For 2017, perhaps one of the hottest learning and training tools is Video. The benefits are numerous!  It offers another modality of learning.  It is engaging.  It is preferred by Millennials (the largest segment of today’s workforce), with nearly two-thirds wanting it over text (per eLearning Industry).  In addition, visuals are processed 60,000 times faster in the brain than text, to the point where one minute of video equals 1.8M words (per Forrester research).  

Yet, many in the Learning & Development community still have concerns over certain barriers to its implementation and question its use. Whether you have access to an entire video library, or you are just considering this route, let’s dispel some of these concerns. After all, technology, including Scrimmage’s solutions, is moving quickly to make it a type of training accessible to all, easy to consume, memorable and enjoyable.  We hope it helps with your conversations in 2017.  

Broadband connections and Internet bandwidths are rapidly increasing around the world. Videos are now more easily accessed on every mobile device, including smartphones, iPads, phablets (the hottest selling device for the holidays) and laptops. Moreover, modern learning platforms integrate innovative technologies to streamline a learner’s experience; thus, encourage engagement.  Scrimmage has two recent introductions to its mobile platform that ensure a fluid learner experience, including Content On Demand and Content Storage features. 

Content On Demand allows for a vast library of videos (meaning hundreds and even thousands) to be available for a learner to select and download, as desired, or needed. These downloaded videos are also available offline, at anytime, anywhere (i.e. on a plane, on a train) and can be deleted to free up storage on the learner’s device. However, the library always remains available for future reference and easy download. 

Content Storage is another capability from Scrimmage to support video files, as it is truly a “learning locker.” Learners are able to save files of any size, including images, videos, or documents, directly in the application, which allows them to view these assets from any device. Administrators are also able to easily load user specific content into the learner’s “locker.” 

Video is actually a form of content that can be highly engaging, interactive, as well as offer knowledge reinforcement and knowledge checks. On the Scrimmage platform, videos may be used as scenario-based learning to mimic real-life actions, as well as be integrated into quizzes, or our gamification platform. Meanwhile, there are other interactive mechanisms (i.e. accessing content libraries, or additional activities), 2D/3D animation and virtual elements becoming more and more available in video-led content to increase engagement rates.

Tip: 

With attention spans shrinking today, it is vital to pay attention to the length of this video-led content.  The shorter modules, ten minutes or less, tend to increase learner and knowledge retention rates.  Bite-sized videos, typically 1-3 minutes, are another option for learning, especially for modular learning, as well as to build upon the content.

Stryker Orthopeadics (NYSE: SYK) discovers a new outlet for its mobile learning platform. With the international growth of its product line, Stryker Orthopaedics needed to overhaul its training resources and fragmented infrastructure to aggressively meet the different (country-specific) technology, cultural and regulatory needs. To streamline its processes, as well as its numerous learning applications, platforms and LMSs, a consolidated application (web-based + Native iOS) was implemented via the Scrimmage mobile platform for its 8,000+ global sales reps. 

Meanwhile, this overhaul brought a second training initiative to the forefront. Leadership saw another opportunity to expand its product materials and educational training to be made available via an external, secure mobile application for its client base of surgeons and resellers in the US market. Its utility to have resources from this newly centralized platform with relevant materials available at any time, anywhere, on any device for its customers seemed like the perfect fit. It also proved to be a valuable support piece and competitive advantage for the sales reps, as its customer base would have easy, 24/7 access to the product information.

Brandon Hall Group recognizes Scrimmage with a GOLD 2016 Excellence in Technology Award in Mobile Sales Enablement and Performance Tools. We’d love to chat with you about how the Scrimmage platform can empower your sales teams!

At its International Conference and Expo this May, Scrimmage is to receive a coveted ATD (Association for Talent Development) Excellence in Practice Honorable Mention Citation Award in the Learning Technologies Category. The Award is based on our Gamification tool - let’s review how this solution engages your learners, builds your team and reinforces their knowledge!

With a new year, new resolutions and new aspirations, we offer this thought as encouragement in your amazing work endeavors, your personal activities and your overall vision. 

SCRIMMAGE is a modern technology firm featuring the latest mobile learning and engagement tools serving global businesses from Fortune 100 companies to SMBs. The company works closely with its clients to build a customized, scalable and secure platform for all static and dynamic content, along with a full suite of learning solutions, including award-winning gamification, social collaboration and robust data reporting. Scrimmage’s cutting-edge technology also allows for the integration of legacy LMSs to a mobile platform. Founded in 2010, Scrimmage has enjoyed over 475M platform interactions on a worldwide basis to more than 50 enterprise clients across a spectrum of industries.