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Subject:Re: Video vs The Written Word From:JLShaeffer -at- aol -dot- com To:techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com Date:Tue, 20 Feb 2007 12:57:32 EST
Video for learning is one thing.
Video for documentation is a completely different thing.
The next time you are searching a help file for the answer to your current
problem, ask yourself if you would rather be searching a video file, and just
how you would go about performing such a search?
My experience is that marketing loves to see videos in the help while
reviewers of the help say that the videos take too much time and slow the users
down.
Jim Shaeffer
In a message dated 2/20/2007 10:03:05 AM Eastern Standard Time,
David -dot- Dubin -at- sage -dot- com writes:
I strongly agree with Peter's assessment on video, if that video is
shown via a VCR or similar format. However, "video" can be a useful
tool, if done correctly and with the required amount of prior planning.
We use Camtasia and Captivate for our "Anytime" learning -asynchronous
training delivered via streaming content from our web site. Sarah is
correct that, if saved in the highest quality format, the files are
large, which is one of the reason that we stream the courseware. The key
is that using either application, we are able to chunk individual
learning objectives into 3-8 minute segments, which are easily editable
both in the content (visual) and the audio portion of the course. These
segments are then combined to form a 30 - 90 minute class in which the
learner is able to move forward, backward, take a test, practice, and so
on. It does take good prior planning, creating a storyboard, and the
development time is somewhere around 1:200. However the level of
knowledge transfer is much greater because the learner is engaged in all
the senses (when done correctly) and any type of learner will be able to
learn. The only drawback is that there is no ability for the learner to
ask questions. But they couldn't ask questions of documentation either.
David B. Dubin
Senior Curriculum Developer
Sage Software
727-579-1111 x 3356
david -dot- dubin -at- sage -dot- com
Your business in mind.
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