The Role of Short-Form Video in Digital Education: Enhancing Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes among Generation Z

Abstract

The growing influence of digital media has significantly reshaped contemporary learning environments, particularly for Generation Z learners whose educational experiences are closely connected with visual, interactive, and fast-paced forms of content. Within this context, short-form video has emerged as a widely used medium across both informal and formal learning settings. Despite its increasing adoption, its pedagogical value remains open to debate, especially in relation to whether enhanced engagement necessarily leads to meaningful learning outcomes. This study aims to explore how short-form video functions within digital education, with a particular focus on its relationship with student engagement and learning outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data collected through structured questionnaires with qualitative insights derived from semi-structured interviews. The study involved 120 undergraduate students, allowing for a comparative analysis of learning behaviors before and after exposure to short-form video-based instructional materials. The findings suggest that short-form video can enhance student engagement by aligning with learners’ existing media practices, particularly in terms of attention, interaction, and perceived relevance. In addition, its concise and multimodal structure appears to support comprehension and short-term retention of key concepts. However, the results also indicate that increased engagement does not automatically translate into deeper learning, especially when content lacks coherence or instructional guidance. Overall, the study highlights that the educational value of short-form video lies not in the format itself, but in how it is integrated into structured learning environments. These findings contribute to ongoing discussions on digital education by offering a more nuanced understanding of both the potential and limitations of emerging media formats.