Using Videos as Learning Content

About Using a Video as Learning Content

There are two factors to consider before adding video as an online learning content in LMS:

1. Size of the file
   
   Since LMS is a web-based application, you should minimize size of any downloaded file to improve learner experience. A large video file is more likely to encounter resolution and buffering issues that affects the viewing experience. On the other hand, a small file size which maintains high quality and streams easily, may motivate more learners to view the video.

2. Video file format

There can be significant differences in size between file formats depending on the method of compression. Rapid movement and flashy material in the video can add to the file size. These files are difficult to compress without affecting the quality of the video. As you probably know, the last 3 or 4 letters on the end of a video file’s name indicates format or file container. Just like .doc indicates a Microsoft Word file, .mov indicates a QuickTime movie file, .wmv stands for Windows Media Video, and .flv stands for Adobe Flash Video. If you are purchasing the video content from an outside vendor, make sure the vendor can provide the content in one of the video file formats explained below:

• .WMV (Windows Media Video): Windows Media Video is used for both streaming and downloading content from the Internet. Microsoft’s Windows Media Player, an application bundled with Windows operating systems, is built for WMV files. WMV will give you one of the smallest final file sizes. Picture quality may be compromised if the video file is over-compressed to create an even smaller file size.
• .FLV(Flash Video): Flash video is a frequently used video sharing format on the web today. You will see the .FLV file extension on such videos, encoded by Adobe Flash software, that play within the Adobe Flash Player. Unfortunately, the FLV file must be either embedded in an SWF file using the Flash authoring tool or played from an external host such as YouTube. This document will cover instructions on adding SWF video or YouTube video to LMS.

How to Use a Video as Learning Content

There are two methods for delivering video in LMS:

Method 1: Using a Computer-based Training (CBT) Item

Method 2: Create a Lesson with Cells containing Video Content

 

Method 1 : Using a Computer-based Training (CBT) Item

Create a CBT type training item where the URL references the video file. The video file (.WMV or .SWF) can be uploaded to TrainingMine server if the size is less than 16 MB. If it is larger than this, it must be stored on a network share or your company’s intranet web site.

When a CBT training item does not have a test attached, the completion record shows "View"  as result. If you create and attach a test, a Pass/Fail record is kept. The video file will open in its native application. For example, a WMV file will open the Windows Media Player to play the video. The SWF file will open the Adobe Flash Player and play the video.

Use method 2, if you do not want these applications to open.

Method 2: Create a Lesson with Cells Containing Video Content

This method can be used if the learning content is provided as multiple video files with questions embedded between the video presentations, or if you want to use video from on-line video site such as YouTube.

Video File	Procedure
WMV or .SMF	Follow procedure Add WMV or SWF Video to Lesson Cells
YouTube	Follow procedure Add YouTube Video to Lesson Cells

 

Follow the steps provided below to create a lesson cell with WMV or SWF video content.

Step	Action
1	Select  from the toolbar.
2	Do you want this to be the first cell in a topic? If Yes, select the topic. If No, select the cell below which you want to add the new cell.
3	Select Cell: Add on the Action toolbar. Result: The Add Cell window displays with a default cell title entered automatically.
4	Enter a new Cell Title that is relevant to the cell's content. Note: The title is displayed to the learner when they view the lesson map. Cell type is automatically selected as display cell.
5	Select Next. Result: The Cell Content window displays.
6	Select Edit HTML. Result: The HTML editor opens, displaying the toolbar and cell content window.
7	Select and delete "Enter Cell Content Here" text. If needed, enter any other text relevant to the video to be displayed. Type (or copy/paste) video title or any other text relevant to the video to be displayed.
8	Place the curse in the location where the video needs to be inserted, then select the Insert/Edit Embedded Media icon from the toolbar. Result: The changes you made in the HTML editor window are converted into HTML code and transferred to the cell content window.
9	Select Finish.
10	Select the Preview tab to preview the cell.
11	Repeat steps 2- 12 to add more cells containing videos.

 

Follow the steps provided below create a lesson cell with YouTube content.

Step	Action
1	Select  from the toolbar.
2	Do you want this to be the first cell in a topic? If Yes, select the topic. If No, select the cell below which you want to add the new cell.
3	Select Cell: Add on the Action toolbar. Result: The Add Cell window displays with a default cell title entered automatically.
4	Enter a new Cell Title that is relevant to the cell's content. Note: The title is displayed to the learner when they view the lesson map. Cell type is automatically selected as display cell.
5	Select Next. Result: The Cell Content window displays.
6	Select Edit HTML. Result: The HTML editor opens, displaying the toolbar and cell content window.
7	Select and delete "Enter Cell Content Here" text. If needed, enter any other text relevant to the video to be displayed. Type (or copy/paste) video title or any other text relevant to the video to be displayed.
8	Paste the text copied from the YouTube Embed link. To do this, right-click the mouse and select Paste from the options displayed. Alternately, press CTRL + V on the keyboard to paste.. Result: The embedded code will be added to the cell content window.
9	Select Finish.
10	Select the Preview tab to preview the cell.
11	Repeat steps 2- 9 to add more cells containing videos.