ERIC Number: EJ1410065
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-1946-6226
Effectiveness of Video-Based Training for Face-to-Face Communication Skills of Software Engineers: Evidence from a Three-Year Study
Antonija Mitrovic; Matthias Galster; Sanna Malinen; Jay Holland; Ja'afaru Musa; Negar Mohammadhassan; Raul Vincent Lumapas
ACM Transactions on Computing Education, v23 n4 Article 43 2023
Objectives: Communication skills are crucial for effective software development teams, but those skills are difficult to teach. The goal of our project is to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching face-to-face communication skills using AVW-Space, a platform for video-based learning that provides personalized nudges to support student's engagement during video watching. Participants: The participants in our study are second-year software engineering students. The study was conducted over three years, with students enrolled in a semester-long project course. Study Method: We performed a quasi-experimental study over three years to teach face-to-face communication using AVW-Space, a video-based learning platform. We present the instance of AVW-Space we developed to teach face-to-face communication. Participants watched and commented on 10 videos and later commented on the recording of their own team meeting. In 2020, the participants (n = 50) did not receive nudges, and we use the data collected that year as control. In 2021 (n = 49) and 2022 (n = 48), nudges were provided adaptively to encourage students to write more and higher-quality comments. Findings: The findings from the study show the effectiveness of nudges. We found significant differences in engagement when nudges were provided. Furthermore, there is a causal effect of nudges on the interaction time, the total number of comments written, and the number of high-quality comments, as well as on learning. Finally, participants exposed to nudges reported higher perceived learning. Conclusions: Our research shows the effect of nudges on student engagement and learning while using the instance of AVW-Space for teaching face-to-face communication skills. Future work will explore other soft skills, as well as providing explanations for the decisions made by AVW-Space.
Descriptors: Video Technology, Computer Software, Communication Skills, Electronic Learning, Learner Engagement, Interaction, Meetings, College Students, Student Attitudes, Foreign Countries, Instructional Effectiveness
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Zealand
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A