Re: how useful are video tutorials/screencasts?

[Chantel Brathwaite <brathwaitec -at- castupgrade -dot- com>]

"Do you make these for your audiences? "

Before I did, but not so much now.  My only deliverables are PDF 
text-based documents at the moment.  I'm not authorized to anything else 
(nor do I really have time to branch out to do anything else).

However, most of the other technical writing jobs that I've had in the 
past were very different.  Even if I were tasked with creating a manual 
or online help, I could do other things once the work was done.  
Consequently, I did all sorts of neat things including CBTs and WBTs, 
video, graphics, posters, marketing materials  - in addition to 
programming and database work.  Often the customer gave me free reign so 
I could really use my entire skillset and could be very creative.

"What kind of reaction do you get (I'm happy to garner informal, 
anecdotal feedback from professionals at this point, but if you do have 
statistical/empirical evidence, please feel free to throw it out my way)?"

I've not received any negative feedback.  Usually, people who are visual 
learners like this a lot.  Sometimes a picture is truly worth a thousand 
words.  I've never heard of anyone being annoyed at videos.  I think 
videos work extremely well for certain topics.  For example, in my 
current position, there are some things that I make a series of still 
images for (almost like a filmstrip).  I think video is also great for 
"quick start" information or introduction to basic features - type 
information.  It provides a great overview.  But, for more in-depth 
informatiom, like setting up a series of IP addresses to that different 
machines can communicate in a closed network, or lots of shots of static 
screens, I think text is more effective.

"Equally, I'm interested in your gut-feeling as a user about these. I 
use video tutorials for some students in my teaching work, but oddly I 
don't like using them myself."

I personally love watching videos and anything interactive.  I also 
enjoy the entire process of writing the script, directing the actors (if 
required), operating the camera and capturing sound, editing, adding 
music, etc.   But I'm hugely biased ... I just got an MA in Digital Media.


Chantel

On 8/17/2011 8:13 AM, Phil Stokes wrote: