The Right Microlearning Videos For Mobile Learning
Video-based training is often synonymous with a mobile learning strategy. Why? It seems that mobile usage and video viewing are an unbreakable pair. More specifically, people watch over a billion hours of video—on YouTube alone—every day. 70% of this watch time comes from mobile devices. Delivering training on mobile in video format makes perfect sense.
“Popular demand” is not the only reason why video has taken over the eLearning space. Video-based learning is extremely effective too. This is because our brain processes and retains visual information a lot faster than text. Practically, this means that learning through videos enhances knowledge retention while minimizing training time. Plus, video-based learning can significantly cut down on training costs. Not too shabby a deal.
Do you want the same deal for your deskless workforce and your company? Then read on to discover how to create microlearning videos that fit perfectly in your mobile learning strategy.
1. Keep Your Videos Short
When it comes to microlearning content, you have to keep it short. Its short duration is one of the reasons why it’s so effective, so videos should be no exception. There’s a simple explanation for that, actually. Learners retain more information when their attention stays undivided, and when the message they receive is clear and uncomplicated.
When you’re addressing deskless workers, you have to weigh in the fact that they’re on the move. You already know they have limited time. But have you realized that you’re also competing with external factors for their attention? How do you keep their eyes on the screen?
Limit the video length to no more than 6 minutes—ideally 3. No iterations, no fluff. Apart from capturing their attention, a short video is full of useful information and doesn’t stray from the training topic.
2. Have Only One Learning Objective
The second secret behind microlearning effectiveness? It addresses one pain point at a time. So, don’t try to turn it into something that it’s not—a longform course. If you squeeze too much info into a microlearning unit, you’ll diminish its educational value and confuse your learners.
Follow the same principle when creating microlearning videos for training. Instead of flustering your learners with unclear learning objectives, focus on answering one specific question.
Let’s say that you want to explain how employees must handle product returns. Different procedures may apply depending on whether the client is returning the product within the designated time frame or not, the condition of the product, etc. Instead of creating one video for all possible scenarios, it’s best to create one eLearning video for each situation.
3. Think “Just-In-Time Training”
Mobile training is great for imparting information that deskless workers need in the field. For example, when they’re installing a specific type of air conditioner, and they forget exactly how this one goes in.
When you create a video that will serve as a just-in-time tool, it’s best to keep it simple. It doesn’t need to have high production value or be animated or “fun.” It needs to be useful. Your goal should be to provide deskless workers with a detailed, hands-on demonstration so that they can immediately apply what they’ve watched.
When developing just-in-time training videos, remember that deskless employees are not always able to have the sound on. Or, they might be in a noisy workplace and can’t hear clearly, like a warehouse or a loading zone. To make sure they don’t miss a critical detail, add closed captions or some other form of text, like an infographic.
4. Combine Different Visual Elements
Microlearning videos for mobile training are not only great just-in-time training tools. They’re also excellent knowledge refreshers that summarize the key points of macro courses. Or, they can be part of an entirely video-based course that addresses deskless workers. How about sprucing them up a bit? Just to give employees something different every time.
For example, you can use animations to make them more colorful. Additionally, you can create a role play to make the narrative more lively. If you can add a humorous touch, all the better. Another idea is to use avatars as instructors, who also write the key points on a chalkboard. See? Microlearning videos can be both simple and visually appealing at the same time!
5. Add Interactivity
Interactive videos require the learner to take some form of action. Active participation immerses learners deeper into the experience and boosts knowledge retention. Plus, interactive activities enable employees to assess their knowledge on the spot.
The easiest way to increase interactivity is to include a couple of questions in the video. These can be either quiz questions that ask learners to recall information or teaser questions to intrigue them before revealing new information.
Another option is to add branching scenarios that replicate real-world situations. Branching scenarios unwind according to the learner’s answers. This makes them ideal for types of training that aim to drive behavioral change or hone soft skills. For example, compliance (e.g. anti-harassment or fire safety), sales, and customer service training.
6. Focus On Accessibility
Deskless workers access training primarily from their mobile phones. Since they’re often on the move (think sales associates or construction workers), using mobile data from their carrier can be costly. Still, they must have access to training even when an internet connection is not available. That’s why your microlearning videos should be available for offline viewing.
You also want your microtraining videos to blend seamlessly into the structure of your mobile learning course. Employees should be able to access the right video to continue their training without back-and-forths.
The solution is using a microlearning app, like TalentCards, that is designed especially for mobile training. This way, you’ll know that everything is in the right place and easily accessible.
Conclusion
Bottom line, everyone loves a good video. They’re convenient, practical, and they can be as fun as you want them to be. So, go ahead and create microlearning videos that will both excite and educate your deskless workforce!
