Types of Instructional Videos

Types of Instructional Videos

Dr. Siti Nazuar Sailin Universiti Utara Malaysia

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this topic, you should be able to:

1. Identify different types of instructional videos
2. Justify the suitability and benefits of using specific instructional video type based on the purpose and context

Types of Instructional Video

One of the biggest trends in the digital space is the use of video. Let's have a look at different types of instructional videos that could support education and training more effectively.

Animated Video

Tutorial Video

Microlearning Video

Talking Head Video

Screencasting

Recording

01 MICROLEARNING VIDEO

Definition: Short instructional videos that focus on a single, narrow topic. Usually less than a minute long (60 seconds). A micro video can be a live-action video or an animated video.

Microlearning video

• When to use it?
• Anytime you need to teach a simple concept in a few steps. You might make a one-off microvideo that teaches a new software feature.
• For more complex concepts, create a series of microvideos that splits a topic into logical chunks, with a microvideo for each.

• The benefits of using microlearning video
• Short (micro) video can gain and retain audience attention and promote better engagement with the instructional contents.
• This strategy also allows for more control over the pace of learning and makes the learning content easier to consume.

Examples of Microlearning Video

Watch the video below to see some examples of microvideo topics to serve different needs and context of learning or training.

02 TUTORIAL VIDEO

Definition: A video prepared for teaching a process or walking through the steps needed to complete a task. Usually between 2-10 minutes long. Sometimes referred to as “how-to” videos.

Tutorial Video

• When to use it?
• Suitable for direct instruction, step-by-step or follow-along type guidance.
• Opposed to written tutorial/manual, video tutorial caters the need for the contents to be communicated visually.

• The benefits of using tutorial video
• Provide a straightforward step-by-step instruction or tutorial video that exemplifies direct instruction.
• A tutorial video that include instructor's voice and video, together with the clear instruction provide more engaging and personalised learning experience.

Example of Tutorial Video

Watch the video below to see an example of tutorial video on how to create glowing outline around photo using Canva.

03 ANIMATED VIDEO

Definition: Video that uses animations, images, text and audio narration to quickly grab the viewer’s attention.

Animated Video

• When to use it?
• As an alternative to the live-action videos, animated video can create more appealing storytelling and explanation (sometimes known as explainer video). Suitable to introduce or explain anything from simple to complex/abstract topics.

• The benefits of using tutorial video
• Visually represent abstract idea - when your topic is complex or abstract, animation is capable of simplifying concepts and explaining them in a highly visual way.
• Easily manage video production - Animated video uses computer software/application and thus reduce the needs for sophisticated video production tools (eg: video camera, lights, etc ), crews and location setting.

Example of Animated Video

Below is an example of an animated video (with background music, but no audio narration).

03 TALKING HEAD VIDEO

Definition: A talking-head video is a vide that someone just talking to the camera, either in the middle of the frame or slightly to the side, such as in an interview style.

Talking Head Video

• When to use it?
• Talking head videos are common in marketing industry. It main purpose is to convey information in a persuasive way. Thus, it can be integrated in a microlearning or tutorial video as an introduction or closing, or even in the middle of the video (with a little of video editing).

• The benefits of using talking head video
• Talking-head videos can offer a more human touch and personalise experience than most types of digital content.

Example of Talking Head Video

Below is an example of a talking head video that share 5 tips to create better lighting, sound and overall production of a talking head video. A bit confusing huh? Have a look at the video to get clearer picture.

04 SCREENCASTING

Definition: A digital video recording of a computer screen and usually includes audio narration and the presenter video. Screencasts sometimes called as a screen capture video or screen recording and is a great way to teach or share ideas. Some tutorial videos are screencasting videos.

Screencasting

• When to use it?
• When you need help to communicate with more clarity and impact. For example, to record procedures (tutorial/how to) and answer common questions, to provide audio-visual feedbacks, to record lessons that can be accessed anytime, anywhere; or to make a video to substitute teacher (pre-recorded lesson).

• The benefits of using screencasting video
• Screencasts help improve self-study and self-paced access to knowledge. Students can learn anywhere and easy to view and review.
• Screencasts allow students to learn by examples, especially for step-by-step procedure/tutorial/experiments or simulation of technical aspects of learning and training.

Example of Screencasting Video

Below is an example of screencasting video with audio narration of the instrcutor/presenter to show the steps to shorthern long URL using bit.ly

05 RECORDING

Definition: A video recording of a lecture (conventional/online) or presentation (workshop, webinar, etc) to make it available for an audience to review after the session.

Recording (Lecture/Presentation)

• When to use it?
• To make a presentation or lesson available for later review or to make it available to those who couldn’t attend the live session. Lecture and presentation recording tend to be longer than a tutorial video depending on the length of the lecture or presentation.

• The benefits of using tutorial video
• Useful for students/audiences who missed the session, and a way to extend materials beyond the classroom.
• Enabling remote/distance learning and supporting students with more flexible schedules.

Example of Recording of Lecture or Presentation

Below is an example of a recording of an online lecture/workshop session. The duration is 1 hour 45 minutes because it is the original recording without any editing (cuts) made.

** In current scenario, live streaming is getting popular that instantly provide live recording to be viewed by people after the event.

Conclusion

Depending on the type and purpose of the instructional video to be created, here are some rule of thumbs to be considered

Plan your video

Know your audience

A carefully planned and high production quality of tutorial video provides an engaging instruction.

Knowing your audience is critical to guide make key decisions about the type of your videos.

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Don't wait until perfect

Reduce Cognitive Load

The goal of creating instructional video is not perfection, it’s to create a video that teaches something.

Avoid incidental media or distraction (anything that doesn’t aid audience understanding).

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