Have you noticed that a lot of videos are just a person staring at you on the screen and talking? I have. It's one of my pet peeves, actually. I find it horribly distracting for some reason. When I'm watching them, I find myself almost hypnotized into an altered state of consciousness where I have hyper focus on imperfections or quirks and almost no awareness of the words being said.
I've spent countless hours watching instructional videos over the years and am thankful that they have saved me even more hours of reading. Yet, I often feel let down by the “talking head” format, which typically presents a static view of someone speaking. I've felt ashamed about this, in fact, as though I'm not truly as appreciative as I should be of all the technological advantages and resources I have at my fingertips. But I often find this approach to learning doesn't quite do the job. I can't tell you how many instructional videos I've watched where I could give countless details on stray hairs, blemishes, jewelry, or clothing from the video, yet would struggle to come up with one sentence summarizing the content. I could describe and even reenact an accent or lisp, but I couldn't list the main topics.
As an educator, I've realized how essential it is to incorporate visuals, sounds, and interactive experiences into my lessons. This week, I had the task of creating a video for a course and I came face-to-face with something I've disliked for years. I had to be the talking head. I typically stray from these kinds of videos, preferring screen captures, graphics, and animations. I prefer to show, rather than tell. From my own experiences, I find that concepts stick better when they come to life through dynamic and focused videos.
Capturing student attention is more important than ever. The traditional methods of teaching, mainly relying on text and lectures, often fall short in engaging modern learners who have grown up during media-rich times. We know that our brains process information better when we engage multiple senses. Videos give us an opportunity to see and hear and can be wonderful learning tools. But in a world where we're surrounded by flashy videos, visually boring videos can actually prevent learning. And telling rather than showing is the fastest way to get anyone to zone out.
A significant issue with many instructional videos is this heavy reliance on telling, often neglecting supportive visuals or hands-on demonstrations. I’ve experienced moments where I felt confused when what the head was saying was too abstract and complicated. I've thought numerous times in those moments that a simple graphic to follow the train of thought would have made all the difference.
My frustrations highlight a broader issue: poor awareness of the student experience in instructional design. Too many educators are stuck in the "sage on the stage" model of learning and seem to expect that students will eagerly sit at their feet hanging on their every word. The reality is that we all have far more distractions vying for our attention that are too often far more engaging. The best educators study those distractions and apply those tactics to deliver their content.
Powerful educational videos weave narratives that resonate with viewers, fostering a genuine connection. They do more than present facts; they tell a story that captures attention and enhances retention. They paint a picture of how the information matters, not just what it means.
Balancing aesthetics, information, and engagement can be challenging. As educators, we have a unique chance to revolutionize our teaching methods through multimedia. But we must step away from the limits of talking head videos and focus on more engaging formats. If we do, we can significantly boost student comprehension and excitement about learning. By embracing strong storytelling practices and enhancing our video production quality, we can offer students meaningful and unforgettable educational experiences where they might just remember more than the shape of the wrinkles on our foreheads.
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