2-2-Approaches to the Pedagogical Effectiveness of Educational Videos
APPROACHES TO THE PEDAGOGICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS
Anetta Bacsa-Bán¹,³*, Dóra Boronkai¹,², Natália Kiss¹, Edina Kocsó¹,³, Edit Maczó¹,³
¹ Digital Education Development Competence Center, Dennis Gabor University, Budapest, Hungary
² Illyés Gyula Institute of Education; Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Teacher Education, and Rural Development, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
³ Teacher Training Center, University of Dunaújváros, Dunaújváros, Hungary
*Correspondence: bacsa-ban.anetta@gde.hu
Abstract
The rapid digital transformation of higher education has elevated educational videos to a central role in teaching and learning processes. This paper examines the pedagogical effectiveness of educational videos by analyzing their genre characteristics, methodological applications, and evidence-based design principles. Drawing on international and Hungarian literature, the study categorizes major video types used in higher education, including lecture capture, animated, hybrid, demonstration, interactive, and live-streamed formats, highlighting their distinct instructional functions and pedagogical affordances.
The analysis demonstrates that educational videos enhance learning effectiveness when they combine visual and verbal information, thereby reducing cognitive load and supporting deeper comprehension. Key effectiveness factors include multimedia design aligned with learning objectives, optimal video length and segmentation, interactivity that promotes active engagement, and the use of visual elements to clarify complex concepts. Instructor presence and communication style are also identified as crucial elements influencing student motivation and engagement. Furthermore, videos that balance theoretical explanations with practical examples foster greater interest and improved learning outcomes.
Educational videos support flexible, self-paced learning and accommodate diverse learning preferences, making them particularly valuable in online and hybrid environments. The study concludes that pedagogically well-designed and interactive video content can significantly enhance student engagement, autonomy, and knowledge retention. Future research should explore long-term learning impacts and the potential of adaptive technologies and artificial intelligence to further personalize video-based learning experiences.
Keywords: educational videos, pedagogical effectiveness, learner preferences