Course Outcomes

This hands-on train-the-trainer course will:

  • Offer guidelines for successfully using videos in training courses and workshops.
  • Introduce a proven process for creating a range of video types: demonstrations, explainers, and dramatizations.
  • Reviews the pluses and minuses of various technologies.

Course Overview

Videos can be a great addition to training if they are used effectively.  On the other hand, when used incorrectly, videos can undermine the credibility of a course, detract from a message, cause participants to tune out, or worse.  This program covers the ins and outs of video use in training.  Participants will learn how to use existing clips to enhance messages and how to create their own custom segments if nothing suitable exists. 

Program Objectives

At this program’s conclusion, participants should be able to:

  • Outline the benefits and potential drawbacks of using videos in the classroom.
  • Explain copyright and how it applies to the use of existing video.
  • Evaluate a video before using it in the classroom.
  • Choose appropriate places in their training design to include videos.
  • Create a training video if none exists that addresses their design.
  • Use a range of video creation and editing tools.
  • Produce several videos to address the same training goal.

The following outline highlights some of the course’s key learning points. As part of your training program, we will modify content as needed to meet your business objectives. Upon request, we will provide you with a copy of participant materials prior to the session(s).

Let’s Go to the Movies: Understanding the Landscape

The program opens with several discussions around the use of video in training.  Participants will examine how they currently use videos, articulate the benefits and pitfalls of video as a tool, identify their personal challenges incorporating video in training, and set goals for the day. 

Critics’ Corner: Two Thumbs Up or Down

During this next segment of the course, we will look at several different examples of videos used in training.  We will examine what makes them successful or unsuccessful as learning tools.  Following this exercise, participants will craft a list of evaluation criteria specific to their industry and audiences for choosing existing clips or creating new ones.

The Perfect Script: Creating a Narrative

This portion of the course focuses on the rules and rhythm of integrating video into training.  Participants will discover answers to a host of questions: How many clips should be used in a 90-minute program? How long should they be? Should the pattern of use stay the same, or is it important to vary when and how videos are played.  Can dated videos be used if they are set up well?  Should you apologize for polyester-clad actors, or is there a better way?  What can be done to avoid technical difficulties?

The Vault: Finding and Using Existing Video Clips

Finding good video can sometimes seem like looking for a needle in a haystack.  This segment reviews sources for finding videos online.  From material in the public domain and stock video to industry-specific resources and Hollywood films, participants will learn about some obvious and not so obvious places for locating content.  During this part of the program, we will also discuss copyright permission and fair use.  While we don’t provide legal advice, we do review current information available related to using video clips in educational programs.

The Cutting Room Floor: Tools and Rules for Editing

A great video can transform into a dud if it is too long, has technical issues, or can’t be saved and viewed on different devices.  During this part of the program, we will examine different tools for quickly and inexpensively extracting and trimming video from the web, videotape, and DVDs.

Drama, Comedy, Horror, How-To: Choosing the Appropriate Format for DIY Videos

Sometimes it is easiest and most appropriate to create videos rather than using ready-made clips.  This program segment examines different types of stories and how to write each.  Working in groups, participants will craft several approaches to the same topic.    

Roll Cameras: Movie Making Lab

This segment explores several technologies and tools for creating a video.  We will look at several low-cost tools, a few more expensive options, and some novelty products such as cartoon animators and text-to-speech programs.

By the conclusion of this program, participants should have a good understanding of when and how to use video clips in training.  They will understand where they can find existing content and how to quickly craft new material if needed.