Watching videos dominates our daily internet consumption. Cisco’s research suggests that online videos account for 68 percent of internet traffic. This number is expected to reach 82 percent by 2020. The evolution of video consumption has extended to reach everything from entertainment to education, with the latter being our focus throughout this article, especially emphasizing on explainer videos play their part.
Explainer Videos and Digital Media
The eLearning process is no stranger to digital media. Around 74 percent of companies currently use Learning Management Systems (LMS), virtual classrooms, webcasting, and video broadcasting, while 18 percent of companies use mobile applications and 11 percent use podcasting. Around 98 percent of organizations said they will implement videos in their digital learning strategies by 2016. (eLearningIndustry, 2015)
The industry is challenged by numerous factors; learners’ short attention span, challenges faced in information retention and increased number of course dropouts. Thanks to their accessibility and practicality, explainer videos offer busy learners an opportunity to broaden their skill set.
Six reasons explainer videos enriching digital audiences’ learning experience.
1. Keeping learners engaged
Unlike simple Powerpoint presentations and lengthy uni-coloured documents, explainer videos are capable of engaging the audience with a wide array of visuals and audios. In addition to that, they entice learners through quizzes and gamification. Explainer videos allow eLearning to become a two-way communication, more interactive and responsive to learners’ needs.
2. Taking knowledge retention to the next level
Knowledge retention is one of the main barriers facing instructor-led courses and programs. According to a study by Glaser, R., adults statistically retain 10 percent of what they read, 20 percent of what they hear, and 30 percent of what they see, and 50 percent of what they hear and see.
Videos also help the learners’ have a much longer attention span than regular page-turners. Another interesting study by The Research Institute of America suggests that eLearning increases retention rates by up to 60 percent.
3. Reducing dropout rates
If you have a look at the stats for eLearners and dropouts, you’ll find that people mostly respond dully to the presentation of the learning materials, and therefore, have a hard time committing to the courses. Videos stimulate learners through high-end visuals, audio effects, and help in illustrating the most complicated concepts and theories. Consequently, when the learning process is entertaining, no one wants to drop out.
4. Simplifying complex ideas
Concepts are best illustrated with visuals. Using videos to demonstrate ideas is quick, efficient, and more likely to stick to the learner’s mind. According to a study conducted by a Forrester researcher, Dr. James McQuivey, estimates that what can be written in 1.8 million words, can be illustrated visually in just one minute! Another successful example that illustrates why videos are taking over.
A recent study shows that mobile “how-to” searches on YouTube are growing 70 percent year-over-year and more than 100 million hours of how-to content have been watched in North America this year so far.
You can find further information and statistics in our analysis, here.
5. Opening doors to discussions
According to Glaser, R., people recall 70 percent of what they say or discuss with others. This has made conducting discussions an impressive technique that allows learners to attain information they’ve been taught verbally. Especially with the rise of live videos on social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, eLearners now can communicate directly with their tutors.
6. Creating animation elevates your content
Where words fail, animations succeed. Award-winning eLearning designer, Tim Slade, said in an interview that animation can bring your content to life when used properly. If you combine powerful visuals, audio narration, and a great script, you can create a long-lasting, multi-sensory learning experience. Slade advised against using animations for the sake of using animations. ‘’If you’re using animations to “spice” things up, don’t do it!’’
We cannot help it but agree with Slade. Animation can create a perfect atmosphere for your content; whether you were targeting middle school students or employers from a multinational corporation. Aside from guiding and communicating with the audience, animated explainer videos can also inspire. They can take the audience on an emotional journey that engages all their senses.
VerveVideos.com is a Canada based animated explainer videos company having worked with international names including Entreprenuer.com, and Hershey’s. Are you ready to discuss your next animated explainer video project? We’d love to hear from you! Call us at +1-647-948-9393 or drop an email [email protected].
