scholarly journals What is the best way for developers to learn new software tools? An empirical comparison between a text and a video tutorial

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verena Käfer ◽  
Daniel Kulesz ◽  
Stefan Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Software Tool ◽  
Empirical Comparison ◽  
Huge Number ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Software Developers ◽  
Video Tutorial ◽  
Video Tutorials ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness

Tutorials for software developers are supposed to help them to adapt to new tools quickly. While in the early days of computing, mostly text tutorials were available, nowadays software developers can choose among a huge number of tutorials for almost any popular software tool. However, almost no research was conducted to understand how text tutorials differ from other tutorials, which tutorial types are preferred and, especially, which tutorial types yield the best learning experience in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. To evaluate these questions, we converted a “proven” video tutorial for a novel software tool into a content-equivalent text tutorial. We then conducted an experiment in three groups where 42 undergraduate students from a software engineering course were commissioned to operate the software tool after using a tutorial: the first group was provided only with the video tutorial, the second group only with the text tutorial and the third group with both. Surprisingly, the differences in terms of efficiency are almost negligible: we could observe that participants using only the text tutorial completed the tutorial faster than the participants with the video tutorial. However, the participants using only the video tutorial applied the learned content faster, achieving roughly the same bottom line performance. We also found that if both tutorial types are offered, participants clearly prefer video tutorials for learning new content but text tutorials for looking up “missed” information. So while it would be ideal if software tool makers would offer both tutorial types, we think that it is more efficient to produce only text tutorials – provided you manage to motivate developers to use them.

Using Video Tutorials to Learn Maya 3D for Creative Outcomes

2016 ◽  
pp. 219-254
Author(s):  
Theodor Wyeld
Keyword(s):  
Multimedia Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Satisfaction Rating ◽  
Video Tutorial ◽  
Apparent Change ◽  
Video Tutorials ◽  
Load Increase ◽  
Analysis Of Results ◽  
Efficient Learning ◽  
Students Satisfaction

This study tracked the transition from traditional front-of-class software demonstration of Autodesk's Maya 3D to the introduction of video tutorials over a five-year period. It uses Mayer and Moreno's (2003) theory of multimedia learning to frame the analysis of results. It found that students' preference for the video tutorial increased over the course of the study. Students' preference for video tutorials was correlated with a reduction in cognitive load, increase in satisfaction with the learning experience and subsequent reduction in frustration with the software. While there was no apparent change in measurable outcomes, students' satisfaction rating with the video tutorial in preference to other learning media suggests more efficient learning was achieved. As a consequence of the findings, the traditional demonstration was discontinued. Overall, the introduction of video tutorials for learning Maya 3D reduced frustration and freed up time for more creative pursuits – the primary purpose for learning the software.

Using Video Tutorials to Learn Maya 3D for Creative Outcomes

2021 ◽  
pp. 1706-1742
Author(s):  
Theodor Wyeld
Keyword(s):  
Multimedia Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Satisfaction Rating ◽  
Video Tutorial ◽  
Apparent Change ◽  
Video Tutorials ◽  
Load Increase ◽  
Analysis Of Results ◽  
Efficient Learning ◽  
Students Satisfaction

This study tracked the transition from traditional front-of-class software demonstration of Autodesk's Maya 3D to the introduction of video tutorials over a five-year period. It uses Mayer and Moreno's (2003) theory of multimedia learning to frame the analysis of results. It found that students' preference for the video tutorial increased over the course of the study. Students' preference for video tutorials was correlated with a reduction in cognitive load, increase in satisfaction with the learning experience and subsequent reduction in frustration with the software. While there was no apparent change in measurable outcomes, students' satisfaction rating with the video tutorial in preference to other learning media suggests more efficient learning was achieved. As a consequence of the findings, the traditional demonstration was discontinued. Overall, the introduction of video tutorials for learning Maya 3D reduced frustration and freed up time for more creative pursuits – the primary purpose for learning the software.

TEACHING INNOVATION AND THE USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS IN ARCHITECTURE: LEARNING BUILDING SERVICES DESIGN FOR SMART AND ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 367
Author(s):  
Samuel Domínguez-Amarillo ◽  
Jesica Fernandez-Aguera ◽  
Patricia Fernandez-Aguera
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Smart Cities ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Professional Community ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Teaching Innovation ◽  
Energy Efficient Buildings

Today’s buildings are evolving from structures comprising unchanging, static elements scantly able to interact with their surroundings, towards complex systemic compounds with an impact on the environs that entails more than mere anthropic alteration. In pursuit of energy efficiency and true sustainability, buildings must acquire the ability to interact as well as to generate synergies. The most prominent features of this approach are energy management and information flows which, intelligently designed, not only enhance buildings’ capabilities, but also introduce a significant change in their relationship with the surrounds (‘smart cities’) and its inhabitants. This new paradigm calls for revisiting undergraduate architectural instruction, adopting a more complex overview of energy use and management in the design process, regarding buildings as dynamic rather than static entities. The methodology focuses on creating learning environments that favour students’ participation in problem solving and assessment, encouraging teamwork based on case studies and stressing the connection between this new architecture, ICTs included, and social networks as participatory design tools. These ideas were implemented in a pilot learning experience conducted at the University of Seville for undergraduate students. The use of ICTs and the collaboration of non-academic experts were observed to further student promotion and projection beyond the academic environment and introduce them to the professional community.

Thai Students' Experiences of Online Learning at Indonesian Universities in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (S3) ◽  
pp. 58-74
Author(s):  
Sandi Ferdiansyah ◽  
Supiastutik ◽  
Ria Angin
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
International Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Learning Motivation ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Important Data ◽  
Thematic Content Analysis ◽  
Thai Students

The present interview study reports on eight Thai undergraduate students’ experiences of online learning at three different Indonesian universities based in East Java, Indonesia. Semi-structured interviewing was designed based on the sociocultural framework proposed by Ma (2017) to elucidate the students’ voices of online learning experience. The data garnered from online interviewing were transcribed and interpreted using thematic content analysis. The study elicits three important data themes: the agility of the student participants to adapt online learning to suit their learning needs, the participants’ strategies to build learning autonomy, and the participants’ ability to sustain their learning motivation. This study stresses the important roles of such other agents as teachers, parents, and friends in providing international students with mental and emotional support to help them get through COVID-19 affected online learning.

scholarly journals Finding Research Topic and Its Effect on Research Learners’ Motivation: An Action Research

2020 ◽  
pp. 36-47
Author(s):  
Jigme Dorji
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Intervention Strategies ◽  
Research Topic ◽  
Methods Course ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Interest And Motivation

This paper reports the findings from an action research on effect of teaching how to find research topic to the undergraduate students’ interest and motivation in learning research. The action research employing mixed methods approach was conducted on 95 first year Bachelor of Bhutan and Himalayan Studies (BHS) students taking research methods course at the College of Language and Culture Studies, Royal University of Bhutan. Baseline data were collected using self-developed questionnaire (N=95), focus group interview (N=6) and four experts’ rating on students’ research topics. Intervention strategies to find research topic were adapted from Bui [1] and Lester and Lester Jr.’s [2] framework and implemented to enable students to speculate, frame and evaluate their research topic. After three weeks of intervention, a post-intervention data were collected employing same procedures and tools as the pre-survey data were collected. Further, to validate the findings, researcher added field notes from the observation during implementing the intervention. Findings showed that intervention strategies have made an impact on students’ ability to find research topic, which in turn indicated that students interest and motivation towards research learning augmented. Recommendations to fortify students’ research learning experience and need for future research are also provided. 

scholarly journals Kilimanjaro: A Case of Meaningful Adventure And Service Learning Abroad

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 420-433
Author(s):  
Cathy Cavanaugh ◽  
Ewa Gajer ◽  
John Mayberry ◽  
Brendan O’Connor ◽  
Jace Hargis
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Meaningful Learning ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Female Undergraduate ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Mount Kilimanjaro ◽  
The World

This qualitative evaluation explored how female undergraduate students developed an understanding of themselves and the broader world as a result of an adventure and service learning experience in Tanzania, Africa. The project built upon theoretical frameworks regarding meaningful learning—active, constructive, intentional, and authentic—and applied activity theory as a framework for interpreting outcomes. The study included multi-faceted examination of student perceptions of the effects of the year-long experience that culminated in a ten day trip to Tanzania, including a climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Students’ reflections on the impacts of the trip focused on wanting, doing, reflecting, and relating. Thus, the experience catalyzed change in students’ understanding of the world that strongly indicates a meaningful learning experience.

scholarly journals Video tutorials as academic writing and research support for students of International Business

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-42
Author(s):  
Larssyn Staley ◽  
Susan Göldi ◽  
Anna Nikoulina
Keyword(s):  
International Business ◽  
Academic Writing ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Research Support ◽  
Writing Assignments ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Video Tutorial ◽  
Video Tutorials ◽  
Student Questionnaire ◽  
Multimedia In Education

Many studies have made claims for the positive effects of multimedia in education; however, there is a lack of systematic and comparable research, especially when it comes to video tutorials. This study evaluates the use and benefits of short screencast video tutorials, produced with Camtasia and published on YouTube, in preparing students for research-based writing assignments. The study employs a multi-method research design, comprising an analysis of video-tutorial viewership data from YouTube and a student questionnaire on the perceived benefits of these video tutorials. The data on how the tutorials are used, as well as the questionnaire responses, enable us to highlight which aspects of these tutorials positively affect the learning process, and importantly, how such tutorials should be adapted to be more useful. Findings indicate that the use of such tutorials is more dependent on the type of information included (e.g., theory, instructions or examples), than their length (within the range of three to six minutes). Additionally, novice, introductory-level students appear to have received greater benefit from the tutorials than students with some previous academic writing experience.

scholarly journals Undergraduate Students’ Perception on Assessment Experience in a Malaysian Medical School: Comparison among Gender, Ethnicity and Phase of Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Khadijah Adam ◽  
Nur Atiqah Mazlan ◽  
Shivaprakash Selvakumar ◽  
Xian Hui Teh ◽  
Faridah Idris
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Student Assessment ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Surface Approach ◽  
Study Materials ◽  
Surface Approach To Learning ◽  
Assessment Environment

INTRODUCTION: It is a well-known fact that assessment influences learning and study behaviour. Assessment affects what and how students learn, either positive or negative learning behaviour. This study was aimed to determine students’ perceived assessment experience and the comparison among different gender, ethnicity, and phase of the study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. Assessment Experience Questionnaire (AEQ) version 3.3 was distributed to 324 undergraduate medical students of Universiti Putra Malaysia. The AEQ score among different gender, ethnicity, and phase of the study was compared using independent t-test and one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Female students were found to develop a surface approach to learning, learn new things from the assessment, and be satisfied more with the teaching compared to males. Chinese students tended to put higher effort into learning compared to Malay. Clinical students valued more the feedback received and had clearer goals and expectations for their work than preclinical students. However, preclinical students tended to put a higher quantity of effort, learn wider coverage of syllabus and develop a surface approach of learning than clinical students. The respondents commented that feedback is lacking and suggested having more feedback sessions with their teachers after assessment. CONCLUSION: There were different assessment experiences and learning found among different gender, race, and phase of the study. These may affect their academic performance and are probably due to the curriculum setting. Understanding student assessment experience and its impact helps the faculty to improve the assessment structure for a conducive assessment environment and meaningful learning experience for the students.

scholarly journals Alternatives for Pragmatic Responses to Group Work Problems

10.28945/3425 ◽  
2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bill Davey ◽  
Karoly Bozan ◽  
Robert Houghton ◽  
Kevin R. Parker
Keyword(s):  
Group Work ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Collaborative Tools ◽  
Video Tutorials ◽  
Time Work ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Part Time Work

Group work can provide a valuable learning experience, one that is especially relevant for those preparing to enter the information system workforce. While much has been discussed about effective means of delivering the benefits of collaborative learning in groups, there are some problems that arise due to pragmatic environmental factors such as the part time work commitments of students. This study has identified a range of problems and reports on a longitudinal Action Research study in two universities (in Australia and the USA). Over three semesters problems were identified and methods trialled using collaborative tools. Several promising solutions are presented to the identified problems, including the use of video tutorials and commentary using screen recordings as a means of providing feedback to students.

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