Interactive Videos: Making the learner the director

Videos and animations work very well for eLearning because they break down complex ideas into digestible bites that can be easily processed. This reduces the reading load for the learner by presenting content as engaging visuals. Interactive videos however achieve this and so much more as the learner takes on a more active role in the learning process - they become the director. In this article we explore exactly why interactive videos work in eLearning as well as the different kinds on interactive videos available.

Why they work for eLearners

I remember being about 8 years old and having a strange fascination with fire. This of course was a concern to my mother who’d warn me time and time again about burning myself. Her warnings fell on deaf ears until one day, out of sheer curiosity I set a section of my hair alight. That incident alone made me think twice before attempting another little experiment with fire – doing a much better job than my mom’s countless warnings. So what does this have to do with interactive videos?

Much like my 8-year-old self, many people tend to forget information that they learn and process passively (listening to lectures, reading etc.). Interactive videos put learners in a position where they have to think about their choices before they learn. They also afforded the opportunity to make bad choices and see the consequences thereof – without any real harm done, of course. Because they’re able to learn both the positive and negative outcomes of the actions they’ve chosen, they’re more likely to engage with the material for longer and in turn retain it for longer periods.

You don't need a specialist tool to create interactive videos for eLearning. Most popular e-learning authoring tools allow video content to be added or imported. It's also possible to use the built-in functionality of authoring tools to create interactions in video such as branching and hotspots. Branching simply means that the video is made up of multiple paths and outcomes, giving the viewer several choices to make as the story goes.

 The types of interactive videos 

There are two different kinds of interactive videos, namely: branching videos and hotspot interactive videos. 

Branching videos 

Branching Videos are undoubtable the most popular form of interactive video. Unlike traditional videos which have a beginning, a middle and an end, the storyline can branch out and end in different ways depending on what the viewer chooses. Essentially, a Branching Video is a digital experience where the viewer influences what happens in the video. The user gets prompts to make choices as the video plays. 

The great thing about this type of interactive video is that it's not restricted to just training and eLearning, they can also be used for virtual consultations or even to present your company to new staff members.

Hotspot interactive videos

The second type of interactive video involves having clickable links withing the video. These could be highlighted with a visual tag or hidden away so viewers only find them by exploring. Hotspots automatically recognize and identify a shape and track its motion throughout your video. Viewers can then click, tap, or interact with that shape at any point. If machinery is being operated, for instance, the entire machine can be a hotspot with a clickable link to a page describing it and how to use it safely. This creates not only visual interest that maintains the viewer’s attention, but helps a viewer see a product in action.

Interactive video is a learner-centric, active experience that relies heavily on storytelling so learners are much more likely to feel engaged with the content. Make your learners the directors with interactive videos. Sound Idea Digital produces interactive videos and elearning. Contact us to for a quote