Keys to understanding the effectiveness of educational videos

Abstract

The development of Learning and Knowledge Technologies (LKT) has promoted new forms of teaching in higher education. Among the various resources available, video continues to be one of the most widely used tools to support learning. The aim of this study was to analyze university students' perceptions regarding the elements that constitute an effective educational video, with the purpose of guiding its design. For this purpose, a mixed-method approach with a sequential explanatory design was implemented, including a structured survey administered to 130 university students, as well as semi-structured interviews and a focus group. The results show a preference for videos in a combined format, of short duration, with an organized structure, formal style, use of contextualized examples, visual resources aligned with the content, and optimal audiovisual quality. The importance of accessibility from mobile devices and coherence in the presentation of content was also highlighted. It is concluded that the effectiveness of educational videos depends on the convergence between pedagogical factors and technical quality, which enhances autonomous learning and adaptation to the demands of current university environments.