Formats of video to use in eLearning

Formats of video to use in eLearning

Following on from the previous post – Using videos in eLearning we take a further look at some of the formats and types of videos available.

Rather than bombard you with information overload, in this post we will give you a quick overview of four video types when to use them as well as useful tips;

• Piece to Camera.
• Interview Style.
• Mini-doc.

In our next post, we’ll be covering Scenario, How to, Explainer Animation, Digital Story.

Piece to camera

Format:

Short movie featuring one person looking into the camera while reading a script or presenting (as used in news on TV or by TV reporters).

What is it?

A piece to camera is the television and film term used for when a presenter or a character speaks directly to the viewing audience through the camera.

When to use:

Positioning piece by a leader in the team or organisation to provide a strategic context and the bigger picture.

Peer learning for people sharing their experiences.

Key points

Pros:

• Scripted in advance so ‘on message’.
• Simple format one camera, tripod.
• Controlled environment.
• Quick to edit.
• Efficient to use same set-up for multiple subjects.

Cons:

• Not particularly visually engaging.
• Need someone who can read out in a natural, animated way.
• The effort in advance of a shoot to create a detailed script.

Tips

Use an autocue app for iPad and experiment with speeds so suit delivery of person interviewing. A green screen can make a video more visual and relevant by positioning interview in different locations.

Interview Style

Format:

A movie featuring one or more interviewees who are responding to questions.

What is it?

Talking head refers to a person speaking directly to camera usually in a medium shot, meaning they’re cropped at the head and shoulders.

When to use:

• If a subject is not able to write or approve the detailed script.
• A basis for a more ‘mini-doc;’ approach with video footage or stills to illustrate key points.
• If subject matter more discursive or sensitive and lends itself to a conversation as opposed to formally written delivery script.

Key points

Pros:

• May end up with more natural delivery.
• Basis for mini-doc.
• You may be able to accommodate more than one interviewee.
• Draws out reflections and narratives with emotional depth.

Cons:

• Works best with two cameras – more equipment can impact costs.
• Longer shoot time as not so tightly scripted.
• As not tightly scripted, sometimes issues with answering in full sentences.
• Some believe less engaging as the subject isn’t looking directly at the camera.

Tips

• Ask the interviewee to answer in complete sentences, repeating the answer.
• Cut out the interviewer – they are not the focus.
• Ensure you don’t interrupt the interviewee's answer or make sounds or noises of agreement (this is harder than you think).
• Warm up the interviewee with some lighter chat.
• Send them key messages to be covered in advance rather than exact questions so responses not too wooden.

Mini-doc

Format:

A short documentary that tells a story with interview or voice over as the basis and a variety of activities and static shots and sequences.

What is it?

A cut-away is the interruption of a continuously filmed shot by inserting a view of something else. It is usually, although not always, followed by a cut back to the first shot, when the cutaway avoids a jump cut

When to use:

• Topic lends itself to sourcing interesting, visual footage.
• Combine telling with showing to explore context or challenges.
• Bring the learner visually into different situations and contexts.
• Reinforce key messages visually.
• Avoid jump cuts.

 Key points

Pros:

• Potential for highly engaging storytelling that informs and motivates.
• Makes it real.
• Shows the evidence not just someone talking.
• Makes learning relevant and real with actual footage.

Cons:

• More effort and time needed to prepare and script.
• Longer shoot as not simply capturing piece to camera or interview.
• Variety of locations – consider permissions, noise etc.

Tips

• When scripting consider sequences of shots that will tell the story.
• Ensure the backdrop for a key interview is ideally relevant to the story that’s being told.
• Get shots from different distances and angles.
• Think of establishing shots – buildings, doorways, signs etc.

Tutorial

Format:

Tutorial delivered via expert which mimics the experience of a lecture.

Get the lingo:

On-screen graphics – lower thirds are commonly found in TV news and documentaries and in their simplest form, a lower third can just be text overlying the video.

When to use:

• You have access to an expert in their field.
• Teaching, information-rich piece or complex concepts.
• Strong presenter.

Key points

Pros:

• Fast way to convert classroom to virtual learning.
• Lends itself to efficient use of templates for implementation.
• May be a stand-alone topic in a programme design – less ID effort.

Cons:

• Push – may be passive experience for learners.
• Heavily dependent on presenter for engaging delivery and content.

Tips

• Include graphics and illustrations.
• Intersperse with learning activities, pause points, questions and reflections.
• Reinforce key learning with summary screens.

As part of our video production service at Aurion, we produce high quality and aminated content that can be used as a stand-alone asset or enhance and support eLearning.

Please let us know your comments or share with others who you think may benefit from this. Follow us on twitter @aurionlearning for our latest blog articles and updates.