Busting the myths of video learning

There are an awful lot of myths in learning and development, and using video is no exception. Some of the myths I have heard include: itʼs too expensive; itʼs too complicated; itʼs too open to abuse in the workplace. Yet none of these are necessarily true.

People generally love watching video — a staggering one billion hours of video are watched every day on YouTube alone. Watching videos online at home can be instructive, emotional, engaging, inspiring and entertaining. But — as many companies have discovered — you can also get this (longed for) engagement with staff by using video learning in the workplace. Itʼs about taking the YouTube model and adapting it, so that people learn at work how they do naturally at home.

What are the Myths of Learning?

YouTube is consistently voted the top tool for learning in the annual poll by Jane Hart and according to research by Towards Maturity 69% of organisations around the world now use best practice videos as part of a blended approach. If youʼre in the minority, what are you waiting for? Can you afford to get left behind? Video learning really isnʼt as expensive or complicated as you might think. Have a look at the following myths that Iʼve heard over the last few years versus the reality.
Myth 1: “The only place to post videos is YouTube.”

Look for a bespoke, secure platform offering relevant, trusted content, where you can also safely upload your own videos and keep them private. Then there will be no cat videos to distract anyone!

Myth 2: “Setting up video learning is a bit complicated isnʼt it?”

It shouldnʼt be. Ask any supplier about their customer service — are you just buying a product, or are they committed to helping you set it up with minimum fuss? Do they offer ongoing support to help you embed video learning into your company culture, to make it a success?

Myth 3: “Video learning is an added extra and weʼll manage without it.”

Video learning is no longer the future, itʼs what your leaders and managers want, need and expect right NOW. A billion hours of video are watched worldwide every day – thatʼs more than just a new trend. Can you really afford to not invest in video learning?

Myth 4: “Scripted videos can seem a bit fake and a little patronising.”

I think you can spot something thatʼs not genuine pretty quickly: you just canʼt beat authenticity. Look for videos that donʼt use actors or scripts, that share good practice based on real experience. Adding your own in-house content, created by and starring your own workforce, will also help with engagement.

Myth 5: “Wonʼt people just watch videos all day?”

In more than 25 years working in learning and development, weʼve never seen that happen. Getting people to take responsibility for their own development can be a far greater challenge. Offering mobile learning 24/7 in the video format they love is a great place to start. Plus our videos are only a few minutes long, to deliver bite sized inspiration to support the flow of work.

Martin Baker is the Chief Executive and founder of Clear Lessons, a unique video learning library and bespoke platform. Proceeds from Clear Lessons support the Clear Lessons Foundation, enabling free video learning to be offered to the UK charity sector.