 Multimedia
Best Practices
High Tech Retention
Can You Afford to
Replace Your Trainer?
By Vera Burianek
Many large corporations have enhanced their training
programs with vibrant, interesting and stimulating
training video productions. They realized a long time
ago that one of the most effective ways to train people
is through an animated presentation. The reasons for
this step are many: cost effectiveness, better
information retention, a dependable presentation, no
geographical or time barriers, automation, and more.
Here are some answers to why even a medium size company
will benefit from investing in a training video.
Why should a training video replace a trainer?
Do you use more than one full time employee to train
your staff or customers? If you answer yes, you will
save money by making a training video. If you have
several trainers that train people at numerous
locations, you can visualize how much money you can save
by replacing some of the trainers with video and using
the best personnel to assist your employees or
customers. This means not only saving on travel
expenses, but also saving your employees from the burden
of tiresome travel. Some companies even transport
employees to a training location. Think of bringing the
action to the employees instead, by hiring a
videographer who will capture it on camera. This will be
very cost effective. A one time expense for a top
production will easily cost less than one trainer’s
yearly salary.
Improved information retention
But there are more reasons that video training is more
effective than a live presentation, the retention of
information being the most important. We all know how
much information is lost due to the lack of
concentration. Even more information is lost through
memory lapses. We also know that learning ability is
improved through repetition. As we study for exams, we
have to read and re-read the study materials many times.
It is cost prohibitive to have the trainer repeat the
information over and over. Copy the information on
DVD/DC/ VHS or web, and trainees can replay the
information at will. The presentation can be available
on demand at any time, just like a book, but will be a
great advantage over a training manual. People are
typically visual; they memorize material better through
the use of pictures, moving pictures, testimonies and
stories. Video is, therefore, the perfect instruction
medium. Memory is stimulated by the presenter’s
expressions, illustration of his words by pictures or
moving pictures, graphics, animated graphics and more.
Consistent and perfect presentation every time
Picture a trainer who has domestic problems, gets sick
all the time, is absent a lot, is not very intelligent,
but who is tolerated because he is very handsome, and
people like to look at him. The other trainer you have
is reliable, intelligent, but unpleasant to look at. You
keep him since he gets the job done. You just can’t make
it perfect, can you? Now imagine a picture perfect,
well-groomed, knowledgeable and handsome professional
presenter delivering your message correctly every time.
He is always enthusiastic, never gets stale, sick, bored
or ruffled by his domestic life and delivers consistent
message. That is the professional broadcaster the video
company has hired to present a faultless, consistent
message that has been created by a team of knowledgeable
scriptwriters. This type of perfect and consistent
presentation is possible only through a video.
Video knows no geographical or time barriers
Does you trainer/ presenter have to travel to Alaska,
Russia or China? Does he have to overcome physical
obstacles such as traveling time, coping with jet lag,
overcoming a language barrier, or using an interpreter?
Not only do you have the option to send the hard copy of
your video presentation via snail-mail, but you may
stream your video instantly on demand through your
website. Hire a translator and dub the information into
the language the locals speak. No more searching for
words as the interpreter labors to correctly interpret
your trainer’s speech. Correct use of language and
perfect communication will be guaranteed.
Automation
Through a streaming web site, candidates can book and
pay for training on demand, can be graded instantly,
replay or retake a test, and receive a certificate in a
matter of minutes. How is that for a service to your
clients?! Many companies provide information on demand
through their web site already. You can take your
vehicle safety training test on line. You may also learn
how to play guitar long distance without ever meeting
your teacher. So why not train your bank employees,
insurance or real estate agents and other personnel in
this way also, and save a ton of money at the same time?
I hope this information will help businessmen reflect on
the effectiveness and cost of the training they use.
After all, every businessperson is interested in cutting
down costs and improving services.
Vera owns VBPS TV and VERA Multimedia. She creates
outstanding training projects including dubbing them
into foreign languages. To contact her, e-mail
Vera@vbpstv.com.
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