Video e-Learning for Companies: Definition, Benefits, and Implementation

Today, video e-learning has become a powerful tool for corporate training. And there's a good reason for it! We even learn through video when we don't intend to—while scrolling through the reels of social apps, i.e. platforms like YouTube and TikTok, became both a source of entertainment and instruction. Videos prove to be almost 10% more effective than text upon immediate testing of users after the course. The combination of accessibility and engaging nature enables companies to train, involve, and retain their workforce through video training materials, thus expanding the digital learning strategy.

This article will enlighten you on the benefits and importance of this popular concept and recommend steps for its successful implementation in the workplace.

What is Video e-Learning?

Video e-learning is a part of corporate training and education that uses video content. Like any other e-learning approach, it enables employees to access training materials anytime, anywhere, and offers flexibility for organizations. Video e-learning provides multiple formats, ranging from interactive training videos to live-streamed lectures, all designed to improve learner engagement and information retention.

Initially, videos were used in a classroom by gathering students in front of a TV or a film reader. After the session of a training movie, the learners participated in brainstorming and discussion aimed at reinforcing the obtained knowledge. Today, this method integrates seamlessly with modern learning management systems (LMS), allowing businesses to create customized, trackable, and reusable content for diverse training needs.

Benefits of Video-Based Learning

There is no argument that video-based e-learning goes beyond convenience. However, let’s take a closer look at what measurable advantages it offers.

Scope and Flexibility

Video e-learning provides flexibility allowing employees to learn at their own pace and revisit materials as needed without physical instruction. Such an approach is good for either remote or offline workers supporting ongoing development and corporate learning culture regardless the location. Besides, video materials can be available on various platforms simultaneously reaching a wide scope of users.

Consistency

Training videos deliver targeted messages and high-standard instruction quality. This method ensures that every learner or employee receives the same content, especially when it comes to regulations or policies for new hires or upskilling employees.

Resource Savings

Pre-recorded video content is more cost-effective than hiring an in-person trainer which is also associated with travel, accommodation, and venue hire expenses. Video e-learning courses can simultaneously train an unlimited number of users and are accessible for revision as many times as needed. Another cost-saving benefit of video e-learning is that it eliminates the need to print and deliver paper-based materials that require time and money to update. 

Measurement and Analysis

Thanks to technological advancements, video e-learning platforms offer analytics tools enabling companies to track engagement and completion rates, and providing useful insights to refine training programs.

Why Video-Based Learning is Important: The Science Behind its Effectiveness

It is no secret that people process information better after watching a video than reading a text. Multiple academic studies have proved that video materials increase motivation and promote deeper knowledge retention. How does it work? Interactive elements, infographics, narrative, and emotions altogether fuel the cognitive senses that put into action different parts of the human brain. This multi-sensory approach grabs the learner’s concentration through the activation of dual-channel processing and supplying manageable portions of information to reduce overload. Video formats like storytelling, talking heads, voiceover, or animated content effectively capture attention, and the more attention you give to something, the higher your understanding and memorization. To find more information about the effectiveness of video content, you can check the work of Cynthia J. Brame “Effective Educational Videos”. 

The Evolution of Video e-Learning: From Classrooms Corporate Training

Video e-learning was initially introduced in the academic environment, and later due to the changing needs of the workforce it moved to the corporate settings. In the early 1980s-90s companies used VHS for their educational broadcasts that could focus only on lectures or procedural demonstration of content with its static and non-interactive nature. The opportunity of high-speed internet in the 2000s allowed organizations to host video content online and make it available on YouTube or other LMS and employee training platforms. Only starting in 2010 did innovative technologies come up with interactive and AI-personalized training videos equipped with AR and VR features enabling users to practice critical thinking, make decisions, and participate in scenario-based learning. One of the examples of implementation of video e-learning is Deloitte’s Digital Training program which used interactivity and gamification to deliver training on compliance and ethics for its employees. 

As industries embrace hybrid and remote work models, video e-learning has become a cornerstone of modern L&D strategies.

7 Steps to Leverage Video e-Learning in the Company

Implementation of a video e-learning program in an organization is the key to successful performance management, hence it requires careful planning and execution. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Assessing the Company’s Needs

Everything begins with a thorough assessment of the company’s needs. This includes skills gaps' identification, compliance requirements, and the alignment of employee preferences with organizational goals.

Step 2: Planning Your Video e-Learning Strategy

The second essential step is to decide the intention of your video e-learning program and the outcome you expect your employees to achieve. To make it easier, develop a clear roadmap, including the knowledge gaps of your staff, timelines, and budget, and focus on the most desirable skills for each specific role.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Tools and Platforms

You can’t go wrong with platforms that have intuitive user interfaces and the ones that will be compatible with the existing systems. Features, such as analytics and tracking, will help you streamline the process and make instant modifications if needed.

Step 4: Creating Engaging Video Content

Engaging content suggests being interactive, concise, and visually appealing. The video should have clear learning goals and be easily accessible given the fact that users may be passing the course on various devices. Include quizzes, animations, and real-world scenarios to enhance engagement.

Step 5: Implementing the Program

Launching the program may require a step-by-step approach, starting with a pilot group to gather feedback. A smooth integration with current workflows will reduce disruptions.

Step 6: Promoting Adoption Among Employees

Ensure that the employees are aware of the purpose and the benefits of the video e-learning course. This can be done through internal communication channels by sending a concise message about the impact of the program on personal productivity. To generate excitement and motivate participation managers can offer incentives like certifications or rewards.

Step 7: Measuring Success and Making Improvements

Such metrics as completion rates, engagement, and skill acquisition allow organizations to monitor the effectiveness of the video material, refining content and delivery methods over time. 

The Future of Video e-Learning: Trends and Innovations

As video e-learning continues to evolve, various organizations are embracing technological advancements to deliver training and engage employees. The examples below illustrate the incorporation of trends for a more experienced workforce and a thriving business:

• McDonald’s Hamburger Training offers step-by-step video instruction for new hires on how to make their signature hamburger.

• Unilever uses 5-minute-long microlearning videos on leadership and compliance training. Each video focuses on a separate topic like customer empathy or ethical decision-making.

• Walmart trains employees in customer service and security protocols through VR scenarios, where the staff can practice handling events like Black Friday or emergencies.

• Microsoft’s Team platform offers social and collaborative learning elements by enabling users to watch training videos together and participate in discussions or forums.

• Google uses data analytics to track the effectiveness of and learner engagement in its internal video training on machine learning or ethical AI.

Conclusion

As we see, video e-learning is the future of corporate training, offering all the opportunities for employee engagement and professional growth. With the variety of options of this approach—from how-to-do videos to interactive animation—organizations can leverage technology and achieve desirable outcomes in terms of productivity and foster a culture of continuous development. Video-based learning is a game changer that breaks the boredom of traditional training formats and enhances the learners’ ability to process and retain information and simultaneously enjoy the process.