Your Instructional Video Style: How to Craft the Perfect Learning Experience
Let’s face it the world of online learning is packed with courses and capturing attention can feel like trying to win a staring contest with a squirrel on a sugar high.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need to reinvent the wheel.
We’ve got a secret weapon – instructional videos! And trust me the right video style can be the difference between a “meh” experience and one that leaves your learners saying “Wow that was actually fun!”
The Power of Presence: Agency and Intersubjectivity in Video Learning
Before we dive into specific video styles let’s talk about the invisible forces that shape how your learners connect with your content: agency and intersubjectivity.
Imagine you’re watching a video where the speaker is just a disembodied voice narrating slides.
You’re not really connecting with the content right? That’s low agency.
Now picture the same speaker but this time they’re drawing on a whiteboard explaining concepts with gestures.
It’s more engaging! That’s agency at work – it’s the sense of the instructor actively participating in the learning process.
Intersubjectivity is that feeling of shared understanding – like you’re in the room with the instructor.
It’s created by things like eye contact facial expressions and even the way the video is framed.
Full-screen presence for example tends to create stronger intersubjectivity than a split-screen approach.
Embodiment: How Your Presence Shapes the Learning Experience
Remember that “embodied” thing I mentioned? It’s basically saying that your physical presence in the video matters.
We’re not just absorbing information we’re watching a person and our brains pick up on subtle cues like posture hand gestures and even the way you talk.
Now this concept of embodiment gives us a handy way to classify different instructional video styles.
We can categorize them based on where the focus is – on the speaker or the instructional material.
This helps us understand how much “presence” the instructor has in each style.
16 Instructional Video Styles: A Taxonomy for Engaging Learners
Here’s a quick rundown of 16 different video styles going from those that emphasize the instructional material to those that put the speaker front and center:
Board-Centric Styles:
- Animated Video Lectures: These are like the grown-up versions of the cartoons we used to watch. They’re engaging visually appealing and often have a voice-over from the instructor. Think of it like a storybook come to life.
- Explainer Videos: These are short sweet and to the point. They’re perfect for quickly explaining complex topics in a way that’s easy to understand. Think of them as the “elevator pitch” of instructional videos.
- Slides Presentation Videos: This is the classic “lecture hall” style. Slides are the main event and the instructor’s voice guides the way. These can be effective but the key is to make sure your slides are visually interesting and engaging.
- Handwriting Board Videos: This is where things get a little more personal. The instructor’s handwriting takes center stage creating a sense of authenticity and immediacy. It’s like getting a glimpse into the instructor’s thought process.
- Screencast Videos: This is the go-to for teaching technical skills. The screen recording shows exactly what’s happening and the audio narration provides guidance. Think of it as a virtual shoulder tap.
- Slide Show Videos: This is similar to slides presentation videos but with a twist. The instructor may be present sometimes even in a small window alongside the slides. This creates a more dynamic experience and a sense of connection with the speaker.
- Split Screen Videos: Imagine your instructor giving a presentation but you’re also seeing their slides and it all looks like it’s happening in the same room. That’s split screen. It’s a great way to combine the best of both worlds – presentation and presence.
- Lightboard Videos: This is a unique approach where the instructor writes on a special plexiglass surface and the camera captures the writing in reverse creating a visually striking effect. It’s like a high-tech whiteboard.
- Whiteboard Videos: This is a classic simple and effective style. The instructor explains concepts while writing on a whiteboard providing a visual and auditory learning experience.
Speaker-Centric Styles:
- Direct Classroom Recording Videos: Think of this like capturing a live lecture. The instructor is front and center interacting with the camera as if they were directly addressing the learner. It’s authentic and intimate.
- Full-Screen Presence Videos: This is where the instructor takes center stage. They’re the focal point and the video may even incorporate visual aids like slides or animations. It’s a great way to build a strong connection with your audience.
- Selfie Videos: This is casual personal and a bit more spontaneous. The instructor is using their phone or tablet to record creating a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Think of it as a friend giving you advice.
- Autobiographical Footage: These videos are like mini-documentaries about the instructor’s journey. They share personal stories and experiences to illustrate key concepts. It’s like a behind-the-scenes look at the instructor’s life.
- Conversation Videos: This is like having a brainstorming session with your instructor and another expert. It’s dynamic engaging and fosters a sense of collaboration.
- Micro Videos: These are bite-sized pieces of information perfect for busy learners who need quick summaries or explanations. They’re like the “TL;DR” version of a longer lecture.
- Training Videos: These are typically produced by companies or organizations for internal training purposes. They’re often focused on specific skills or procedures and may incorporate a variety of learning elements like demonstrations simulations and quizzes.
Choosing the Right Video Style: A Recipe for Success
So how do you choose the right video style for your course? It all comes down to your content your audience and your personality.
Here are some things to consider:
- Content Complexity: For complex topics you may want to consider using a board-centric style with visuals like animations or diagrams. For simpler topics a more speaker-centric approach might be more engaging.
- Audience Preferences: Think about the type of learner you’re targeting. Do they prefer a more formal structured learning experience or are they looking for something more informal and casual?
- Your Personality: Let your personality shine through! If you’re a natural storyteller consider an autobiographical approach. If you’re a visual thinker maybe a whiteboard style is your best bet.
Remember the goal is to create a learning experience that’s both informative and engaging.
Experiment with different styles and see what resonates with your audience.
You might be surprised at what works best!
A Few Final Thoughts:
Don’t forget the power of editing! You can use video editing tools to add things like transitions music and text overlays to create a more polished and professional-looking video.
And most importantly have fun! Creating instructional videos should be an enjoyable process.
If you’re passionate about your content your enthusiasm will come through in your videos and inspire your learners.
So get out there experiment and create learning experiences that truly matter!