Your Instructional Video Style: How to Craft the Perfect Learning Experience ⚠️

The art of creating compelling instructional videos is a journey.

it’s not just about hitting the record button and hoping for the best.

It’s about crafting an experience that truly resonates with your learners and that starts with choosing the right instructional video style.

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Embodiment and Instructional Media: The Foundations of Your Video Style

Ready to level up your online teaching game? 🚀 Learnworlds is the secret sauce to crafting amazing instructional videos. Start your free trial and unlock the power of LearnWorlds! 🔥

Now think about your videos like a conversation.

There’s the “speaker” – you the instructor – and the “material” – the content you’re sharing.

But how do you make these elements work together in a way that feels natural and engaging? That’s where the concepts of embodiment and instructional media come into play.

Embodiment is all about how your presence as an instructor is perceived. It’s about your voice gestures posture and even the way you move your hands while you explain something. It’s about creating a connection with your learners that goes beyond just the words on the screen.

Instructional media encompasses all the visual tools you use to support your teaching – your slides animations whiteboard drawings and even the way you use your screen recording software. These elements are essential for conveying complex ideas in a visually engaging way.

Speaker-Centric vs. Board-Centric: Finding the Right Balance

Now here’s the key takeaway: you can have a strong focus on the speaker which we’ll call “speaker-centric” or you can emphasize the instructional media which we’ll call “board-centric.” And guess what? There’s no right or wrong way! It all depends on the type of content you’re delivering and the learning experience you want to create.

Think about it like this:

• Speaker-centric videos are like a one-on-one conversation with a mentor. You feel a personal connection with the instructor and their passion shines through.
• Board-centric videos are more like watching a captivating presentation. The content takes center stage supported by visuals and animations that help make complex ideas clear and engaging.

16 Different Ways to Craft Your Instructional Video Style

Alright let’s dive into the different instructional video styles.

We’ll explore 16 distinct approaches ranging from the highly visual to the more intimate and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.

Board-Centric Styles: When the Content Takes Center Stage

1. Animated Video Lectures: Think of animated video lectures as storytellers using a blend of visuals narration and often a touch of humor to explain concepts in a captivating way. This approach excels at simplifying complex information and making it more accessible to learners. The instructor’s role here is primarily as a voice-over guiding viewers through the animated narrative.

2. Explainer Videos: These bite-sized video gems typically under three minutes long focus on conveying a key idea or explaining a process in a clear concise and often entertaining way. They’re perfect for grabbing attention sparking interest and making complex topics easily digestible. While the presenter may not be directly on camera the content is carefully crafted for maximum impact drawing viewers in with engaging visuals and a compelling narrative.

3. Slides Presentation Videos: This familiar format relies on well-designed slides to guide the viewer through the content. The instructor may be present often as a voice-over or absent allowing the visuals to speak for themselves. This approach is ideal for presenting factual information providing a clear structure and ensuring consistency across your course materials.

4. Handwriting Board Videos: Imagine the classic classroom experience where an instructor writes on a board explaining concepts step-by-step. Handwriting board videos capture that same sense of personalized learning. The instructor’s hand becomes the focus demonstrating the process and adding a touch of personal connection. This style is great for showcasing problem-solving strategies outlining key concepts and adding a touch of human authenticity.

5. Screencasts: Screencasts are all about showing not telling. They’re perfect for teaching software skills demonstrating processes or providing step-by-step instructions. The instructor’s voice is crucial guiding the learner through the onscreen actions and providing context for the steps. This style is ideal for tech-focused courses or any situation where visual demonstrations are essential.

6. Split Screen Videos: Split screen videos offer the best of both worlds combining a presentation or screen recording with the instructor’s presence. The screen is divided allowing viewers to see the content and the instructor simultaneously. This approach creates a sense of intimacy and allows for interactive explanations.

7. Lightboard Videos: In this unique format the instructor writes on a transparent surface called a lightboard with the camera capturing the writing in reverse. The background is typically black allowing the writing to stand out clearly. The instructor’s presence is still evident but the content is the primary focus creating a visually captivating and engaging experience.

8. Whiteboard Videos: Whiteboard videos utilize a more traditional classroom approach. The instructor is visible on camera often interacting with a whiteboard or a digital equivalent. This style works well for explaining concepts brainstorming ideas and presenting information in a visual and engaging manner.

Speaker-Centric Styles: When Personal Connection Takes Center Stage

9. Full-Screen Presence Videos: This approach is all about establishing a direct connection between the instructor and the learner. The instructor is shown in full screen often in a well-lit and professional setting. This style works well for delivering lectures sharing insights and building rapport with your audience.

10. Cueing Videos: This method involves using strategically placed keywords or phrases to highlight key concepts often displayed over the instructor’s image or next to them. This style is useful for emphasizing important points reinforcing concepts and providing a visual anchor for key information.

11. Selfie Videos: Think of selfie videos as the more casual cousin of full-screen presence videos. They offer a less formal feel with the instructor recording directly on their phone or tablet. This approach creates a more personal and intimate connection often featuring a more informal tone and a sense of spontaneity.

12. Autobiographical Footage Videos: These videos are all about storytelling allowing the instructor to share their personal journey and experiences to illustrate a concept. They add a unique element of authenticity and connect learners to the instructor on a deeper level.

13. Conversation Videos: Two or more instructors engage in a lively discussion sharing insights and exploring a topic from different perspectives. This approach is ideal for generating engaging content encouraging critical thinking and creating a more dynamic learning experience.

14. Micro Videos: These short focused videos typically under a minute in length deliver a specific piece of information or a brief lesson. They’re perfect for summarizing concepts providing quick reminders or offering bite-sized learning opportunities.

15. Training Videos: Training videos are often used in corporate settings to teach employees specific skills or procedures. They can be more structured and formal focusing on providing clear instructions and guidelines. They’re designed to ensure consistent knowledge and skill acquisition among team members.

16. Tutorial Videos: Tutorial videos aim to teach a specific skill or provide detailed instructions on how to complete a task. They often involve step-by-step demonstrations and visual explanations making them ideal for teaching practical skills.

Choosing the Right Style for Your Course: A Few Key Considerations

You see choosing the right instructional video style isn’t just about aesthetics.

It’s about aligning the video style with your course’s goals content and audience.

Ask yourself:

• What kind of learning experience do you want to create? Are you aiming for a more interactive and engaging experience or do you want to provide a more formal and structured approach?
• What is the nature of your content? Is your content highly visual or does it involve a lot of explanations and demonstrations?
• Who is your target audience? Are you targeting students professionals or a broader audience?
• What resources do you have available? Do you have access to professional video editing software or are you working with more basic tools?

LearnWorlds: Empowering Your Instructional Video Journey

As you continue on your journey of crafting compelling instructional videos remember Learnworlds is your partner.

It provides a platform that empowers you to bring your vision to life.

Start your 30-day free trial today and explore the power of LearnWorlds.

With its intuitive tools and features you can create high-quality instructional videos seamlessly integrate them into your courses and track student progress.

LearnWorlds is your platform to unleash the full potential of your online teaching!

Ready to level up your online teaching game? 🚀 Learnworlds is the secret sauce to crafting amazing instructional videos. Start your free trial and unlock the power of LearnWorlds! 🔥