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.
