Is AI generated video as GOOD as real video in learning?

There are many surprising things we can learn from research into video and learning. I have given many talks on the subject showing research on video and memory (the transience effect), does learning at x1.5 or x2 affect learning? Do segmentation, length, perspective, picture quality, audio and so on affect learning? Here are 15 THINGS that may shock you from the research… some will surprise you!

But is AI generated video as good as real video in learning?

Leiker et al (2023) in Generative AI for learning looked at this hypothesis.

The study took 83 adult learnersn randomly assigning them into 2 groups:
1.    Traditionally produced instructor video
2.    Video with realistic AI generated character
Pre and post learning assessment and survey data were used to determine what was learnt and how learners perceived the two types of video.

NO SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES
No significant differences were found in either learning or how the videos were perceived. They suggest that AI-generated synthetic, talking head learning videos (limited) are a viable substitute for videos.

This doesn't surprise me. I’ve been creating avatars of myself at increasing levels of fidelity in appearance, movement, lip-synch & voice, speaking many languages from Chinese to Zulu. This involved going into a studio for video capture and separate audio studio for voice capture. A range of services are available from Synthesia to Heygen. These avatars can be used as employees in management training, patients in healthcare training and customers in retail training.

SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES
Any form of human interaction can use this technique for training; in instructional videos, trigger videos, branched scenario videos and videos with additional AI generated learning experiences and assessment. In fact, the use of AI can lead to significant UPLIFTS in learning outcomes. In one trial with a client, before GenAI appeared, in 2020, AI enhanced learning resulted in a 61% increase in assessed learning.

INTERACTIVE CHARACTERS
We now have avatars that one can converse with using AI chatbot technology taking it to another level through scenarios and simulations, using real dialogue. We can expect tons of these to appear in computer games (OpenAI have dealings with GTA). But it is in training that they have huge potential. It has been impossible to create high fidelity simulations for soft skills in the past. I created a lot using fixed video clips in interviewing skills, conflict, language training and so on. They took a lot of time to design write and produce. These are about to get a lot quicker and cheaper.

CONCLUSION
The use of AI generated video is already here and will continue to evolve. We are not yet at the level of full drama but the direction of travel is clear.