Is the Future Bright? The Potential of Lightboard Videos for Student Achievement and Engagement in Learning

Lightboard technology has only been around since 2013, but has already shown up on numerous campuses worldwide. There is a dearth of research related to lightboard videos, so there is a need to systematically explore its potential and best practices. This paper explores the pedagogical potential of lightboards for higher education through theoretical analysis and relevant literature evidence. Using relevant theoretical frameworks, including Cognitive Load Theory, Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning, and Social Learning Theory, we argue that the lightboard technology may improve student achievement and learning engagement, since it displays an onscreen instructor, who has the possibility to utilize gestures. Papers that compared videos with and without onscreen instructors, as well as gesturing and no gesturing cases, are reviewed in terms of the impact on learning outcomes, cognitive load, and engagement and/or social aspects. The relevant literature did not, however, provide clear insight about the benefits that a lightboard video would provide. Therefore, we advocate for further empirical research directly studying lightboard videos. Relevant questions and directions for future research are identified.