How Interactive Training DVD delivers Distance Learning

As you probably already know, interactive training DVD offers a flexibility and superiority not found in ordinary linear training videos.

Instead of playing a whole video from end to end, interactivity now allows users to select the sections they need to see - and - to see them in the order in they choose.

And after viewing each section they’re guided towards a multiple choice questionnaire where the training can be validated.

For example, take this retail staff training situation, where effective distance learning is essential:

> A colleague watches a section on handling customer complaints.

> At the end they automatically arrive at a multiple choice question section.

> If they get the answers right, they automatically get sent along to the next section

> If they get the answers wrong, they automatically have to view the section again.

This is what interactivity offers. User choice and validation, desirable features from the points of view of the trainee and the distance learning trainer.

And you get all the pulling power and excitement of a terrific interactive DVD (if you don’t believe me, go and buy the Chris Tarrant Millionaire DVD in Tesco!)

This interactive choice principle can work equally well in other industries besides retail.

For example, a contractor coming onto a construction site.

Instead of having to view a lengthy catch-all Induction video, they just watch the sections they need in order to do their job safely.

And at the end, they pass a short test to prove the learning has been correctly received and understood.

All of these options can be operated from a standard remote control and DVD player. A PC isn’t required.

Why is Interactive Training more relevant to the trainer in 2007?

For a start, interactive authoring costs have come down significantly, mainly because the software is cheaper and better than it ever was previously. Many corporate budgets can now afford to plan for this.

Another big plus is that older videos, that still work well, can now be re-edited and authored into the new interactive format, offering greater user choice and validation.

New videos for old. Word.

If you’re starting a new video from scratch, you can produce it as a series of short interactive DVD modules, each followed by a Multiple Choice Questionnaire.

What Else Can Interactive Training DVD Do?

It can have style.

There are lots of opportunities to include interesting topic-themed graphics and video FX that make the whole production more appealing and intelligible to the audience.

And all these graphics will also reinforce the corporate brand.

Consider:

> The DVD opens with an animated intro, immediately setting the audience in the right mood.

> The main menu appears with moving video icons for menu choices, with tastefully animated graphics in the background, themed for the topic, and all set to music (or even voiceover!)

> There might even be a menu option on How to use this DVD

> The user selects the first option and immediately views a short video training module

> At the end of the video module, they see an animated multiple choice menu

> A voice says ... please select your choice

> The user arrows down with the remote control, and confirms their choice of answer

> If they get it right, they see a “Well Done” screen complete with voiceover and cheerful music.

> If they get it wrong, the see a “Never Mind - Try Again” screen, again with voice but with a squawk sound effect. They’re then automatically redirected to viewing the module again.

This process is much more involving for audiences. And because they’re more involved, they understand better.

Time to recall Ancient Sufi proverb: Involve me and I understand

Summary

We’ve just looked at some of the possibilities of interactive DVD training in distance learning situations

You can:

> Re-author to breathe life into old videos

> Offer greater user choice and involvement

> Automatically validate the training

It only remains for you to devise your own DVD to suit the needs of your workforce

You can see training video examples here CorporateVideoExamplesTraining.htm