Automatically adjusting the speed of e-learning videos

Abstract

Videos are becoming a commonplace way for students to view instructional material. Although current technology allows customization of default playback speeds to cater to individual students'-desired pace, we highlight a need for more dynamic or reactive control systems capable of varying playback in response to viewer needs or activities (e.g. slowing down during note-taking). This article instantiates this idea by describing a system that tracks a user's head position in order to infer and respond to their activities whilst watching an educational video. We describe the design and implementation of the system and a user study that highlights usage patterns and shows automatic tracking and playback speed adjustment can effectively lower users'-workload.