
16. Tutorial Videos: Step-by-Step Instructions
Tutorial videos are all about providing clear and concise step-by-step instructions on how to do something.
They’re often used to teach technical skills or demonstrate processes.
This style is perfect for learners who want hands-on guidance and detailed instructions.
A musician could create a tutorial video on how to play a specific song on the guitar showing viewers each chord and strumming pattern.
Finding Your Video Style: A Personalized Approach
Ultimately the best instructional video style is the one that best reflects your personality your content and your audience.
Don’t be afraid to experiment try different styles and see what works best for you.
Remember it’s all about connecting with your learners and helping them gain knowledge in a way that’s both engaging and effective.
So get out there start creating and have fun!
Ready to turn your awesome ideas into killer online courses? 🔥 Get your free trial and level up your teaching game!