Why Use Videos for Instruction
Videos are an effective medium for instruction. They can be shared across multiple platforms and viewed by a global audience — needing only an internet connection. Viewers can watch videos at their own pace, on their own time, and from anywhere. This flexibility is particularly helpful for busy people or those with varying schedules. Once the video is made, it can be used repeatedly without additional costs, allowing it to reach many learners.
QIP has produced hundreds of videos over the years. An important category of videos we develop are “instructional” — videos that use a combination of audio and visual elements to teach a viewer about a topic, skill, product, or service.
What Are Instructional Videos
Instructional videos teach or explain a concept, skill, or process in a clear, step-by-step manner. They often incorporate elements like screen recordings, voice-over narration, animations, or a combination of all three to guide viewers through detailed procedures. Unlike motion graphic videos, which often visually simplify abstract or complex ideas through animated icons, text, and data, instructional videos focus on clarity and structure for practical application.
While instructional videos can include motion graphics and live-action footage, their primary goal is to support active learning and ensure that viewers can follow along and apply what they've learned through headings, numbered steps, and clear actions that can be paused and re-watched as needed to confirm comprehension and understanding.
Our Process
QIP develops instructional videos that combine screen recordings and animated graphics to walk viewers through a step-by-step process. Our videos often use narrators to explain what is happening and why it matters, ensures the information is clear and engaging. Throughout the video development process, QIP works closely with subject matter experts to ensure the content is accurate and tailored to the needs of the target audience. The information is adapted into a script that follows plain language best practices and supports clear sequencing. We also use on-screen visuals—such as headers, numbers, and other cues—to help viewers skim and better understand the content.
Examples of QIP-Produced Instructional Videos
How Do I Export More Than 2K Records from an ERIC API Search?
ERIC (the Education Resources Information Center) is an online library of education research and information of the U.S. Department of Education. Many of ERIC’s users are educators, librarians and researchers. Our staff developed a short, instructional video that guides ERIC users through ERIC’s application programming interface. The video walks through the ways users can save more than 2,000 records at a time.
How ERIC Can Help You Write a Research Paper
QIP developed one of ERIC’s most watched videos — an instructional video that shows students how to use the ERIC search to find articles they need to write an education-focused research paper. Through a combination of engaging visuals and screen captures, the video provides instruction on how to narrow your topic, use search filters, and take advantage of the ERIC Thesaurus to target specific resources.
