The study by Fiorella, Stull, Kuhlmann, & Mayer (2018) examines the effect of instructor eye contact on student task performance during virtual lectures.
Research Context
With the rise of virtual learning, it is crucial to identify the factors that enhance educational outcomes. Fiorella et al. investigated whether maintaining eye contact with the camera by the instructor during virtual lectures improves student performance on subsequent tasks.
Methodology
- Participants: College students participated in the study, attending virtual lectures under different conditions.
- Experimental Design: Students attended virtual lectures where the instructor either maintained eye contact with the camera (transparent whiteboard group) or did not (conventional whiteboard group).
- Data Collection: After the lectures, students completed a task designed to measure their performance and understanding of the lecture material.
Key Findings
- Improved Task Performance: Students in the transparent whiteboard group performed 39% better on tasks compared to those in the conventional whiteboard group.
- Enhanced Engagement: Students reported feeling more engaged and attentive during the virtual lecture when eye contact was maintained.
- Stronger Connection: Eye contact made students feel a stronger connection with the instructor, making the virtual learning experience feel more personal and interactive.
Impact
- Educational Settings: Instructors should maintain eye contact with the camera during virtual lectures to help students stay engaged and improve their performance. Technologies like the iContact Camera, which helps maintain consistent eye contact, can significantly enhance the effectiveness of virtual teaching.
- Professional Development: Training programs for educators should emphasize the importance of eye contact in virtual settings. By incorporating eye contact strategies, educators can create more engaging and effective virtual learning environments.
- Technology Design: Educational technology should include features that help instructors maintain eye contact with the camera. Tools like the iContact Camera can be integrated into virtual classrooms to simulate direct eye contact, improving student engagement and learning outcomes.
Conclusion
Fiorella, Stull, Kuhlmann, & Mayer's study demonstrates that maintaining eye contact during virtual lectures significantly improves student task performance, with a 39% improvement observed. By making the virtual interaction feel more personal and engaging, eye contact helps students stay attentive and perform better. Educators can use these insights to enhance the effectiveness of their online teaching toolkit.
References
Fiorella, L., Stull, A., Kuhlmann, S., & Mayer, R. (2018). The Impact of Eye Contact on Student Performance in Virtual Lectures.
