Information About

Videobooks




Videobooks are different from many Computer-based Training (CBT) models in that videobook videos are typically in a shareable/portable (non-proprietary) format. They also differ in the content delivery


KEY COMPONENTS OF A VIDEOBOOK

A videobook is typically a single website or subdomain in order to make it easier on the viewer to locate the videos in the videobook.
  • Downloadable videos

  • Videos are usually 5-25 minutes in length and focus on teaching a specific task (task-based videos)

  • User can watch the videos in any order they wish; the videos are presented in a recommended order but, due to the downloadble model, users can download and watch videos in any sequence

  • Require no Internet connection to watch the video (Internet connection is required to download the video however)

  • Videos are portable and non-proprietary - users can watch the video on any computer and most portable devices

  • Low cost, often between $10 and $50 for a subscription

  • Target market is usually the individual instead of a corporation or company department



  • COMPETITION AND COMPARISON

    Videobooks often get lumped in with CBTs ( Computer-based Training ) and E-learning yet they are distinctly different. A comparative analysis of each is listed below:
    Computer-based Training (CBT) is a very effective medium for training employees. Although it offers an excellent ROI, CBTs often carries a high start-up cost for business looking to implement and are therefore marketed mostly to companies/departments (cost is often too high for an individual to purchase). CBTs are an excellent tool for training and can feature online (trackable) quizzes, excellent examples and 3D motion video. Many CBTs can be viewed offline (no connection to the Internet may ever be required) and most CBTs are delivered via CD-ROM or DVD via postal mail or in-store purchase. CBTs are historically proprietary and often require special software to be installed on the user's computer.

    E-learning and videobooks are also often compared due to the fact that both models use the web for content delivery. The main differences between the two are cost (e-learning is typically not a low-cost medium), target market (e-learning has historically been too expensive for individuals and so the target market has primarily been companies and departments), and portability (e-learning requires an Internet connection to participate).


    SEE ALSO