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Lectures onautomatic record
Lecture recordings may yet replace traditional face-to-face learning. By Antonia Maiolo
The number of students logging online for lecture recordings is set to rise at University of Melbourne following the academic board’ s unanimous approval of an‘ opt-out’ policy.
The decision will see the University run a pilot in two yet-to-beannounced faculties next semester, as a test to ensure that the recording system can cope with the demand.
At present, academics can decide to record their lectures or‘ opt-in’ at the beginning of each semester. But under a new arrangement, lectures will be automatically recorded unless a lecturer can give a“ good reason” as to why they want to opt out of the service.
The University of Melbourne Student Union said the trial has come as a response to student concerns over the availability of lecture recordings.
Students who responded to a 2011 survey by the Education Academic Department indicated that they mostly used lecture recordings as exam revision and to catch up on lectures they missed.
Only 20 per cent of students nominated that one of the reasons they used lecture recordings was to substitute the attendance of live lectures.
The union said lecture recordings provide much needed support and flexibility to students who have timetable conflicts, work and family commitments, as well as being a revision tool for students before end-of-semester exams and those from a non- English-speaking background.
Kara Hadgraft, UMSU president, said the union will ensure that staff members who choose to opt out have legitimate reasons for doing so.
Hadgraft said that despite some academics showing strong opposition to the idea, saying that it means student won’ t turn up to class,“ there are already many academics who have either come on board in support of lecture recordings or have at least accepted the inevitability”.
“ This is not about encouraging students not to turn up to class, it is about providing an extra resource for those who need or want it,” she said, adding that she doesn’ t believe this policy will lead to the university becoming an“ off-campus institution”.
A spokesperson for the university said this trial will allow them to assess the impact of a more systematic and available form of this type of resource.
The university acknowledges that a decline in lecture attendance may be a“ risk” and is something the trial will consider.
“ We will evaluate the trial very carefully, and discuss what we learn with academic staff before seeking academic board approval for any next steps,” the spokesperson said. ■
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www. campusreview. com. au June 2013 | 7