Explainer videos are becoming increasingly important in the education sector. They offer an effective way of conveying complex topics in a clear and understandable way. Especially in schools, universities and vocational training, explanatory videos can facilitate learning and increase learner engagement. In this article, we show how explanatory videos can enrich lessons and how teachers and educational institutions can make the best use of them.
The cognitive theory of multimedia learning
The Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning by Richard E. Mayer, a leading psychologist at the University of California, provides an important scientific basis for the use of explanatory videos. In his third edition of the book, published in 2020 “Multimedia Learning” Mayer explains that people process information better when it is conveyed via two channels: visual and verbal. He explains that learners who work with multimedia content have a better understanding and a higher retention rate.
One of his studies shows that learners who work with multimedia videos achieve up to 30% better learning results than those who only learn with text materials. This is because audiovisual content appeals to both the visual and auditory channels, significantly improving comprehension and retention.
The advantages of explainer videos in the education sector
- Complex content explained simply
Explanatory videos combine visual, audio and often interactive elements that can significantly increase learning success. Especially for complex topics such as science or mathematics, where abstract concepts are often difficult to understand, explanatory videos offer a clear, descriptive alternative to purely text-based learning methods. - Flexible and self-directed learning
Another advantage of explanatory videos is the flexibility they offer learners. Students can watch the videos at any time and from anywhere – in the classroom, at home or on the move. This flexibility is particularly valuable in the context of the flipped classroom approach, where learners prepare content at home and then delve deeper into it in class. This leaves more time in class for discussion and practice. They can pause, rewind or watch videos several times to better understand difficult topics. - Increasing motivation and attention
Videos are entertaining and arouse students’ interest more than traditional teaching methods. With well-produced explanatory videos, teachers can motivate their students with exciting stories, animations and sound effects. Studies show that students learn better when they are emotionally engaged – an advantage that explanatory videos offer thanks to their appealing design. For example, a traditional frontal math lesson in which a teacher dryly recites formulas on the blackboard can quickly become monotonous and unmotivating for students. If, on the other hand, the same topic is presented in an explanatory video that contains animations, clear examples and interactive elements, learners’ interest and understanding will increase. - Promoting barrier-free learning
Explanatory videos can be made inclusive with subtitles or sign language overlays. This also benefits people with hearing or visual impairments.
Possible uses of explanatory videos in education
Explanatory videos in the classroom
Teachers use explanatory videos to illustrate complex topics. One example from our portfolio is the explanatory video for the meinKlett platform from Klett und Balmer Verlag. It explains how pupils can make optimum use of the digital learning platform.
Explanatory videos in vocational training
In vocational orientation and training, explanatory videos can provide practical insights into various occupational fields. One example of this is our video “Xenia’s path to becoming a car developer” for SwissSkills. This animated explanatory video not only tells Xenia’s story, but also visually illustrates how young talents can achieve their dream job. The focus is on the educational path you have to go through to work in automotive development. Step by step, the video shows the different stages of education and how they build on each other to achieve the desired profession.
By using animations, complex educational paths can be presented in a simple and understandable way. Viewers are given a clear overview of the steps required to achieve career goals – in an appealing and easy-to-understand way.
Explanatory videos in higher education
Many universities rely on video content to make academic content more accessible. Explanatory videos are perfect for online lectures and digital learning platforms.
Explanatory videos in adult education
Whether in continuing education or when onboarding new employees – animated videos can help to quickly communicate complex company processes or new software solutions.
Interactive explanatory videos and learning checks
In addition to traditional explanatory videos, interactive videos can also be used to actively involve learners. For example, they can make decisions or answer quiz questions to check their understanding. This form of video learning not only increases attention, but also promotes sustainable learning through direct application.
Create explanatory videos yourself - tips for teachers and educational institutions
Target group-oriented storytelling
A clear, understandable story is the key to a good explainer video. The focus should be on the target group. Primary school pupils require a different approach than young people or adults. The video should be divided into simple, consecutive steps so that the content is clearly structured and easy to follow.
Use suitable tools and resources
There are numerous user-friendly tools and platforms for creating explanatory videos that can be used even without much experience. Software such as Canva, Powtoon or VideoScribe offer ready-made templates and simple animation tools that teachers can use to create videos cost-effectively. Alternatively, educational institutions can also hire external agencies to create professionally produced explanatory videos.
Integrate interactive elements
Interactive videos that actively involve the learner in the process are particularly effective. Quiz questions that are displayed at certain points in the video or tasks that allow the learner to apply what they have seen directly promote understanding and help students to apply what they have learned immediately. This turns the video from a passive to an active learning medium.
Conclusion: Explanatory videos as the key to modern learning
Explanatory videos in education offer numerous advantages – from making complex topics easier to understand to increasing motivation and flexibility for learners. Scientific studies show that audiovisual content makes learning more effective and increases engagement in the long term. Interactive videos with learning checks or quizzes in particular can further improve learning success.
Whether in schools, universities or adult education – the use of explanatory videos is a valuable addition to teaching and offers a wide range of opportunities to impart knowledge in a clear and sustainable way. If you want to create explanatory videos professionally, you can rely on user-friendly tools or the support of a specialized video agency.
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Dustin Bättig | CEO
