Does screencast teaching software application needs narration for effective learning

TL;DR: Evidence is provided that screencast with narration can be used for online self-paced learning that is not only effective but also efficient and can be a potential strategy in reducing learning duration.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of screencast with narration and without narration in enhancing learning performance. A series of screencast teaching Flash animation software was developed using screen capture software for the purpuse of this research. The screencast series were uploaded to specialized channels created in YouTube video sharing platform. The study was conducted under the online self-paced learning condition. A pre-test post-test experimental design was used involving two different groups that studied the two different strategies. Data collected were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test. The results indicate that screencast with narration was significantly more effective than screencast without narration in enhancing students’ learning performance. Moreover, from the observation, it was revealed that screencast with narration, published and shared online, can be a potential strategy in reducing learning duration. Taken together, the findings provide evidence that screencast with narration can be used for online self-paced learning that is not only effective but also efficient.