Training TV

For some time now, I've been lobbying anyone who will listen, that video instruction is the way of the future.

While we in I.T. consider the job done, as soon as the user manual is written (or whatever training documentation you currently use), we're usually wrong.

The done is done NOT when the materials are completed, but when the training is completed (and understood). And we can play a role in that effort.

The guys at 37signals have a post today on their blog detailing how they create their short instructional (promotional) videos.

While they typically use Macs and Mac based programs (then transition to a PC native program called Camtasia for pans and zooms), those of us who spend most of our time in the PC world can simply use Camtasia (or if your needs are very basic - Cam Studio, which is free.)

Your homework is to create a short video using whatever tools you wish. Once you discover how simple and effective it can be, you'll never write another user manual again. And you'll have an effective training product that gets used.