Exploring the Role of User Comments Throughout the Stages of Video-Based Task-Learning

TL;DR

This study investigates how user comments influence learning from instructional videos, revealing their critical yet underutilized role across different learning stages and proposing design improvements.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the role of comments in video-based learning and suggests design opportunities to better integrate comments into the learning process.

Findings

Comments are crucial for learning but poorly integrated.

Users rely on comments for clarification and personalization.

Design opportunities can enhance comment utilization in learning.

Abstract

Learning tasks through videos is a dynamic way to acquire skills by witnessing entire processes. However, compared to in-person demonstrations, videos may omit tacit knowledge, including subtle details and contextual nuances. Users' unique circumstances, like missing ingredients in a recipe, may also require adaptation beyond the video content. To fill these gaps, many users turn to the comment section, seeking additional guidance and interactions with creators or peers to personalize their experience. Despite their importance, there is limited understanding of how users engage with and apply comments in task-learning scenarios. In our study, we explore the role of comments in video-based task-learning through interviews with 14 users, and co-watching sessions with eight. Our findings show that while comments are critical for learning, they are poorly integrated into all stages of the learning process. Based on our findings, we outline design opportunities to better utilize comments in video-based task-learning.