I just recently taught my course on "Building Spreadsheets That Last".
In it, I actually show a video that was written by Ross on Workbook Structure protection. I like Ross's video, as it shows some interesting tricks with the features. You can find Ross's video on YouTube here. (Sorry Ross, tried to point it to your blog, but can't find the post there any more!)
A while back, my RibbonX co-author Robert also recorded some videos.
I'm curious to know what people think of videos in the training scope. Do you prefer books, videos, forums, other things, or a combination of all of the above when you are learning?
I've always been someone who likes to get a book in their hands (or a whitepaper), then try to get into things by hand. As I find myself teaching, though, I'm starting to wonder if delivering a more complete package is in order. I already give a live presentation, with a case study to work through, but I'd also like to write up an e-Book of my most popular course. The big question is... should I be also contemplating adding video to it? Does anyone like that option, or is it just a move toward being pirated?
4 thoughts on “Excel Videos”
Ken -
Personally I prefer a book. Given a choice between a web page with text and static graphics and a video, I'll always go with the regular page. Videos take too long to get to the meat, and provide a rather poor information-to-time ratio. Videos are difficult to navigate (i.e., go back to the part you need), and you can't just copy and paste part or print it out.
I know other people have different learning styles. I don't know how typical my preferences are.
Books, white papers and magazines are my favorites. The main reason is two folded:
1. I can make my notes and go back to previously chapters.
2. I can bring them with me no matter what.
Kind regards,
Dennis
I think video is better for stuff you really dont know and you have to do a lot of interaction, i.e, puting a new order in to a system, and then editing it. If you want to know how to best programe some function or do some complex code then a book etc is better.
Both Debra Dalgleish at Contextures and Nick Hodge at Excel User Group have some video or live screen shows captured. For certain topics these are outstanding, especially when there are a sequence of screens and steps required, or when 1 picture >= 100 words and screen captures.