An e-mail newsletter for people who train staff who
serve people with developmental disabilities.

Are Videos Training?

Ellen Hierl
Education Specialist
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Like all trainers, your schedule is hectic. If there is any way to get a few more minutes in your day, you’ll do it. Maybe there is a way. Instead of doing a lot of preparation for a training session, why not just show a video. Not only does it save you the preparation time, but it also means you can just pop the video in and come back when it is done. But wait, are videos really training?

When are Videos Not Training?

Videos are not training when they are used as an exclusive substitute for interactive learning. Much is gained in learning experiences from students interacting with one another and with the instructor. If videos are simply watched and no interaction occurs, understanding and learning can suffer.

Videos are not training when no accountability for learning is present. A number of different factors are present here.

• Adult learners learn in many different ways. We should ensure they receive the desired outcome from the training. Videos may not provide this unless we have a way of measuring it.
• Sometimes learners will simply “pop in a video” while doing other work. It is doubtful they receive any training from this method of delivery.

Videos are not training when learners watch them for extended periods of time. Giving an employee a stack of videos to watch is not training. It doesn’t take long before they are no longer gleaning any information from the materials.

When are Videos Training?

Videos can be wonderful tools in your training program. Keep these things in mind as you use them.

• Get feedback from the person viewing the video. Ask questions about what was watched. These can be written or oral.
• Discuss content with learners. Videos can open the door to discussions among the learners. This way they learn from each other as well.
• Apply the materials to your particular situation. Following a video presentation, take the time to explain to the learners how these materials will be applied to their specific work environments.
• Augment the materials in the video. Why not take the learning a step further than the video and give some more information about the materials presented. Videos often make good introductions to learning situations.
• Use the video as part of an overall training plan. Videos can present a visual example of a specific area you are teaching. They become part of the training rather than the whole training.
• Practice the skills taught in the video. If the video taught hands-on skills, give the participants a chance to do the skill as soon after seeing the video as possible.
• Reinforce the learning through coaching. Coaching can be a great way to reinforce and apply the skills learned through video instruction.

When used improperly, videos may only be a way to say you met the “required training”. When used properly, they can be a wonderful addition to your training programs.

Ellen Hierl, Education Specialist
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.
About Ellen | Ask Ellen a Question

Share your training opinions with other SIDELINES readers.

Vote in this issue’s reader survey.

Last Issue’s Survey

During your training session, someone’s cell phone rings. Which best describes your course of action?

I ignore it and pretend I didn't hear it ringing.	8%
I give the person a nasty look and keep talking.	0%
I say excuse me, I must have forgotten to remind everyone to put their cell phones on mute.	71%
I ask the person to leave the classroom to take the call.	21%

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Save $10 on Staff Development Videos*

Purchase your staff education materials from Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., and receive $10 off each staff development video.*

This offer is only available through August 31, 2006. To redeem, simply visit Bethesda's Staff Development Catalog and enter discount code SAVE10 at checkout. You can also call 1.800.369.4636, ext. 3541, fax 920.262.6513 or e-mail ncrc@blhs.org and mention code SAVE10.

*Limited offer – order by August 31, 2006. This discount may be applied to an unlimited number of items, excluding Bethesda’s "Independent Study Modules."

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Bethesda remains steadfast in its efforts to provide you with new and updated staff development video titles. Shop Bethesda’s Staff Development Catalog

Human Rights: Honoring to Advocacy

All people are guaranteed certain rights regardless of the presence or absence of a disability. All staff persons have the important responsibility of assisting, guiding, educating, and supporting people with developmental disabilities to advocate for themselves as they exercise their rights in order to live happier, healthier lives as independently as possible.

Learn more and view a preview of
Human Rights: Honoring to Advocacy

Order by August 31, 2006 and save $10! Learn more.

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Six Newest Titles

Priced at just $25 per title, Bethesda’s Independent Study Modules offer an affordable and convenient method for staff training. Check out our newest titles and the 18-volume set:

• Assessing Behavior
• Basic Back Care
• Confidentiality
• Medication Effects and Reactions
• Pressure Sores and Inactivity
• Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Independent Study Module 18-volume Set
Individual titles from Bethesda’s collection of Independent Study Modules cost $25 each; however, you may now purchase all 18 titles in an 18-volume set for $375. That’s a $75 savings!

What are Independent Study Modules?

• Paper-based training presented in a self-paced format that is easy for staff to read and understand.
• A convenient alternative to traditional training classes, ideal for late-night or weekend-shift staff.
• Training content with accountability through interactive activities and competency testing.
• Versatile tools for self-directed individual study or for small-group training.
• A ready reference and great refresher for veteran staff.
• Conveniently packaged for storage in your filing cabinet or 3-ring binder.

What do Independent Study Modules include?

• Study manual
• Worksheet and answer key
• Competency measure and answer key
• Engaging activities
• Permission to make as many copies as your agency needs

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Subscribers to SIDELINES are automatically entered in a monthly drawing for a FREE single video of their choice. If you receive an e-mail from SIDELINES with the subject, “SIDELINES Video Drawing,” all you have to do is reply within one week and the video of your choice from Bethesda’s Staff Development Catalog is free!

This issue’s winner is Julie Zanoff from Bona Vista Programs in Kokomo, Ind. Julie selected “Understanding Behaviors: Building Positive Supports” as her free video.

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Bethesda’s Develop Your Staff Section
www.blhs.org/resources/developStaff/

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www.blhs.org/resources/developStaff/catalog/
New Video Release
- Human Rights: Honoring to Advocacy
New Independent Study Modules
- Assessing Behavior
- Basic Back Care
- Confidentiality
- Medication Effects and Reactions
- Pressure Sores and Inactivity
- Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
- Independent Study Module 18-volume Set

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Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.
Attn: National Christian Resource Center (NCRC)
600 Hoffmann Dr.
Watertown, WI 53094

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920.262.6513 (fax)
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© 2006 Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.