The use of video for employee learning and development has become increasingly popular in recent years. With advancements in camera technology and innovative software for post-production, video creation has become a powerful tool for corporate training and development.
According to a recent survey, 92% of organisations have seen positive results in employee training and development through the use of video-based learning strategies.
In this article, we will explore three trending video solutions that are proving highly effective for training and development purposes: branching scenario videos, case study films, and filmmaking as an experiential activity.
These video strategies not only engage employees but also enhance their learning experience and promote knowledge retention.
1. Branching Scenario Videos:
Branching scenario videos offer a fun and engaging way for employees to actively participate in their learning. In this video-based learning solution, learners watch a film clip that presents a scenario. They are then prompted to make a choice from a set of options, for example, option A or B.
Once they make a decision, a clip aligned with their response plays out on-screen, illustrating the impact of their choice. The sequence continues, with subsequent decisions shaping the progression of the scenario.
Benefits of Branching Scenario Videos:
- Active engagement: Participants actively engage in the learning process by making decisions and witnessing the consequences.
- Realistic decision-making: Simulating real-life scenarios allows employees to practice decision-making skills in a risk-free environment.
- Behaviour embedding: The option to restart the branching video and make alternative decisions helps embed desired behaviours.
- Interactive learning: Branching scenario videos transform passive watching into an interactive learning experience.
"Branching scenario videos have revolutionised employee training by providing a highly immersive and interactive learning experience.
By allowing participants to make choices and witness the consequences, these videos simulate real-life situations and enhance decision-making skills." - Carl Medland, Training Consultant.
2. Case Study Films:
Case study films are powerful tools that transport employees out of the classroom and into real workplace situations.
When custom-filmed around actual organisational issues, these films act as mirrors, reflecting the challenges and opportunities within the organisation.
Learners can then reflect on the case study and explore potential solutions to improve the depicted situation or theme.
Benefits of Case Study Films:
- Real-world context: Case study films provide a realistic context that employees can relate to, making the learning experience more meaningful.
- Reflection and exploration: By reflecting on the case study and exploring potential solutions, employees actively engage with the material and develop critical thinking skills.
- Attention-grabbing: Incorporating elements of humour in case study films helps maintain learners' attention and makes the experience more memorable.
- Application to the workplace: Case study films provide actionable takeaways that employees can implement in their daily work routines.
According to a recent study conducted by MDA Trainers, 85% of employees reported higher engagement and knowledge retention when exposed to case study films compared to traditional training methods.
Transforming Customer Service Excellence:
A giant retail firm implemented a case study film on effective customer service. Employees watched a film depicting a challenging customer interaction and were then prompted to reflect on the situation and identify strategies to improve customer satisfaction.
The case study film not only improved employees' understanding of customer service principles but also enhanced their problem-solving skills and empathy towards customers.
3. Filmmaking as an Experiential Activity:
Facilitating employees to create films based on their learning insights is a highly impactful and engaging learning experience.
Whether as part of an early careers program, leadership development initiative, or organisational change effort, allowing participants to create films related to their learning helps solidify their understanding and provides a tangible takeaway that can be utilized back in the workplace.
These films can even be shared with colleagues to raise awareness or used as promotional tools on social and digital media platforms.
Benefits of Filmmaking as an Experiential Activity:
- Active participation: Employees actively engage in the learning process by planning, scripting, filming, and editing their own films, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their work.
- Creativity and collaboration: Filmmaking encourages employees to think creatively and work collaboratively as they bring their ideas to life on screen.
- Application of knowledge: Creating a film based on their learning insights allows employees to apply and showcase their understanding of the concepts and skills they have acquired.
- Enhanced communication skills: Filmmaking requires employees to effectively communicate their ideas, messages, and narratives, thereby improving their overall communication skills.
- Promoting knowledge sharing: Sharing films with colleagues and wider audiences promotes knowledge sharing within the organization and beyond.
"Filmmaking as an experiential activity provides a unique opportunity for employees to showcase their creativity and apply their learning in a practical and engaging way.
It fosters collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing, ultimately enhancing the overall learning experience." - Carl Medland, Training Consultant.
MDA Training: Enhancing Employee Training and Development with Video Solutions
Video has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing employee training and development. Branching scenario videos, case study films, and filmmaking as an experiential activity offer engaging and impactful ways to improve learning outcomes and promote knowledge retention.
By leveraging these video solutions, organisations can create immersive and interactive learning experiences that resonate with employees, foster active participation, and facilitate the application of knowledge in real-world contexts.
MDA Training, with its expertise in instructional design and multimedia production, can assist organisations in implementing effective video-based learning strategies.
Blog Co-Authored by: Carl Medland, Digital Training Specialist & Filmmaker at MDA Training