Seven Ways to Recycle eLearning Video Content

Learningand development professionals are increasingly using interactive online videoto supplement or even replace their eLearning courseware. However, we oftenhave a too narrow view of what “video” means. It’s either a recorded lectureequivalent (long and boring) or a full production with storyboards, scripts,actors, titles, and post-production (long and expensive). These misconceptionskeep us from using what we know is a powerful medium.

It’s time to re-imagine video—as aseries of short (or very short) pieces, to combine, use, and especially reuseto promote good learning outcomes. Here are seven ways to recycleeLearning video content, to increase flexibility and reduce costs:

1. Pre-cycle:Instead of recording video as a single “blob” ofcontent, create smaller clips, each containing a single idea or concept. Asyour collection grows, you can combine and re-use these pieces like Lego blocksto build your video/audio course. (Side benefit: If something in yourcourse becomes outdated—like a software feature—it’s a LOT easier to remakethat piece and replace the old one than to remake an entire video.)
2. Search for treasure: If you already have long-formvideo or audio content, there are almost always learning gems to be found ineach piece. Use a simple spreadsheet to record the video file name, thetimecodes for the beginning and end of the “gem” (very important), and aone-line summary of each concept. (Important note: You do not need to cut out these snippetsand combine them yourself in a program like After Effects or Premiere. Look fora hosting environment that lets you create a single viewing experience frommultiple files—not just small Lego-like blocks of content, but also specified segmentsof longer videos.)
3. Video templates: Not all eLearning video hasto be created with a high-end camera or even a webcam. Using a template-basedapp like Storyvine lets youuse your smartphone or tablet to create high-quality video snippets or longerpieces that you can use and re-use in multiple learning situations.
4. Custom combos:Once you have a library of short segments (and/or agood idea where the gems are in longer videos), you can combine them in aneLearning video system like Viddler. Thepotential for recycling eLearning video content is endless:
   1. Start with a general concept overview and add five separateexamples—to create five custom videos.
   2. Create an animated introduction (or section break, or conclusionsequence) to use with your training videos.
   3. Add overview or summary slides (audio files with a customthumbnail image) and insert them anywhere in a video sequence.
   4. Let your imagination run wild. Think of new ways to combinesmaller video and audio segments into a single, powerful eLearning experience.
5. Flip the classroom: Have students or employeesrecord their responses to questions or situations via webcam or mobile device,add your own insights, and combine the footage to make a lively reviewexperience. (Remember, you’re not editing the video, just combining multiplevideos into one experience.)
6. Video flash cards: A proven method oftransferring information from short-term to long-term memory is the practice ofspaced repetition,reviewing information gradually at increasing time intervals. Do this byrecycling small groups of video and audio content (varying the sequence, sostudents experience the ideas, not the pattern) and assign these combined videoreviews at intervals following the main lesson.
7. Add user interaction: To each segmentof recycled video or audio content, add elements that require interaction bythe student or trainee. These can include timeline-specific overlays (withexpert comments or links to supporting material) or in-video questions atstrategic points in the combined video experience.

Some caveats

Thereare certainly some potential limitations to this approach, mainly related tocontinuity. Changes in shooting style, actors, voiceover talent, and even titlescould potentially make a “combo” video less smooth than a full production.Differing video resolution and audio segment quality may also be a factor.However, if the recycled pieces are in the same general quality range then costsavings will be a major determining factor. For small- to medium-sizedbusinesses with limited training resources, costs can make or break asustainable video eLearning effort.

Moving forward

Using interactive videofor eLearning and mLearning is an exciting, thought-provoking trend. Movingbeyond our preconceived notions about video, namely that it’s too boring and/orcostly, is a potential game changer. Creating, recycling, and combining smaller“chunks” of content could potentially solve some important problems fordevelopers. It’s also something we can do now—without waiting for big,corporate LMS companies to figure it out.