Animated GIFs and videos
A series of images can show the steps someone needs to follow to accomplish a task, but sometimes, it may be easier to show the steps directly. There is also evidence to show that newer learners tend to prefer learning by visual means instead of text. So, for different reasons, a video of some form may be a better method for explaining a concept.
Animated graphical interchange format (GIFs) and videos share many of the same positives and negatives of images and add more besides. Here is a summary of things to consider.
On the positive side, videos and animated GIFs have the following advantages, they:
- Can show someone the steps to follow and the intended outcome directly
- Give someone the chance to follow along, pausing the video as they do
- Allow for some incidental and anecdotal practical advice while explaining a concept
- Depending on how you create and host a video, it can be more accessible than text with autogenerated transcripts...
