What are the best techniques?

Let's assume you have decided to deliver your learning package using video. That's a good start, but you have some more thinking to do and decisions to make.

There are some options regarding delivery technique, which include the following:

• A recorded slideshow, where you create everything presentation-style using software such as Microsoft PowerPoint
• A recorded audio-visual lecture, perhaps incorporating a slide presentation
• A computer desktop recording, where you demonstrate how to operate a system, software package, or website
• Location video, where you make a movie of someone doing a task
• Animations or stock images and footage
• A whiteboard presentation, where you draw the information on a real or virtual whiteboard while recording video

In all cases, a vital learning aid is an audio recording with commentary about what is being shown on screen. While it is possible to have a mute video, or one with only music, as a standalone method, this will not be as effective instructionally.

All the delivery methods mentioned in the preceding list can be very effective. The important point is to make a decision about what methods you are going to use and think about how doing it this way will help reach your learning goals.

We will delve into the topic of delivery methods in various places in this book, including a wrap-up in Chapter 8, Deploying Your E-learning Video to the Web or LMS.