The Interactive Effects of Video Type and Viewing Device on Pre-service Teachers’ Learning Performance

Classroom video use in teacher education is rising, but the interplay of video type (2D, panoramic) and viewing device (PC, HMD) on learning remains unexplored. This study examined the interactive effects of video type (2D, panoramic) and viewing device (PC, Head-Mounted Display [HMD]) on pre-service teachers' learning performance. 143 pre-service teachers from a China university participated in a 2 × 2 randomized controlled experiment, viewing a 10-minute instructional video. Results indicate that panoramic video with HMD yielded the best learning outcomes, enhancing academic achievement, attention, presence, and immersion. Conversely, 2D video on HMD increased cognitive load. Interestingly, while PC-viewed panoramic video maximized attention, it also generated the highest cognitive load. Focus group interviews revealed the potential of immersive learning alongside challenges like motion sickness and navigation difficulties. This research provides empirical evidence for the interaction of video type and viewing devices in teacher education, informing the design of effective video-based learning.