Investigating the Effectiveness of Non-interactive Video-Based Lectures in e-Learning - Case Study at Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) Program

The Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program follows a unique "learning by doing" methodology, woven around a project-centric curriculum. Project assignments carry real life flavor which are typically task-based, requiring application of specific knowledge and skills that are delivered to the learners, "just-in-time," through the learning management system. The knowledge component of the course is often delivered to the learners as video-based lectures and presentations with voice-overlay. These become learning support materials to the learners in accomplishment of their tasks. This paper investigates the effectiveness of video-based lectures and voice-based presentations in terms of: Learning content; Retention of learning; Ease of use; Satisfaction; Video quality; Audio quality. The paper reports findings of a survey administered to the students of academic batch 2010-11, at the Hyderabad campuses in India. The paper also proposes improvement and enhancements to the video-based lectures to make learning more interesting, fun, and effective in task accomplishments.