Study-related Use of Instructional Videos by Undergraduate Engineering Students

Abstract

[EN] In this paper, a questionnaire-based survey on the use of online videos by undergraduate engineering students for study-related purposes is presented. Over the last few years, a large number of instructional videos has been uploaded to websites such as YouTube. Due to the widespread distribution of high-speed internet connections and (mobile) devices, such as smartphones or laptops, which are nowadays routinely used by students, online videos are also frequently used in higher education. While much research on this subject focuses on Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) or flipped classroom approaches, this survey examines use of videos for self-study, complementary to traditional face-to-face courses. Furthermore, we analyze the acceptance of a characteristic video production style, which uses specific 3D animations to clarify complex connections between technical and mathematical aspects. The results indicate extensive use of short videos which address subjects that are particularly difficult for the students. This survey can help educators to develop an impression of current video use by undergraduate engineering students. In this paper, a questionnaire-based survey on the use of online videos by undergraduate engineering students for study-related purposes is presented. Especially over the last few years, a large number of instructional videos has been uploaded to websites such as YouTube. Due to the widespread distribution of high-speed internet connections and (mobile) devices, such as smartphones or laptops, which are nowadays routinely used by students, online videos are also frequently used in higher education. While much research on this subject focuses on Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) or flipped classroom approaches, this survey examines usage behavior concerning the apparently much more common use of videos for self-study, complementary to traditional face-to-face courses. Furthermore, we analyze the acceptance of a characteristic video production style using specific 3D animations to clarify complex connections between technical and mathematical aspects. The results indicate that short videos addressing subjects that are particularly difficult for the students are extensively used. Additionally, this survey can help educators to develop a realistic understanding of current video use by undergraduate engineering students.