Published: Feb. 27, 2018

Using Video Tutorials in the Classroom

ASSETT recently conducted a meta-analysis of surveys, interviews, observations, and focus group findings from past projects and found interesting data points about the use of video tutorials in the classroom. In 2015, 57% of undergraduate students who answered ASSETT’s Undergraduate Learning with Technology survey reported that online tutorials, such as Lynda.com, were at least somewhat helpful as an online learning tool. We found that students enjoy learning at their own pace outside of class1. The use of video provides students with the ability to stop, rewind, or fast-forward through content.  And, some students found tutorials to be more helpful than textbooks2.  

We’ve also discovered a number of ways that instructional videos are being used to support learning. It’s common practice for faculty who teach online to record lectures, or for those who are using the flipped classroom teaching method to record short lectures and tutorials for students to view outside of class and apply their learned knowledge in the classroom. We’ve also heard of faculty who create instructional videos to curate reusable content across courses or semesters. And there are some who use video tutorials to explain difficult concepts that students struggle to grasp.

While there are benefits to using video tutorials to support teaching and learning, we also realize there are considerations when implementing this resource.  Video tutorials are time consuming to create and requires the knowledge and use of different technologies.  However, if you have the desire to use tutorials in your classes, consider using tutorials available through Lynda.com.  As mentioned in the Tech of the Month section, Lynda is an online library that contains a wide range of video tutorials.  This resource is available on demand, can be accessed from mobile devices, and is available to current faculty, staff, and students. If you’re interested in learning more, visit Lynda.com’s service page.

1 ASEN 1969: Pathway to Space course design work. Survey, focus group, and end of project report. 
2 LearnChemE final project report.