e-Learning Blog

E-learning is being adopted by many companies, but there are stories of failures where it was not utilized much or where learning effects were not observed.
There are various factors to consider, but one of them is the "quality of the materials" that can have an impact. First, let's organize some common challenges related to e-learning materials.

The content of the materials is shallow

If the content of the teaching materials is superficial and lacks specificity, learners may not be able to acquire practical knowledge and skills.

Content is outdated

If the content is outdated or not updated, there is a risk of learning incorrect information that differs from the latest facts and insights.

Learning objectives are unclear

Materials that do not clearly define what to learn and what to achieve can lead to confusion for learners and may further diminish their motivation to learn.

Monotonous Content

If the content is monotonous, consisting only of a long list of text, it becomes difficult to capture the learners' interest and maintain their motivation to learn.

Technical issues

If the usability of the teaching materials is poor, or if there are many bugs and errors, learners may feel stressed and their motivation to learn may decrease.

These examples can lead to a decrease in learning effectiveness. To create high-quality e-learning materials, it is important to be mindful of avoiding such issues.

Considering the challenges related to the aforementioned e-learning materials, what specific measures can be taken to enhance the quality of the materials? Below is a summary.

●Utilize videos and audio

By utilizing videos and audio, we enhance learners' understanding by conveying information from multiple perspectives.

●Enhance visual elements

By utilizing graphs, charts, animations, and more, we explain complex concepts in an easy-to-understand manner. This is effective when you want to help people understand content that is difficult to visualize with just text or narration.

●Incorporate unique customization elements

By adding information such as internal rules and customizing the materials to our unique specifications, such as using case studies from our own examples, learners can obtain "high-resolution information" that can be applied in the field.

●Provide an interactive learning experience

By incorporating interactive elements such as quizzes, exercises, and simulations, we can enhance learners' motivation and encourage participation.

●Clearly define learning goals and objectives

By clarifying the goals and objectives of learning, learners can more easily understand what they should achieve. This is expected to enhance their awareness of learning and encourage them to focus on their studies.

●Regularly update content

We regularly review and update content to align with the latest information and trends. By maintaining the freshness of the materials, learners can acquire accurate knowledge.

By combining these formats, we can create more comprehensive teaching materials that enhance learning effectiveness and motivation.

It has been found that video materials are effective in enhancing learning outcomes in e-learning.
In this chapter, we will look at the different types of video materials used in e-learning.

Types of Video Materials

・Lecture Videos
Videos where instructors and internal training personnel explain the course content. A typical lecture style is often seen, where the presenter speaks while showing slides.

・Training Videos
Videos capturing the scenes of group training. They are often used for the learning of those who were absent and for reviewing the content of the group training.

・Demonstration Video
A video that shows how to use the product and the technical procedures in action. It helps deepen understanding of movements and nuances that are difficult to explain in words by watching the practical demonstration.

・Simulation Videos
Videos that simulate specific situations or environments, such as customer service scenes and trouble handling. By recreating actual experiences and situations, it deepens learners' understanding to enable them to respond to real-life scenarios.

・Animation Videos
Videos that explain complex processes and concepts using graphics and animations. They utilize visuals to enhance understanding and improve learning effectiveness.

・Interview Videos
Videos that share knowledge and experience through interviews with experts and senior employees. You can gain more practical advice.

These video materials help effectively convey diverse information that cannot be fully expressed through text-based materials and documents alone.

There are several methods to create video materials. Here, we will explain the five main methods.

1. Live Action Video (Camera Shooting)

How to use a camera to capture actual lectures and demonstrations. Instructors can explain directly to the camera or present case studies in a dramatic style, showcasing originality through various expressions.
On the other hand, the effort of shooting and editing arises, and the more complex the content, the more labor is required.

2. PowerPoint

PowerPoint allows you to insert images and illustrations, add animations, and incorporate videos, making it easy to create video teaching materials. Additionally, the low cost of production is also appealing.
On the other hand, there is a tendency for the quality of the materials to be lower as a result.

3. Recording Function of Online Meeting Tools

If you want to create video materials more easily, using screen recording features like Zoom or Teams is one option. You can record materials shared on the screen as they are, so no editing is necessary later.
However, since the recording function depends on communication quality, if the connection is unstable and the video or audio quality is poor, there is a risk that the quality of the materials will decrease.

Create with e-learning material creation tools

Even without video editing skills, you can easily create video teaching materials using e-learning content creation tools. The tools come with many templates and resources, allowing for more effective presentations.
However, some tools may have limitations on capacity and features. Additionally, security measures must be thoroughly implemented.

Request creation from a specialist

This is a method of ordering custom video materials from vendors (sales companies) that provide e-learning materials. Although it incurs costs, a significant advantage is that you can create original video materials for your company while leveraging professional expertise. Additionally, unlike complete in-house production, the inclusion of a "third-party perspective" helps to reduce bias in the content of the materials.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each method of creating video materials. Considering these, let's choose the best approach for our company.

This time, we have explained how to create high-quality content with the theme of e-learning "video materials." Video materials, which combine various elements such as images, audio, subtitles, and animations, can offer high learning effectiveness; however, the time and effort required in the production process can be a drawback. Therefore, it may be worth considering entrusting some parts of the process or materials to professionals.

Human Science, one of the vendors of e-learning materials, has produced over 2,700 e-learning materials since the start of its services in 2000. In video materials, we have supported various types of filming, including group training, lectures, internal meetings, 360-degree camera filming, and chroma key filming, providing services to companies across a wide range of industries.

In addition to video materials, we also provide optimal proposals tailored to our clients' needs, including planning and design of educational materials, mobile compatibility using HTML5, and content migration related to LMS replacement.

For inquiries regarding video materials and e-learning, please feel free to contact Human Science.

For more details, you can also visit the e-learning site of Human Science.

＞ e-Learning Video Material Production
＞ e-Learning Content Production