Can Multimedia Tools Promote Big Data Learning and Knowledge in a Diverse Undergraduate Student Population?

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Data Science Education
• Multimedia Learning

Background:

• Multimedia tools are crucial for modern education.
• Big data is an emerging and important field.
• Understanding student engagement with new fields is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess a video's impact on undergraduate understanding of big data.
• To examine how multimedia influences self-perceived knowledge and interest in big data.
• To identify factors affecting student engagement with big data concepts.

Main Methods:

• 331 undergraduates completed an online survey after watching a big data introductory video.
• Survey included Likert-type and quantitative questions on learning experience and future interest.
• Data were analyzed using ANOVA and multiple linear regression.

Main Results:

• Student demographics (gender, major, degree) correlated with learning experience and interest in big data.
• Undergraduates with no prior big data exposure reported better learning experiences.
• Those with no prior exposure were less likely to pursue big data careers.

Conclusions:

• Multimedia tools can effectively introduce big data concepts and foster interest across diverse student groups.
• Variations in learning experiences and interest were noted among different student subgroups.
• The study suggests tailored approaches may be needed for different student populations in big data education.