Recently, an increasing number of our clients have been asking us about having videos in their e-learning, but are they always the best training solution? The second part of Dr Itiel’s seminar at the LT show examined the use of video as a training tool and, in particular, he compared the impacts of using interactive videos versus non-interactive videos on learning and retention.

His experiment involved teaching employees about health and safety in the workplace using three different styles: interactive video, non-interactive video, and non-interactive video plus a classroom discussion afterwards. The video content used was the same in all three videos, the only difference being that the interactive version required the learners’ input during the video. For example, they were asked to point the cursor at potential hazards or problem areas, or they had to answer questions for which they then received appropriate feedback. Dr Itiel then set all learners an assessment based on the video content to test their retention of the learning and the results were:

• Non-interactive video: 40.83% correct answers
• Non-interactive video plus classroom discussion: 64.44% correct answers
• Interactive video alone: 73.22% correct answers

It’s no surprise of course that the non-interactive video was the least successful. We know from any type of learning that just telling people information is not as successful as getting them to interact and come to a conclusion themselves. Watching videos is passive, it’s very easy to drift off and start thinking about something else, but successful learning can never be passive. Interactive videos force the learners to be continually involved in the video keeping them focused and enabling them to understand and practice the learning points.

Another interesting result from the experiment is that the blended learning solution of having a classroom discussion follow-up after the non-interactive video still did not yield better results than the interactive video alone. As classroom training can be a drain on both time and budgets, this is great news in a credit crunch! However, before we all start making interactive videos it’s worth remembering that video is not always the best solution for every training need. There are some topics that, even with extreme creativity and ingenuity, really can’t be taught through the medium of video, interactive or otherwise. And of course, videos can exclude some audiences, for example those with visual impairments, and can’t serve global needs so easily due to language requirements. So, next time your client wants a video, remember Dr Itiel’s results and see whether you can use an interactive version – your learners’ results are bound to reflect your efforts.