This blog is Part 4 of our PLM eLearning Design Series, where we explore different interactive features and strategies that transform static content into engaging, learner-centered experiences. This blog addresses how videos bring eLearning to life in ways text and static images can’t.
Sometimes the most powerful way to teach isn’t to explain—it’s to show. Videos are perfect for demonstrating a process, showing a real-world scenario, or telling a story that resonates emotionally.
For example, a PLM training course on Engineering Change Requests could include a short video demonstrating the step-by-step creation of a change request. Customer service training could feature a role-play video showing effective versus ineffective handling of customer inquiries. These examples translate abstract concepts into clear, real-world applications.
Videos also engage multiple senses—visual and auditory—making them especially effective for learners who prefer to “see it done.” When used strategically, they provide authenticity and context that make content stick.
In summary, it is best practice to use videos when:
- You need to show a process, behavior, or real-world example in action.
- Emotional impact, storytelling, or demonstration enhances learning.
- Learners benefit from visual + auditory input (e.g., complex processes).
Don’t rely solely on screenshots and diagrams. Integrate short, purposeful videos to enhance clarity, engagement, and emotional impact. What’s one process in your PLM training that learners would better understand by seeing it in action?
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If you would like to review the other blogs in the series, you can access them via the links below.
1. How Tabs Simplify eLearning Content
2. How Click-to-Reveal Boosts Curiosity in eLearning
3. Why Simulations Are Essential for Software Training
4. The Power of Video in eLearning
5. Leveraging Characters to Make eLearning More Conversational and Scenario-Driven
6. The Value of Knowledge Checks Throughout Training
7. How Interactive Video Engages Learners
8. Why Navigation Matters in eLearning
9. How Avatars Enhance eLearning Engagement
About the Author
More Content by Barb Nash
