This document summarizes research comparing the effectiveness of HTML versus streaming video tutorials for online library instruction. It finds that students learn more from video tutorials, as measured by confidence levels and quiz scores, because video tutorials use both visual and verbal modalities supported by dual coding theory and have a more linear navigation structure supported by constructivism. The researchers surveyed and tested students after viewing tutorials on Value Line Online, with video tutorial students reporting greater confidence gains and scoring higher on all quiz questions. The document concludes that while online tutorials can supplement live instruction, video tutorials are more effective for student learning.

1. Measuring the Effectiveness
of Online Tutorials:
A Pragmatic Approach
Curt G. Friehs
Business Librarian
Kansas City, Kansas Public Library
Cindy L. Craig
Assistant Professor and Social Sciences Librarian
Wichita State University

2. A Bear with a Bad Idea

3. Occasionally People Get Bad
Ideas Too…

4. That Includes Librarians
s “Interactivity is the online hallmark of active
learning.” ~Nancy Dewald
s Technology is naturally intuitive to college
students and young adults.
s Tutorials are too hard to make and “I’m too old.”
s Why can’t we just use the vendor tutorials?
s “I’ll just put my handouts online. It’s the same
thing as an online tutorial.”
s “Online tutorials are going to make my job
obsolete.”

5. Our Conclusions
s Online tutorials can supplement
(but not completely replace) live library
instruction unless you’re this guy....

6. Replacement Librarian and Library
Fine Negotiator “iBender”

7. Our Conclusions, Continued
s Students learn more from video tutorials
than from HTML tutorials.
s Interactivity is not necessary for
learning (and may hinder it).

8. Research: Part I
s Surveyed 140 finance students after watching
Value Line Online tutorial.
s Tutorial left students wanting to know even
more.
s But more research was needed. Would
students outside of a brutally difficult finance
class have different learning needs?

9. HTML vs. Streaming Media Tutorials
Streaming Media
Principle HTML Tutorial
Tutorial
Modality
Uses visual only Visual & verbal used
Effect
Dual Coding Not used
Yes (visual & verbal)
Theory (visual only)
Navigation allows for Navigation is linear
Constructivism choice (interactivity) (minimal interactivity)
Nadaleen Tempelman-Kluit. (2006). Multimedia Learning Theories…

10. Creating the Tutorials
HTML Tutorial
Video Tutorial

11. Survey Results
Interactive n=53 Video n=54
s Confidence BEFORE tutorial
- Interactive: 64%
- Video: 47%
s Confidence AFTER tutorial
- Interactive: 89%
- Video: 91%
Video tutorial students reported greater
confidence boost after viewing.

12. Quiz Results: Correct Answers
Interactive n=53 Video n=54
s Question 1
- Interactive: 29 (55%)
- Video: 42 (78%)
s Question 2
- Interactive: 39 (74%)
- Video: 51 (94%)
s Question 3
- Interactive: 20 (38%)
- Video: 26 (48%)

13. Quiz Results: Correct Answers
Interactive n=53 Video n=54
s Question 4
- Interactive: 29 (55%)
- Video: 38 (70%)
s Question 5
- Interactive: 35 (66%)
- Video: 47 (87%)
Video tutorial students scored higher on
every quiz question.

14. Special Thanks
s Laura Baas
s Jennifer McCoy
s Peggy Ward
s John Sweller
s South Central Kansas Library System
s North East Kansas Library System
Curt Friehs Cindy Craig
cfriehs@kckpl.lib.ks.us cindy.craig@wichita.edu