Screen Size Matters: Enhancing Video-Based Learning on Mobile Devices

This article investigates the effectiveness of video-based learning on mobile devices and the impacts of sizes ranging from 1.65 inches to 2.75 inches, aiming to find the correlation between video-based learning and its use in education. The goal was to determine whether (1) a learner’s learning via video differs based on the screen size and (2) whether a larger screen size results in a higher information retention via video compared to smaller sized screens. The researchers hypothesized that smaller screens would adversely affect visual learning, cognitive ability, and comprehension. Researchers work to determine how different media devices can be used as educational tools. Findings from this study can shed light on how education materials are incorporated into technology and how content is utilized across various learners.

Figure one examined memory recall ability by having 15 participants create a paper origami. Using a Compaq iPAQ H3800 PDA (2.75-inch screen and 320x240 resolution) to create the origami figure (control), researchers used visual, auditory, and text to deliver instructions (independent variable) to assess the timeliness of completion, comprehension of the task, and frequency to (re)watch the media content (dependent). While 100% of the participants completed the task using video and text, 96% of the auditory listeners completed the task. Researchers concluded that media tools were conducive of successful learning. Based on completion time, auditory participants showed frequent challenges with recalling steps, revealing that video-based instructions were effective in delivering learning content on certain mobile devices and sizes.

Figure three shows how screen size influences video-based learning. The experiment used three devices with small (1.65 inches), medium (2.28 inches), and large (3.78 inches) screens. The three screen sizes (independent variables) and the information collected from the participants (dependent variable) were analyzed to determine which platform size allowed for optimal cognitive function, keeping the video content, playback resolution, and surroundings the same (control variable). The people who used medium and big screens learned about twice as much as those who used small screens (2.50 and 1.86 points). Due to greater video quality and clarity ratings for medium and big screens, bigger screens are preferable for learning.

Figure 4 illustrates the "Cone of Experience," showing that video enhances learning compared to text. This experiment examined that screen size (independent) affected learning (dependent). The screens on the participants’ devices were either 1.65, 2.28, 3.78 inches in comparison to the smallest screen size. The results showed that bigger screens helped people learn. On average, people using 3.78-inch screens gained 1.86 points, while people using 1.65-inch screens gained 0.87 points showing that bigger screens do seem to help people learn.

The study found that screen size affects learning. showing that larger screens will lead to improved cognitive function and comprehension. Figure 1 supports the idea that media format does influence comprehension. Figure 3 and 4 show that while screen size did not influence the participants' ability to complete a task, it did improve comprehension, reduced repetition, and better recall timing, proving that screen sizes might influence education and information load, laying the foundation that mobile device sizes do play a vital role in learning information. Future studies could explore whether resolution and screen size both play a role in cognitive function.

Bennett, E., Hand, S., Allan, G.(2008). The effect of mobile phone screen size on video based

learning. Journal of Software, 3(4), 51-61. 10.4304/jsw.3.4.51-61