Watching study videos at double speed doesn’t hinder learning
In good news for those who like racing through audiobooks at double speed, a new study from a team at UCLA has found learning and knowledge retention is not negatively effected when students watch recorded lectures at faster playback speeds. However, comprehension was found to suffer when playback reached 2.5 times normal speed.
Over the last decade digital resources in education have allowed students a number of new ways to study. In particular, the prevalence of access to recorded lectures has often led to students manipulating playback speeds of videos in order to cram more information into shorter study periods. But does speeding up content help or hinder one's comprehension of the material?
A variety of studies have recently explored how playback speeds affect learning and comprehension and the results so far have been decidedly mixed, with some research suggesting speeding up lecture videos can lead to beneficial learning outcomes, while others indicate the practice could hinder comprehension.
This new UCLA study, while far from definitive, adds weight to the argument that faster playback of study materials is at least as effective as normal playback speeds. Just as long as you don’t play those materials too fast.
