How Video Production Affects Student Engagement: An Empirical Study of MOOC Videos

Recent research suggests that the optimum video length is 6 minutes in length, therefore it is advisable to break longer content up into shorter chunks. In the case of a lecture the content should be cut into a number of microlectures, each one being a logical chunk that addresses a specific theme or topic.

Keeping videos short has a number of benefits:

• For the instructor there is less pressure during the production, because instead of having to sit down and record a single full length lecture they can record a number of small videos over a longer period of time.

• Smaller videos can provide a long term benefit because they will be easier to update over time. When information has to be changed or updated the tutor will only have to recreate one shorter video instead of re-recording all of the video content.

• Students also benefit from shorter videos as it makes it easier for them to absorb each video in their own time and at their own pace.

• Many students now use mobile devices to access learning content on-the-go. Keeping videos short means they do not have to use up their download allocation streaming large amounts of data.

• Shorter videos can be more easily integrated into a virtual learning environment and contextualised to create a narrative for students to work through and engage with.

• Splitting the video content enables the insertion of other resources or activities between each video, creating a more dynamic learning environment for students.