Scaling Practical Training using Videos
Summary of the flowcharts
Let’s take a very common example in the electrotechnology sector: A Simple Circuit.
In both approaches, the trainer would conduct introduction, facilitation and final discussion as a class activity.
Traditional Approach
- Live demonstrations repeated for each group
- Other groups wait, leading to disengagement and distraction
- Students rely on notes and memory during practical work
- High trainer involvement
Total time ~1.5 hours
Improved approach
- Pre-recorded demonstration replaces repeated live demos
- Students can replay content as needed during practical work
- Trainer provides targeted support where required
- Reduced repetition
Total time ~1 hour
Example of a reusable content
While I was conducting a workshop at TAFE Queensland, I recorded a short video where I was showing trainers how to use PracStreamer and how to create their own reusable practical videos.
The clip below is taken from the part of the session where I’m explaining a simple circuit, which is why it fits directly with this article. The video is very candid. It includes small mistakes, pauses, and background activity from the session itself.
I’ve shared it this way to show that reusable practical videos do not need to be highly polished or professionally produced. As long as the audio is clear and the work can be seen clearly, the content can be reused again and again.
A Simple Circuit Video
Closing thoughts
This article isn’t about changing the fundamentals of practical training. The hands-on work and the trainer’s role on the floor remain essential. What changes is how repeated explanations are handled.
- Capture repeatable explanations once
- Free up trainer time for practical support
- Reduce disengagement and unnecessary repetition
- Give students a clear reference to build confidence
Which parts of your practical delivery do you repeat every intake, and what would change if those explanations were already available to your students?