ERIC Number: EJ1087686
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Jan
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1547-500X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Do Visual Aids Really Matter? A Comparison of Student Evaluations before and after Embedding Visuals into Video Lectures
Fish, Kristine; Mun, Jungwon; A'Jontue, RoseAnn
Journal of Educators Online, v13 n1 p194-217 Jan 2016
Educational webcasts or video lectures as a teaching tool and a form of visual aid have become widely used with the rising prevalence of online and blended courses and with the increase of web-based video materials. Thus, research pertaining to factors enhancing the effectiveness of video lectures, such as number of visual aids, is critical. This study compared student evaluations before and after embedding additional visual aids throughout video lectures in an online course. Slide transitions occurred on average every 40 seconds for the pre-treatment group with approximately 600 visuals total, compared to slide transitions every 10 seconds for the post-treatment group with approximately 2,000 visuals total. All students received the same audio recordings. Research questions addressed are: (1) Are student perceptions of the effectiveness of examples used to illustrate concepts affected by number of visual aids? (2) Is the extent to which students feel engaged during the lectures affected by number of visual aids? (3) Are students' perceived overall learning experiences affected by number of visual aids? Surprisingly, results indicate that for questions #1 and #3, student ratings of those who viewed videos with "fewer" visuals rated their experiences "higher" than students who viewed more visuals. There was no significant difference found for question #2. Conclusion: Although some visuals have been shown to enhance learning, too many visuals may be a deterrent to learning.
Descriptors: Visual Aids, Comparative Analysis, Student Evaluation, Learning Experience, Video Technology, Computer Mediated Communication, Electronic Learning, Online Courses, Blended Learning, Web Based Instruction, Technology Uses in Education, Instructional Effectiveness, Educational Technology, Undergraduate Students, Instructional Materials, Higher Education, Likert Scales, Online Surveys
Journal of Educators Online. 500 University Drive, Dothan, AL 36303. Web site: http://www.thejeo.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A