A Comparison of Noninteractive and Interactive Video Instruction about Smokeless Tobacco

Abstract

To compare learner cognitive and affective responses to a lesson on smokeless tobacco, 205 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to a control or one of three experimental groups. Experimental groups viewed a videotape in the classroom or individually, or viewed an interactive video version of the lesson. They then completed a questionnaire to ascertain knowledge and attitudes about smokeless tobacco and lesson satisfaction. The interactive video group demonstrated the most accurate and comprehensive recall. While neither videotape group answered as many questions correctly as the interactive video group, the individual videotape group did better than the classroom videotape group and all experimental groups did better than the control group. Additionally, the interactive video group was more willing to promote cessation among users. Learner satisfaction with the interactive video equipment and lesson was high. The increased knowledge and motivation to act reported suggest opportunities for future uses of interactive video.