Simple ways to create interactive online training

Simple ways to create interactive online training

by | Corporate, Education, Virtual Events

Why is interactivity important in online training?

The increased demand of online learning brings with it high expectations of learners and educators alike. Boring, one-dimensional online learning is a thing of the past.  Online learners have come to expect, and demand, engaging interactive online training experiences.

The good news?  There are masses of opportunities to create engaging and interactive online training experiences and it’s not as complicated as it may sound.  Here are some excellent ways to include interactive elements into your next online training programme.

Incorporate interactivity into everything

For online training that is delivered live, in each slide or piece of content, include an interactive element.  To create fully engaged and active learners devise your content so that it challenges your learners to engage and feedback at regular points throughout.

According to Scolastic, “interactive learning sharpens critical thinking skills, which are fundamental to the development of analytic reasoning.”

Anything that requires learners to act encourages active learning.  This might be a quick fire quiz, a poll, asking learners to make a comment in the chat or even asking them to speak to camera as they would if they were in a classroom.

Man taking part in online training

Competition & leaderboards

It has regularly been argued that competition has a motivational effect on students.  Online training should aim to make students do their very best, not simply ‘just enough’.  Adding interactive, competitive elements to online training promotes not only competition, but can dramatically boost performance.  Leaderboards are both interactive and competitive and can be adopted in many types of online training.

Immersive 360° environments & storytelling

Immersive learning allows the learner to control their own experience.  360 media is at the heart of this, as is digital storytelling.  This type of learning evokes emotions so is very influential!

Create a fully immersive 360 environment that puts learners right at the centre of the story.  Creating an interactive virtual location is a powerful way to engage learners like never before.

Learners are welcomed into an exciting virtual environment (a conference centre, a famous landmark, a jungle or even space!) and can navigate throughout the environment at their own pace, and in their own way.

A map, personalised video introductions and instructional videos will allow learners to follow their own path through the environment accessing various elements of the training as they go.  This training can combine many types of interactive content to keep it interesting and relevant.  Examples include pre-recorded videos, webinars, live streams, video tours, whiteboard sessions and integration with common Learning Management Systems like Articulate.

The beauty of a virtual environment is that it can also include interactive elements such as scavenger hunts and fact-finding missions that contribute to leaderboard results.  As we know, adding an element of peer to peer competition and team collaboration can be hugely beneficial for online learner outcomes.

Virtual temple environment

Videos for online training

Interactive videos keep online training interesting.  Virtual tours can be an excellent way to educate leaners online, helping them to become familiar with a certain place, practice, process or workplace.  Videos are a great way of conveying a specific organisational culture which is particularly useful for onboarding.

Virtual training simulations

Virtual training centres are a fantastic way of including interactivity within your online training.  A virtual training centre can host, within it, demonstrations of systems, software, equipment and procedures in a 360 virtual format.  Takeaway materials can then be made available such as downloads, surveys and feedback forms.

virtual lab

Gamification

Adding gaming elements to online training is a simple way to support learners to learn, but in a way that doesn’t feel dry or tedious.  Some examples where this has been used successfully include action based content unlocking, progress based passports, scavenger hunts, tap into competitions, timed quizzes, physical and mental challenges and leaderboards.

Integrations

Developing a more successful training experience is made even easier by integrating existing platforms and services within your new campaign. For example, you may have a set of pre-learning materials already created, or want to utilise a Miro board – these can simply be made available as part of a 360 immersive experience. Any LMS already created can also be integrated, leveraging existing training programmes and creating a fresh and exciting experience for learners.

In summary

Interactive training requires participation and challenges learners to manage their own learning progress in an active way.  With interactive elements that are based on real life scenarios, learners are empowered to get involved in real life decision making and problem solving.

This type of learning is not only fun and allows learners to discover for themselves, but also allows them to put their knowledge into action.  This approach to training boosts critical and creative thinking skills and is fun and sparks motivation.

What more could you ask for?  For more information on how Procreation can help you create interactive online training get in touch today or book a demo.

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How to create the best video content for online training

How to create the best video content for online training

by | Corporate, Education, Virtual Events

What’s the best video content for online training?

Did you know that learning and educational content drives over a billion views a day on YouTube?  (YouTube, 2018.) That’s a staggering statistic! Consumption of video content has risen dramatically in recent years and this trend is only set to continue.  Incorporating the right type of video content into online training helps organisations make a positive impact, training people in the best way to get the most out of their learning experience. Here’s Procreation’s low down on the types of video you can use to support your online training needs and get the most out those who attend.

But first, why is video so successful in online training?

According to Training Magazine, most organisations that use online training to train employees use video.  Recent studies found that 63% of training teams used self-paced virtual learning and 61% used instructor-led training.  In 2019 88% of large companies use Virtual Classrooms, Webcasting and Video Broadcasting as training tools.

Whatever your organisation’s chosen method, it’s clear that video is on the rise, and for good reason. Video can easily be combined with the constantly changing and latest technologies and is mobile friendly.

best video content

Types of video

Documentaries

Documentary style videos are great to include in online training, providing practical and interesting ways for learners to consume content.  A study by Sitzmann compared two groups of learners who were taught the same content, in different formats.  The first group were taught in a lecture style format and the second group via a documentary video.  Performance of both groups was compared, and the first group (lecture) scored 62.5% compared to the group who watched the documentary video who scored a staggering 87.5%.  Enough said!

Quizzes and structured discussion points

Incorporating quizzes into training videos encourages retention.  It makes the video interactive and keeps interest high during online training.

Watching videos and discussing content as a group is often an important part of group training sessions, but a study by Okano showed that intermittent testing led to better retention overall.  If you can incorporate both of these factors into your video content in a structured way you’re on to a winner!  By doing this you’ll create a fun, interactive online training that helps participants learn and, importantly, remember what they’ve learned.

Practical video demonstrations

According to Wyzowl’s video statistics, an impressive 96% of people have watched an explainer video to learn more about a product or service.

Watching a YouTube video about how to cook a specific dish, fix a car, knit and even ‘take a lateral flow test’ is routine to most people.  Practical video demonstrations are easy to follow and a simple way to learn something new.

Studies show that viewers remember 95% of a message when watching a video compared to when they read a text.  Video demands less effort from the learner, is immersive and can be replayed time and time again if provided on demand.

Live video demonstration

Challenges to consider

Timing & concentration levels

A study shows that peak engagement sits at six minutes and dwindles downwards afterwards.  This is important to consider when developing the best video content for your online training.  Our tip?  Keep it short.  Segment videos into short bursts that are less than six minutes where possible.

Location & device

Not all employees work behind a desk and are able to attend online training on a PC.  The beauty of incorporating video in online training is that, unlike lengthy texts which can be hard to consume on mobile devices, video is easily accessible and easy to watch on a phone as well as a PC.  

For example, salespeople on the road or retail associates on the store floor do not always have access to a dedicated computer to watch video training so make sure your videos are mobile friendly.

video devices

In summary

Online training needs to be tailored specifically to the learners and content being taught but incorporating these types of videos will always be beneficial and improve learning outcomes.

  • Quizzes
  • Videos to prompt a discussion
  • Documentary style videos to complement other forms of teaching the same topics
  • Practical video demonstrations

Make sure your videos are short and snappy, interactive, and available on mobile too.

Procreation helps organisations develop training programme content and experiences across virtual and hybrid.  Contact us today to find out more or you can book a time below and speak to one of our team about your next project.

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Webinar preparation. The essentials you need to know.

Webinar preparation. The essentials you need to know.

by | Corporate, Education, Virtual Events

Webinar preparation & presentation pointers

Whether you are an experienced presenter, or brand new to presenting webinars, the smallest of mistakes or oversights can make a huge difference. It’s important that you are heard and seen clearly. We have delivered thousands of webinars and spent a lot of time helping prepare speakers and presenters.  This webinar preparation check list explains how to present your webinar confidently and clearly ensuring it runs without a hitch.  It’s simple, great webinar preparation that will help you get it right first time.

Lights, camera, action!

Before presenting your webinar, make sure you’re prepared.

Once you become familiar with the process of presenting a webinar, you’ll realise that it’s very similar to presenting to a live audience.  However, presenters need to consider different things when presenting to an audience online.  This doesn’t need to be daunting, it’s just a question of knowing what to expect and preparation!  Simple!
webinar preparation

Your surroundings

Internet connection

If you are working from home, avoid other family members using the internet at the time of your video call.  This includes internet television, music streaming (Spotify or Alexa devices) and anyone using your home WiFi (including WiFi calling.)  Any additional use of your WiFi or internet can cause a weak signal resulting in a lag and loss of connection. If possible, try and use a hard-wired connection, especially if you are in an office environment when presenting your webinar.  Office WiFi can be unreliable and often not suitable for video streaming.

Sound and ambient noise

Wherever you are located during your call, ensure that this is away from any background noise.  Avoid being in a room with other people if you can and if you’re working from an office, use a conference room where you can be alone. If you are presenting from home, avoid sitting in kitchens and rooms with hard surfaces as these environments will probably create an echo.  A room with carpet or soft furnishings is ideal if possible. If you have a small in ear headphone and microphone, then this can be used for better audio quality.  Try and avoid Bluetooth devices as these can disconnect or batteries can fail. Try and avoid using any big headsets and mics for presentations as, although the audio quality is better, no one can see your face!

Laptop position

If you are using a laptop then use a stand or raise it on some books so the camera is close to your eyeline.  Presenters need to look straight at the screen and be sitting up nice and straight, not hunched over.  Don’t sit too close to the screen either.  Slide the laptop away from you so your head and shoulders are visible.

Light

Choose a location that is bright and well lit, but avoid direct sunlight as this is too bright.  If you have a floor or desk lamp, this can be used to add more light to your face – try bouncing the light off a nearby wall to create a softer, more even light across your face.  Do not film with a window or bright light behind you as this creates backlight and can cause a silhouette and makes it hard for your viewers to see you clearly.

Background

Your background should be tidy and uncluttered, ideally a plain neutral background like a white or grey wall. Avoid sitting too close to a wall.  If you can, allow at least one metre from any walls as it will make your webcam shot feel less claustrophobic and easier on the eye for your viewers.
Interactive online training

What to wear

Clothing and appearance

Avoid wearing plain black or plain white as these colours can look very flat on video.  We’d also suggest you consider the colour of chair you’re sitting in.  We’ve often seen people interviewed on the news wearing a shirt that matches their chair and it can completely distort the visual making it hard for your audience to concentrate! Remove any jingly/jangly jewellery as this can interfere with the microphone.  Dress as if you were going onstage at a conference, smartly presented with attention to hair and make-up.

Glasses and contact lenses

If you wear glasses and have the option to switch to contact lenses for your webinar, then contact lenses are preferable.  This is not essential but can help to avoid unwanted reflections over your eyes.

Your equipment

Phone

Switch your phone to silent mode, but not off, in case of any connectivity issues.  Keep it nearby, but out of camera shot and off any hard surfaces in case of vibration. Depending on the nature of the webinar, you may be working with a team like ours who’ll be supporting you with its delivery.  If so, it’s likely you’ll have a producer to support you who may need to contact you while the webinar is live.

Laptop settings

Turn energy saving and screen savers off so that your laptop does not go to sleep during the call.  Make sure your laptop is plugged in to the mains if possible as long video calls can eat up a lot of battery power. Quit all other apps.  This is the best way to ensure your laptop does not try and run anything automatically that could affect your presentation. You don’t want to be distracted so turn off screen notifications on your laptop if you can. Finally, if you are using an earpiece or headset, ensure that it is selected in the audio settings.
webinar preparation

Final webinar checks

Test it

You can start a new meeting in your video App/Zoom (including our very own Cloudpresenter) and look at yourself onscreen to make sure you are happy and all the previous steps have worked.  If they have you’ll look the best you can on Webcam!

Rehearse

Run a quick test call with someone to ensure everything works.  When organisations work with Procreation, we will conduct a full rehearsal to make sure everything looks and works great! If you need or want help with your next webinar, get in touch with the team at Procreation today; we’d love to hear from you.

Book a time with one of our team to discuss your next project

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