Online Training Made Easier with Video

Transcription

1 Online Training Made Easier with Video A Ziff Davis White Paper Sponsored by:

2 Contents Executive Summary Online Training Online Training with Video Primary approaches to online training with video Streaming Video Video Conferencing Common models for online training with video On-demand learning Flipped learning Assigned video streaming Group video conferencing Bottom line benefits of online training with video Conclusion Page 2 of 7

3 Executive Summary Online training has long been recognized as a cost-saving alternative to live instructor-led training programs and a rising number of organizations are taking advantage. And the reason is simple. Online training is a powerful tool to educate customers, employees, and partners, virtually anywhere in the world, without the costly travel, facilities, and other operational resources associated with in-person training. In every respect, online training delivers on the dual promises of efficiency and convenience, but now there is an undeniable new trend taking hold that makes online training even better online video. The high availability of Internet-based video streaming and conferencing technology makes it ideal for online training, which clearly benefits from the addition of audio and visual capabilities in a learning environment. But availability isn t the only factor driving the adoption of video for online training. Equally important are the many opportunities that video provides for greater engagement. The real upside is the extreme flexibility that video provides for trainers and students in terms of the method and location of both instruction and learning, usually at a much lower cost than traditional live instructor-led methods that require much more planning and coordination. Online Training Familiar online platforms such as Citrix GoToTraining allow organizations of all types and sizes to replace traditional in-person live instructor-led programs with much less expensive alternatives. Perhaps more importantly, online training is widely believed to promote greater retention by offering an additional layer of technical interactivity that is specifically intended to drive higher engagement between students and learners. In general, there are three most common uses for online training in a business environment: Software, technology, and process demonstrations Human Resource (HR) training and regulatory compliance Customer technical and business training But regardless of how it s used, there are several distinct features that online training must be able to provide for a wide range of potential learners including employees, business partners, and even customers: Equal access for remote and on-site learners Better access to more trainers and subject matter experts in more locations Greater convenience and availability with live and on-demand instruction Comprehensive performance tracking and reporting Ability to register users and/or charge for training Page 3 of 7

4 Of course, the actual number of ways that online training might be utilized is virtually endless but the overall benefits of even the most basic online training programs are fairly consistent. Decreased time and money spent on travel Decreased need for facilities Simplified program planning and set up Simplified testing, scoring, and reporting Increased ability to reach more people from virtually any location Increased opportunity for revenue with option to charge for training Undoubtedly, the rising trend toward online training is forever changing the way we learn and teach in a wide variety of settings. However, now an equally important new trend is forever changing the way we think about online training. Online Training with Video While most training professionals already understand the potential benefits of video for many online training programs, many are still unsure of exactly when and how to use it. In general, any sort of program with strong audio and/or visual elements as well as those which require greater retention and engagement will benefit tremendously by adding an appropriate amount of video to their new or existing online training program. Fortunately, adding video isn t really that difficult but does require some basic considerations in terms of exactly how to use it. Primary approaches to online training with video There are essentially two approaches to use and incorporate video into online learning programs, and both have advantages and disadvantages depending on the situation. Streaming video Streaming video is increasingly more common as a highly effective means of sharing ideas and information as an instructor uses integrated online video for the greatest possible impact of stories, ideas and concepts. Instructors can either incorporate streaming video as part of the discussion during a live training exercise or use video as the training content that students view before the live session and follow-up with discussion during the live session. In either case, the video is generally intended to aid, assist, and compliment the live instruction through engaging content, demonstrations, and even dramatized scenarios. Page 4 of 7

5 Video conferencing With video conferencing, participants can see their instructor during online sessions for better engagement and clearer communication. Most often, video conferencing in a training environment involves instructors and students who share their webcams during a training session or exercise. The most important aspect of video conferencing is interactive two-way communication which inherently maximizes engagement between students and their teachers as well as other students. Common models for online training with video In addition to understanding the two main methods of delivery, it is also important to understand how video might be delivered within the framework of an online training program. The following is a list of the most common models for online training with video. On-demand learning On-demand availability is one of the most important value propositions for online learning because it empowers students to learn on their own schedules. By including a streaming video component, online training programs stand the best possible chance of also making an already convenient service even more compelling with an audio/visual component that students can access at their convenience. Flipped learning Flipped learning is a learning model in which students watch streaming videos outside of class to learn about key concepts. The online training session is used to discuss with the instructor and each other what they learned from the video and to practice applying that knowledge. Again, participants can work at their own pace through the content and review as necessary in order to be ready to participate in the discussion during the session with the instructor. Assigned video streaming Similar to flipped learning, assigned video streaming is when instructors will assign a video to watch online for the purpose of discussion. Whereas flipped learning uses video as a tool for explaining other concepts, assigned video streams are usually the actual and only subject of Page 5 of 7

6 training. Once the class watches the assigned video, then they can once again discuss and debate the topic in a broader online setting. Group video conferencing Group conferencing is a simple and highly effective way of using video to maximize engagement so that students may learn from one another no matter their location. In this situation, a live instructor is able to manage the group like a classroom and also present the course as if it was a classroom setting. The only difference, of course, is that the classroom is online. Bottom line benefits of online training with video Using video throughout online training helps to engage students by using multiple learning mediums. Instructors also have more flexibility to create courses that are more compelling and convenient so students are motivated and empowered to learn at their own pace and from virtually any location. These types of self-paced courses, also known as asynchronous e-learning, are not only more convenient in terms of learning but also allow students to schedule and complete a training course based on their own personal and professional obligations. Another important benefit of online training with video is that it helps organizations save a lot of money versus traditional live instructor-led courses that may require travel and facilities. Even better, multimedia online training courses that include video as well as interactive exercises such as demonstrations and simulations provide a much higher level of engagement which is widely acknowledged as overall important to the learning process. Based on cost and convenience alone, it is easy to understand why online training with video is becoming so popular and why a growing number of organizations worldwide now include some sort of online training as part of their education programs. Conclusion Online training is a proven low-cost alternative to traditional live instructor-led programs that often require expensive travel and facilities. Now, in addition to saving money, successful organizations are also using video to improve their online training even further. By taking advantage of both streaming video and video conferencing technologies, online training professionals are aiming to make their programs more convenient while also capitalizing on the potential for greater user engagement and retention. If the explosion of online video in general is any indication then it is certainly reasonable to expect the same from online training with video. Granted, there is quite a bit of difference Page 6 of 7

7 between the millions upon millions of uploaded videos and those intended for online learning but the driving forces are identical. People like to watch videos. Online training professionals can take advantage by combining the rising popularity of video with the proven effectiveness of interactive learning to create smart online programs that are compelling, convenient, and cost-effective. About Online Training Made Easy Citrix GoToTraining is an easy-to-use online training service that allows you to move your live instructor-led training programs online for more efficient customer and employee training. Hold unlimited online training sessions with up to 200 attendees from around the world right from your Mac or PC. Reach more learners, collect real-time feedback, record and store your training sessions and more all while slashing travel costs. To learn more, visit Page 7 of 7