How-To Capture Workflows: Device Recording

Article Overview

SMEs can use the native, or 3rd party, recording feature on the learner's device to record workflows.  If the microphone is enabled, SMEs can also provide voiceover instructions and context during the recording instead of creating additional written resources for the curriculum development team.  This article will (1) provide pros|considerations, (2) walk you through the capture process, and (3) offer best practices.

1. PROS | Considerations
2. Workflow Capture Instructions
3. Best Practices

1) PROS | Considerations

PROS 

• Only a single resource needs to be submitted for lesson development (mp4)
• Screen ratios match perfectly to ensure an authentic simulation
• Efficient lesson preparation for the SME
• Fewer points of failure in the workflow capture, sequencing, and development

CONSIDERATIONS

• IT may need to get involved on the frontend to make sure the SME device has recording functionality
• If the lesson is consumed on a PC, it is crucial to establish standardized workflow capture resolutions
• Workflow capture best practices are ESSENTIAL to timely curriculum development
• Some interactivity that is available in an html file is not available when creating interactive elements from scratch

2) Workflow Capture Instructions

Prerequisite Tasks

• Acquire a learner's device for the SME to use when capturing screen recordings 
• Involve IT if the device does not have screen recording or microphone functionality enabled
• If capturing on a computer, identify a standard resolution and have all SMEs capture every workflow at the same resolution
  • ex: 1920x1080 (Full HD), or 1366x768 (HD), etc.
• Identify the process for transferring mp4 recordings off of the device
• Create a (PC accessible) digital storage system for the SME workflow recordings
• Provide digital storage system permissions to the curriculum development team

Project management tasks (such as lesson requests, resource handoff procedures, curriculum development tracking, etc.) are out of scope for this article.

Recording Instructions 

1. Open target application on a learner device 
2. Make sure the application screen is properly sized
   1. If using a device, the application should default to fill the screen
   2. If using a computer, you should set your screen ratio|resolution to match the agreed upon settings prior to capture
3. Navigate to the first screen where the targeted workflow begins (keep in mind, these are microlessons, so you don't need to start every lesson at the application's landing screen)
4. Launch screen recorder with microphone enabled [iOS instructions | Android instructions]
5. Return to the lesson's application
6. Explain your actions and provide context while completing the linear workflow (include anything you feel is notable, your curriculum designer would prefer more to less information)
7. End the recording
8. Follow your established transfer procedures to move the recording from the device and into your digital storage system

3) Best Practices

Device & Screen Considerations

• Whenever possible, record your video on the same type of device the learner will be using.  
  • This ensures screen size compatibility and the best viewing experience.
  • In the event you cannot capture on a learner's device, a mobile to desktop projection is superior to recording a video conference call.
• Choose portrait or landscape recording to reflect the desired learning environment's viewing orientation.
• If recording a desktop application, establish a standard resolution used for every SME workflow capture.
• Once recording begins, do not change your screen size by rotating a device or dragging a corner.

Remove On-Screen Distractors

• If recording on a computer, keep your pointer off-screenas much as possible so you can get a clean capture of each lesson screen.
  • Pro-Tip:  Build the habit of not talking with the mouse visible on the screen.  Try clicking, moving your mouse offscreen, then providing context for that step of the workflow.  Repeat for each learner action on each screen.    
• Either while recording, or when editing inside of Skyllful's design studio, screens should be cropped to omit distractors such as the time, battery, or signal strength. This is most important when a lesson is deployed on a mobile device with limited screen size.
• Do not use a screen recorder that places a watermark, or any other visual, onto your recording.
• Turn off notifications while recording.

Provide Verbal Context

• Start your recording by stating the learning objective (how you want the workflow introduced to learners).
• Provide context for both the overall workflow and individual steps.
  • Verbally indicate the actions you are taking.
  • Share context surrounding the processes.
  • Share friction points or commonly made mistakes.
• Avoid recording in a location where there is a lot of background noise or your curriculum designer may not hear your instructions and context.
• Use company nomenclature while recording.

Linear | Microlearning Workflows

• Ensure your processes are linear. 
  • If you have branching scenarios, it is best to create multiple lessons (each with its own recording) so learners can see each process from beginning to end.
• Learners have a limited working memory; focusing on microlearning aids in retention and application of content.  
  • Learning outcomes in the Skyllful platform have peaked when micro-lessons are completed within ~15 steps.  
    • Pro-Tip:  When your workflow requires drilling down, you can oftentimes skip the middle drilling steps and still meet the learning objective.
  • If you have a single workflow that significantly exceeds this best practice, Skyllful offers flexible design approaches to achieve microlearning mastery for the lengthier workflows:
    • Consider:  1 comprehensive video, multiple smaller walkthrough & practice segments, and 1 comprehensive knowledge check.
    • Consider:  Breaking down the workflow into multiple complete lessons (video, walkthrough, practice, and knowledge check).  Then follow that with a single, comprehensive knowledge check.

Internal Video Review

• If the SME making the video is not going to be the individual approving lesson content made by Skyllful, have the approver review the video before submitting this lesson request.