Real characters for real experience

I was browsing the web for good e-learning courses online for some fresh ideas. I went through the language training course at http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/French/lj/menu.shtml - courtesy BBC. Great experience! The course has scenarios depicted through a series of photographs. I noticed two advantages of using photographs in e-learning courses:
1. Cuts down time to create graphic illustrations, especially if it is character based.
2. Quick to load over low-bandwidth network.
3. Changes to the photos can either be done by editing the photographs. Otherwise its easy to shoot again.
4. Low cost when compared with video-based solution.

Assume that you have scenarios to be explained and you vote for video-based learning. However, you find that the bandwidth cannot support videos. Photographs will come handy in illustrating the scenario, without loss of essence. I found photograph-illustrated scenarios just as interesting as video-illustrated scenarios. The only element I found missing in the photographs is the movement/animation. However, that did not let die the life in the course.

I feel that photographs also add reality element to the course. Learner experiences a sense of realness in the modules through the photographs.

My next move is to get this thought into action. Will share my experiences through this blog soon.

Video-based learning (continued)

In my last post, I was mentioning about some "watch-outs" that you need to be aware of while deciding to present content in a video-based learning course. My list of such watch-outs are:
1. If you decide to stick to a character representation in your videos, you need to keep in mind that you may want to modify parts of the module later in time, and you will have to find the same actor for playing the character.
2. You need to hire a professional videographer for the purpose who would know the lighting techniques to ensure you do not have too bright or dull output.
3. Streaming!!! If you have a low bandwidth network, your learners will come screaming about the unusual delay in loading time.
4. Size of the video in your course interface should ideally be the same as the actual size. If you scale down the size, there could be loss of clarity.
5. Beware of writing on whiteboard if you have someone explaining a concept. This sometimes become very hard to see due to bright light reflecting on the board.
6. Decide on supplementary information that need to be shown on the screen and how and when they would appear on the screen. A good interface should be planned accordingly.
7. Usually when you complete a video shoot, you will have the complete video sequence that need to be chunked into frame-wise snippets. Its a good idea to create a worksheet with scenes and corresponding timeline to be cut from the video, mapped to each other before you start your work.

I'm still in the process of collecting information. Will share if I get more.

Video-based learning

Video-based learning is the in-thing with my team these days. Though my team had been working on video-driven e-learning modules lately, I do not see them evolve into true video-based learning modules. Most of the modules turned out to be quick and easy job of converting classroom sessions caught on tape into video-PPT combo stuff.

What do I mean by video-based learning?
I'm no HE-man in this subject. However, in my observation, a true video-based learning module should ideally present the subject itself as video and not some trainer taking class on white board. For example, if you were to explain an ethical code of conduct to your learner, show a scenario enacted by a couple of actors and then derive learning through the visual. That's what I call, video-based learning.

Where and When
For convenience sake, let me call video-based learning as VBL. VBL should ideally be used in courses that address Application or Analysis level on Blooms. VBL comes handy while presenting real life scenarios either enacted or shot live. Videos should not become an obsession though. Preferably, videos should be used to present subject that needs observation and reflection from the learner.

Scoring high!
True VBL scores high on the following points:
1. Video presents a live scenario for the learners. Cross-over to the real world.
2. Effective strategy and planning cuts down the time taken to create graphics.
3. Video snippets reduce complexities in creating character-based graphical animations.
4. Videos usually call for low rate of criticism unless run on poor bandwidth or lack clarity.

Watchout! VBL is not a bed of roses. More to come...