Video is an exceptional tool to aid in the learning process: it is stimulating, attractive, engaging and relates very well to the most diverse learning styles.
But producing video classes that really make a difference in the learning experience of your corporate students is not just about having an idea and a camera in hand – video production requires that some important factors be considered before recording, such as scope, types of interactions, characteristics of the target audience and budget, for example.
To create and produce quality videos, connected with training objectives and aligned with your team's learning needs, you need to bring together a set of fundamental resources for effective production.
Below we have listed a simple and objective step-by-step guide to guide your organization in producing video classes. Let’s go!
Step 1: Know your goals and target audience
The biggest mistake you can make is creating video lessons without knowing the reasons and objectives behind the video's conceptualization. The answer to this question is essential to avoid unnecessary costs and ensure that the material developed achieves its objectives: if the video lesson does not integrate naturally into the training program, engagement and retention will be severely affected.
So, the first step is to ask and recognize the objectives that must be met and how they align (or not) with the format and interactions offered by the video classes, such as:
To demonstrate a specific technique;
To emphasize a key concept;
To summarize a unit or module of the training;
To increase impact and engagement on a given topic;
To educate more students at once;
This analysis moment must also include other fundamental luxembourg email list points for the production process: defining the target audience, analyzing the proposed content and choosing the delivery channels, for example.
Step 2: Preparing the script
Careful and adequate planning is essential to avoid poor results or unnecessary rework. The script is essential for this stage of the production process: it is through the script that we begin to design the final result that will be obtained at the end of the recordings, so research and plan everything: from the lighting to the camera angles, from the location to the hiring of instructors or actors, from defining the format (interview, lecture, animation, external or studio recording) to the structuring of the content.
Taking these details into consideration early on will help you at every stage, from production to editing.
After establishing the script for each video lesson, it may be necessary to develop the storyboard, a more detailed visual representation of each scene before recording, which is essential to avoid potential slip-ups without increasing filming costs.
Always remember that the best way to attract your students is to maintain a simple and objective approach (even more so these days), which uses video as a platform to enhance your content, without excessive deviations or distractions.
Step 3: Invest in the right tools for the job
Filming may seem like something simple, accessible to anyone with a cell phone with a high-definition camera, but video lessons require a completely different technical preparation. The right tools will ensure not only the final quality of the product, but mainly that the main points of the content are treated and presented correctly. Cameras are only a small part of the project: microphones, lighting, sets, makeup, costumes, teleprompter, chroma-key, editing software, among others, are basic prerequisites for success.
Setting up a complete studio involves a high investment, but the market has qualified suppliers who provide a differentiated experience through a complete analysis of training needs.
Step 4: Choose your strategy
Engagement and retention are crucial to learning. Videos are the order of the day, but your audience’s interest can easily be weakened if the content is not able to capture and maintain their attention.
However, this does not mean that it is forbidden to develop longer videos or cover more complex topics. On the contrary, the key is to make the video relevant – this means that it should not stray from the proposed topic or cover unnecessary details.
For your reference, here are some suggestions for different types of videos:
Informational videos: should be 5 to 15 minutes long or structured into a series of smaller scenes (modules);
Product displays: This can vary depending on how complicated your product is. A good method is to make sure it is focused, eye-catching, and clear. If you can do this in under a minute, great. If it’s longer, that’s fine, as long as the information presented is actually relevant;
Case studies: if it is an interview, make sure it is recorded in a natural and authentic way. If it is a presentation, make sure it is recorded no longer than 5 minutes (10 minutes maximum), keeping the focus on the uniqueness of the study and not on peripheral details or unnecessary introductions;
Animations: this format is very useful for presenting complex topics, as it can address concepts in a didactic and playful way that would be difficult to understand otherwise. However, be careful not to overdo the graphic details or make the approach seem childish.