When it comes to learning efficiency, few things can compare with video. And there are many reasons why video-based learning drives better results. For starters, our brain is hardwired for visual content and processes images 60,000 times faster than text. Viewers retain 95% of a video message compared to 10% of a text message.

If you are ready to stop reading and start shooting educational videos for your eLearning solution, we have even more exciting news. By bringing interactivity into video-based learning environments, you can significantly increase engagement, boost motivation, and drive better learning outcomes.

From medical education to corporate training, interactive video learning is successfully used beyond classrooms across multiple industries. So, here are five ways to step up your video-based learning game with interactive features.

Real-time communication

Synchronous communication brings the interactivity of a brick-and-mortar classroom environment into online learning. Live video conferencing, instant messaging, audio and video chats, screen and whiteboard sharing, media exchange and other RTC-enabled capabilities drive meaningful real-time collaboration and support immediate feedback.

When to use
  • Webinars, presentations, and broadcasts
  • Study groups
  • One-on-one tutoring and coaching sessions
  • Oral and written examinations
  • Foreign language practice

How we can help

Empower students with collaborative learning environments to encourage knowledge sharing and achieve better results. At Oxagile, we enable industry leaders to take full advantage of reliable real-time communication at scale.

Capitalize on our WebRTC development services.

Interactive transcripts

Though similar to subtitles, interactive transcripts allow learners to consume content in an entirely new way. These time-synchronized transcripts run beside a video with words being highlighted just as the video proceeds. Viewers can search the information they need in the transcript and then navigate directly to that point in the video. What’s more, these transcripts can be live meaning you can automatically transcribe a lecture, webinar, or any other online event in real time to unlock the full potential of interactive video training.

When to use
  • Live note-taking for lectures and discussions
  • Accessible video-based learning for special needs students
  • Providing study aids for self-paced learning
  • Maximizing discoverability and improving SEO

Otter.ai introduces live notes for Zoom

Knowledge checks

Good old knowledge checks also help overcome the passive nature of video viewing. Quizzes, end of video assessments, hotspots, drag and drop tests — there is no shortage of techniques and approaches to keep learners engaged and motivated throughout the course. Though normally not graded, these types of knowledge checks give immediate formal feedback and help students gauge their progress.

When to use
  • Initial knowledge assessment
  • After every topic to measure mastery of new material
  • In multi-level courses before advancing to the next stage
  • As part of final exams or final practice

AR, VR, and 360-degree video

Nothing screams interactivity louder than the cutting-edge artificial and virtual reality technology. In AR and VR-enabled interactive video training, learners are immersed in simulated environments and real-life contexts to acquire knowledge and practice skills. 360-degree videos, also known as spherical or panoramic videos, provide an alternative approach to interactive video learning that does not require headgear.

In addition to superior engagement, immersive videos help create cost-effective and safer training scenarios by allowing learners to experience a target environment and interact with objects in a controlled way.

  • Risk-free medical training and surgical simulations
  • Corporate video training for workplace safety
  • 360-degree content for enhanced curriculum
  • Virtual tours of museums, historic places, etc.

360-degree interactive tour of the solar system

How we can help

Tap into our multi-year online video expertise to enhance your eLearning solution with novel capabilities. Take your students into a virtual classroom or on an immersive 360-degree tour to raise engagement and gain valuable experience first hand.

Learn more about our VR and AR software development capabilities.

Video-based branching narratives

Ever heard of Black Mirror:Bandersnatch, an interactive film where viewers control how the plot unfolds by making choices on behalf of the lead character? Well, this is a great example of a video-based branching narrative, which is basically a non-linear story with multiple options for viewers to choose.

In eLearning settings, a branching narrative allows learners to try different hypotheses, challenge their assumptions, and explore positive and negative consequences of their choices. Corporate video training solutions, too, can significantly benefit from embedding branching storytelling to help employees build decision-making and problem-solving skills.

First aid training using a video-based branching narrative

First aid training using a video-based branching narrative

When to use
  • Enabling learners to experience the impact of different approaches
  • Playing out risky scenarios in a safe environment
  • Reinforcing the impact of learning
  • Soft skills training
  • Customer service training

Wrapping up

Video-based learning has long become a go-to strategy to engage and retain learners, but adding interactive elements brings involvement in learning activities to a completely new level. Live lectures and webinars, group chats, interactive transcripts, 360-degree videos, and more — any form of interactivity helps learners immerse in the process, improve knowledge retention rates, and learn by doing without negative consequences.