When to use video v. software simulation for EHR software training

Hi Corey and welcome to the community!

Videos are a good option for explaining simple "how-tos" and are easy for people to reference later. Software simulations are a strong fit for when people need low-stakes practice to get comfortable with a skill or process. This article on the difference between screencasts and software simulations goes into even more detail on when to use each one.

But one of the great things about instructional design challenges like this is there are usually multiple solutions that work. Chances are either option you're considering would help your audience. Veronica Nalley's suggestion is also worth considering: use both together. Use videos to share how the new system processes work and then let people practice what they just learned in a software simulation.

A few other things to consider:

• You said the audience isn't excited about this change. I'd second Judy Nollet's suggestion to open with what's in it for them. That can get them to care more about your content, whichever way you choose to present it.
• You mentioned this audience has low computer skills. Chunking your content so it breaks down new processes into smaller tasks could get people comfortable faster. It would also make your resources easier to revisit if they get stuck when using the new system.
• Software simulations are excellent for practice. But they do take time to go through, so consider if your audience needs that level of assistance. Depending on the complexity of the system, they might be equally well supported with something like a one-pager on system process steps and be happy the training took less time.

I hope this was helpful and let me know if you have any follow-up questions!