5 Tips for the best use of videos in corporate learning

Popular, effective and versatile - video regularly takes first place in the ranking of learning formats. However, a few things should be considered for successful use in corporate learning. The LinguaTV team has been developing video-based language training for more than 15 years and has compiled a checklist with the five most important tips.

1. Choosing the right video genre

There is an almost unlimited choice of possible formats for the use of videos in corporate learning. However, this can be roughly divided into three genres - each with different possibilities for application. Scenic videos are particularly popular with learners. These tell short stories (storytelling), connect learning content with emotions and usually ensure higher learning motivation. For some content, explanatory videos are more suitable. Sometimes with a visible speaker, sometimes with animations, they shine by conveying even complicated content in an understandable way. A third genre is documentary or general journalistic content. In the context of language training, these can be used, for example, to specifically improve the learners' technical vocabulary.

2. Attractive content that is suitable for the target group

In order for the video to achieve the desired effect, the content should be presented in an attractive and target group-oriented form. The design and selection of the learning content should be optimally coordinated. To keep learners motivated, it should also always be clear why the learning content of the respective video is relevant to them. In the context of language training, for example, it is advisable to first determine the individual requirements with the help of a placement test or a needs analysis, in order to then be able to offer optimal training on this basis. For many areas, job- and industry-specific videos are directly available. In some cases, however, it makes sense to produce new company-specific videos. This is particularly worthwhile if very specific skills are involved or if these are to be taught to a large number of employees.

3. Flexible and barrier-free access

For the successful use of videos in corporate learning, they should be as easily accessible as possible for learners. For example, access via the browser is mainly suitable for employees with their own PC workstation, while access via mobile app offers much greater flexibility. For barrier-free access, the videos should also be provided with subtitles. These not only help deaf people, they also make it easier for non-native speakers to understand the content and, if necessary, can be supplemented with translations into other languages at a later date.

4. Optimised for mobile and microlearning

Particularly good learning results can be achieved with mobile microlearning. Therefore, the videos should not exceed a maximum length of five minutes. In addition, they should be designed from the outset for easy use with a smartphone, so that, for example, all relevant content is also recognisable on the small screen. Another important criterion is the file size of the videos, so that they can also be used optimally with mobile data. In the best case, the app offers the option of downloading the respective video via Wi-Fi so that it can be used offline at any time.

5. Integration into the overall didactic concept

High-quality videos are a good basis for training in the company. However, in order for them to develop their full potential, the videos must be integrated into a coherent overall didactic concept. LinguaTV has solved this challenge in many ways. Each video is embedded in a lesson with various interactive tasks: a vocabulary trainer to prepare the new vocabulary, various interactive task types to check comprehension or to further deepen the topic, as well as a video-based conversation trainer. Learners have the opportunity to take on the role of a protagonist from the video and act it out. Thanks to the AI-supported technology, they receive direct feedback on their pronunciation and can thus train their active speaking in a targeted manner. However, the videos are not only used in the self-learning courses. As part of the popular blended learning concept, they also offer a wide range of applications for teaching in the virtual classroom.

Best Practice: A good example of how this can work in practice is the language training for empoyees at Deutsche Post DHL, which has already received several awards. One of the reasons is the successful use of videos within a mobile microlearning concept! For more information on this project, we will be happy to provide you with the complete project description as a free whitepaper.

Do you have further questions?

LinguaTV's education experts are available for a free consultation. Simply use our contact form for this purpose.