e-Learning Blog

Learners can stay engaged without getting bored, and educational effectiveness can be enhanced—video materials address these challenges. Videos have high communicative power and offer many advantages that traditional text-centered materials do not. Here, we introduce the benefits of using video materials.

<Merit.1> Recording lectures to create teaching materials enables uniform education

By utilizing recorded lecture and training data as e-learning materials, the same content can be provided to all employees. This resolves issues in group training such as differences in instructor skills and variations in learning environments at different venues, thereby standardizing the quality of education. Additionally, learners can repeatedly watch at their own pace, making it easier to deepen their understanding. Furthermore, since there is no need for travel or venue arrangements, it also leads to cost reduction, which is another advantage.

〈Merit.2〉 Resolving On-the-Job Training (OJT) Challenges by Replacing It with Videos

While on-site OJT provides practical learning, it faces challenges such as variability in instructors' skills and constraints of time and location. However, by converting OJT content into videos, standardized training can be accessed anytime and anywhere. Additionally, training can be conducted systematically without being affected by irregular situations that may occur on-site.

〈Merit.3〉 Visually clear and impactful, leading to high learning effectiveness

Videos convey diverse information through movement and sound, making them easier to understand and more memorable compared to text or still images. For example, they are effective in situations where showing actual movements is important, such as manual operation instructions or demonstrations of business manners. Because they communicate intuitively without requiring detailed explanations, videos easily capture learners' interest and concentration, resulting in high learning effectiveness.

The use of video materials in e-learning offers various benefits such as standardizing education, reducing costs, and enhancing learning effectiveness. If you are facing challenges with your current learning styles or materials, it is definitely worth considering the introduction of video materials.

There are various methods to create video materials for e-learning. The optimal method varies depending on cost, purpose, and desired quality, but here we introduce representative production techniques. Let's grasp the characteristics and key points of each.

〈Production Method.1〉Record In-Person Training and Convert into Video Materials

This method involves recording and editing already conducted in-person training sessions to create educational materials. It requires minimal preparation and has the advantage of conveying the authentic atmosphere of the live lecture as is.

〈Production Method.2〉Utilize the Recording Function of Web Conferencing Tools

Web conferencing tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams come equipped with recording functions, allowing you to record online lectures and briefings as they are and turn them into teaching materials. With remote work becoming widespread, this is especially efficient as a simple method for creating video teaching materials.

〈Production Method.3〉Professional Filming in a Studio

If you are seeking higher-quality video materials, there is also the method of recording lectures in a studio equipped with proper lighting, microphones, and cameras. Compared to filming in-house, this greatly improves the clarity of the visuals and the audibility of the audio, enabling the creation of high-quality content. It is suitable for materials that prioritize ease of viewing and understanding.

〈Production Method.4〉Using PowerPoint

There is also a method to record a presentation using PowerPoint slides while saving it, and then export it in video format. Adding narration improves comprehension compared to still images and makes it easy to create teaching materials. Furthermore, by utilizing the animation features, it is also possible to add visual effects.

〈Production Method.5〉Using e-learning authoring tools such as iSpring Suite

By using authoring tools like iSpring Suite, you can easily create materials that combine narration and quizzes based on PowerPoint. Even without specialized knowledge, you can handle it with intuitive operations and easily create interactive video materials.

〈Production Method.6〉Outsourcing Production

If creating content in-house is difficult, it may be a good idea to request an external production company. Since professionals can handle everything from planning and shooting to editing, this option is suitable for companies without production expertise or those seeking high-quality materials. Although it incurs costs, a certain level of effectiveness can be expected.

As you can see, there are various methods for creating e-learning video materials. From simple recordings to full-scale production by professional companies, choose flexibly according to your budget and situation.

To create video teaching materials more effectively and efficiently, utilizing e-learning content creation tools is a powerful option. Among them, "iSpring Suite" is popular for its intuitive operation based on PowerPoint that anyone can use. This chapter introduces the steps to create video teaching materials using iSpring Suite MAX, which includes various tools bundled with iSpring Suite.

What is iSpring Suite?

iSpring Suite is an all-in-one toolset for creating e-learning materials. Since you can work within the familiar PowerPoint environment, no specialized knowledge is required, allowing you to easily produce high-quality content. From March 2022, a Japanese interface was implemented, making it even easier to use.

Please also refer to this article.
＞What is iSpring Suite? Introduction to Features, Pricing, and Implementation Benefits

● Steps to Create Video Materials with iSpring Suite MAX

Let's look at the specific steps. First, perform the installation.

<Step.1> Installation and Activation

Download iSpring Suite MAX from the official website, then follow the instructions in the guidance email to install and activate (license authentication). Once completed, the "iSpring Suite 11" tab will be added to PowerPoint, and you will be ready to use it. (As of May 2025)

〈Step.2〉Basic Operations

Create video materials using various functions from the "iSpring Suite 11" tab. The main features are as follows.

● Narration: Recording, video capture, synthetic voice generation, synchronization with animations (synthetic voice generation is a feature of iSpring Suite MAX)
● Insertion: Add "parts" that cannot be created with PowerPoint alone, such as quizzes, interactive simulations, screen recordings, and web videos
● Content Library: Utilize templates, character assets, backgrounds, icons, and more
● Presentation: Slide settings, display control, translation, and adjustment of the "look" of the materials
● Publishing: Export materials in formats such as SCORM and preview them

〈Step.3〉Procedure for Creating Training Videos

Let's look at the specific operations for actually creating video training materials with iSpring Suite MAX. Here, we will consider the case of turning a group training session into training materials as an example.

We will proceed on the assumption that the following materials are available.
・PowerPoint materials (for training)
・Instructor's commentary script (narration)

〈Step.1〉Open PowerPoint and display the "iSpring Suite 11" tab
〈Step.2〉Select "Manage Narration" in the "Narration" group
〈Step.3〉In the narration editor, insert the instructor's script into the "Slide Notes" (can also be used for subtitles)
〈Step.4〉Select "Record Video" and record both video and audio of the instructor explaining
〈Step.5〉Edit on the timeline by cutting unnecessary parts and switching screens
〈Step.6〉After editing, select "Save and Close" to return to the PowerPoint screen
〈Step.7〉Export the material from "Publish" in the "iSpring Suite 11" tab

By using iSpring Suite MAX, you can easily create video training materials by incorporating narration and video into PowerPoint presentations. Detailed instructions on how to operate it are explained in this article.
＞Introducing How to Use iSpring Suite! Let’s Create e-Learning Materials

The quality of video learning materials directly impacts learning effectiveness. Here, we introduce specific points for creating effective video learning materials.

〈Point.1〉 Clearly define the purpose, target audience, and what you want them to understand most

First, it is important to decide on the "core" of the material. By clearly defining who the material is for and what knowledge or skills you want them to acquire, you can prevent inconsistencies in the content and create a cohesive learning resource.

〈Point.2〉Create a storyboard in advance

By creating a storyboard of the video's flow and structure in advance and visualizing it, filming and editing become smoother, and the content and message are easier to convey.

〈Point.3〉Keep the length to about 4 to 5 minutes

If you cram too much information into one video, learners' concentration will not last. Aim for a length of 4 to 5 minutes per theme and organize the content with a focus on key points.

〈Point.4〉Create Engaging Editing

Monotonous videos can decrease learners' motivation. Use subtitles, graphs, animations, sound effects, and well-paced transitions to create visually engaging productions that keep viewers interested.

〈Point.5〉Incorporate Tests and Exercises to Keep Learners Engaged

Including quizzes or simple exercises after viewing helps check understanding and reinforce learning. This approach transforms passive video learning into an active learning experience.

〈Point.6〉Design with Mobile Viewing in Mind

Since many learners use smartphones or small tablets, design with consideration for font size and ease of operation.

To create effective video materials, it is essential to clarify learning objectives, devise the structure, and incorporate production techniques that maintain learners' concentration. The key point is to produce content with the awareness of not just "conveying" the material but ensuring learners "acquire" it.

Compared to text- or still-image-centered materials, video materials can be expected to have a higher learning effect. They can clearly convey the key points of lectures through audio and visuals, and the ease of repeated viewing also contributes to better understanding and retention of the material. Additionally, in on-site training and OJT, where tasks may involve risks and instructional content can vary, it can be difficult to maintain consistent educational quality. Even in such situations, by converting training content into videos, it becomes easier for everyone to understand the same material.

To create video teaching materials with so many advantages, various efforts as explained in this article are indispensable. However, it can be difficult to complete everything from planning to production and editing entirely in-house. In such cases, why not consider entrusting even just part of the process or material creation to professionals?

At Human Science, we have been producing educational materials tailored to our customers' orders for many years. We also have expertise as users of iSpring. Furthermore, as an authorized reseller of iSpring, we can assist in creating easy-to-understand and learner-friendly video materials. If you are considering introducing or improving video materials or utilizing these tools, please feel free to consult with us.

For more details on video material production and services related to iSpring products, please check the following pages.
＞e-Learning Video Material Production
＞e-Learning Content Production
＞Create Rich e-Learning Materials with Your Familiar PowerPoint - iSpring Implementation Support