Benefits of video based e-learning

Learning is a social process. It involves active acquisition of new knowledge and understanding through group and peer interaction ­- the key learning skill being communication.

Human beings gain much of their initial understanding of others through our sensory capabilities - both visual and auditory. According to some studies the written word only communicates 7% of what we mean. Voice tones and inflections can account for as much as 38% of the understanding a normal conversation. Where you place emphasis speaks volumes that are very hard to accomplish with words only in PowerPoint slides. With video you can add another 55% to understanding. Video allows you to include all those body language cues we all use – the smile, the twinkle of the eye, the raised eyebrow, the lean, the crossed arms, the tilt of the head. The instantaneousness of moving image and impact of human voice is very powerful.

As an interactive communication medium, video in e-learning stands out in a number of ways.

• Video in e-learning stimulates better brainstorming, knowledge sharing and information gathering. Businesses can use video conferencing to provide training to its key members or give presentations to its clients in a professional manner irrespective of their location.
• It provides students with the opportunity to learn by participating in a 2-way communication platform. It's almost like being there.
• It can be richly informative cashing in to our profound ability to learn from our visual and auditory capacities.
• The visual connection and interaction among participants enhances understanding and helps participants feel connected to each other. Seeing the instructor, or hearing his voice, goes a long way toward building relationships in a way that e-mail, telephone, or online chat systems cannot. Interactive communication and graphics are among the keys to learning. This way the students learn from a primary source rather than a textbook.
• A video based e-learning session can prove to be more effective and efficient as it can improve retention and appeal to a variety of learning styles by including diverse media such as video or audio clips, graphics, animations, and computer applications. Further graphics and video do a great job of illustrating skills and techniques that are difficult to explain. This first hand learning is especially good for visual learners.
• It lowers the cost of delivery and overcomes the need for centralized location-based training. All you need to do is author it once, and you can deploy it anywhere. Participants may attend a meeting from their normal workstations without travel
• It heightens motivation as the excitement of being able to see the presenter or the co-participants enhances the motivation level of the students.
• Holds Your Audience's Attention
• Enhances interaction with experts. Students are able to get answers to questions from experts who, because of time and distance, would otherwise be inaccessible.
• Students learn about cultural differences. They are able to interact with other students and adults who may be very different from themselves.
• Improve Skills - Presentation and Speaking Skills, Communication and Management Skills, and Questioning Skills
• Gives the distant learners an opportunity to achieve a sense of belonging with a peer community