Examining the Use of Educational Mini-Clips in Online Learning

Dr. Robin KayUOITOshawa, Canada

UOIT

• Started in 2003 • 6000+ Students• Laptop based university• Masters and PhD

programs online

And you?

Instructors?Researchers?Used Web-Based Learning Tools?

Overview

What is a Mini-Clip?AdvantagesCreating Mini-ClipsPre-Calculus StudyResultsConclusions

What is a Mini-Clip?

2-5 minute instructional video clip that focuses on a specific task or problemSmall, focussed, web accessible with VCR type controls

Sample Mini-Clip

Solving Rational Equations

Complete Set is at:faculty.uoit.ca/kay/precalc2

Advantages for StudentsAlternative to the text-based instructionsCan view clips at their own paceCan view clips anytimeCan view clips to work aheadGood review for testsAccess to multiple methods & explanationsEquity in education

Advantages for InstructorsSaves time (in the long run)Can develop explanation skillsHelp tutors understand the course Can review/learn contentCan share ideas, explanations and strategies with colleagues

Creating Clips

$200$20

Free

$150

Free

Free

Pre-Calculus Study

1st year students had weak pre-calculus knowledgePosted mini-clips 3 weeks before a diagnostic test289 engineering & science students189 males, 100 females

Results - OverviewFrequency of Use

Mini-clips visited 4681 timesAverage time per visit was 6 min (358 sec)

Usefulness87% of students rated mini clips as useful or very useful

Results - SurveyItem MeanEasy to follow 4.5

Helpful because I could do them on my own time 4.4

Math problems were explained well 4.3

Liked using better than textbook 4.2

Helped me understand math concepts better 4.2

Good tips were provided 4.1

Liked doing the student problem 3.9

Results – Learning PerformanceTopic Where Mini Clips Used Change in

Knowledge

Operations with Functions 0.27 **

Solving Equations 0.14 *

Linear Functions 0.22 **

Exponents & Log Functions 0.27 **

Trigonometric Functions 0.25 **

* p < .05** p < .01

Conclusions

Students liked using mini-clips◦ Easy to use◦ Control over use◦ Helped learning◦ Better than just text

Use of mini-clips was positively correlated with perceived change in students knowledge

Practical Implications

Mini-clips are a viable, useful resource to help student learningPotential to save timeMore closely match current student’s learning style

Mini-Clips Collections

Pre-Calculus Clipshttp://faculty.uoit.ca/kay/precalc2

Calculus Clipshttp://faculty.uoit.ca/kay/calc/math1000/

Khan Academyhttp://www.khanacademy.org/

Future Research - Resources

Future Research◦ More data is needed◦ Quality of Explanation◦ Looking for Partnerships

Website◦ faculty.uoit.ca/kay/mc

Contact Information◦ robin.kay@uoit.ca