So, I updated the Current Events section of my blog to incorporate news with technology and pedagogy. One of the articles, "Losing out on Lecutres," found at: http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2009/02/26/22902/ discusses from the point of view of a Princeton freshman of not waking up for 9 a.m. lecture (to get up at lunchtime) and the hardships he has with finding adequate replacement for that missed lecture. He goes to the Blackboard from school, but does not suffice to find complete information. Even a classmate's notes were choppy. So, his stance is to have video recorded lectures available on the website, but does not state if this is to replace going to class or not (which some of the comments address), but that it would benefit when there are days that you simply miss class.
I agree with the video recorded lectures that it would be great to go back to the actual lecture and not simply rely on notes or even PowerPoint slides posted by professors. However, as I mentioned with podcasts, how is there going to be a way where this is fair for those students going to class? Is there a way to make those recordings secured, or locked, and only available to those students who attended class that day? Otherwise, there would be no students to lecture to at 8 or 9 a.m.
Many of the comments to this article are telling this student to grow up and deal with real life; however, there are a couple of students who really agree with this student's article. One comment in particular was of a medical student. This student is able to access video recorded surgeries that may last up to 8 hours.
So, all in all, video recorded lectures are a great addition to PowerPoint slides for students to take notes, but they must be handled and addressed in a professional manner. If the student does not attend that day, do they get that lecture video? If not that day, perhaps the next week make it available after quizzes have been completed? Or jus make them available one week before midterms or finals?
TORTA DI MELE E MASCARPONE
5 years ago
Jojo, I often struggle with this same question. I go back and forth between thinking students should be made to attend class, and attendance should be left to the discretion and dedication of the student. If much of the learning that goes on in the class is from interaction, as it would in an ESL class, of course students need to be in class in order to benefit from this in-class learning. But if the class is solely lecture by the professor, I usually come down on the side of why should students be required to attend if they can get the lecture through other means. There is no added benefit for the student to be sitting in the class for the lecture, and additionally, if students can listen to the lecture at a time of their choosing, they may be more engaged and get more from it. If they are forced to be in class, they might spend the hour on Facebook, texting, doodling or sleeping.
ReplyDeleteIn the long run, who is hurt by students getting the lecture via technology? You could say it isn’t fair to the other students, but it’s a policy that would apply to all students so everyone has that choice. Of course, the professor could have his or her feelings hurt if he or she is speaking to an empty lecture hall with a camera. I believe there will always be some dedicated and diligent students who will attend class, so most likely that won’t happen. Besides, maybe it would force teachers to incorporate more class interaction into their course, rather than rely on lecture alone.
Effie,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with all that you have said above. I keep thinking of my MUSM 126 - History of Rock and Roll. I liked the class, and the professor was good. It was also an auditorium class which was ONLY full on exam days! Otherwise, maximum of 30 students on a lecture day. I am one who always goes to class regardless because I have already paid for it and I have internal motivation to do well as to not have to retake a class. So, my own studying habits would not allow me to miss class on a regular basis. However, I keep thinking of my daughter - if anything happened where she could not go to daycare (pink eye, fever) how would I go to class? It would be great to get a lecture video. On the other hand, as an instructor, I would be more willing to give access to the videos if there is a legitimate reason (doctor, family, among others). I don't know where this discussion will go in the future, but I believe that it will become more common and will mature in the coming year or two.