Maximizing the Investment in Lecture Capture Technology
In order to understand student priorities with regard to lecture capture, it is important to consider the different ways students use lecture capture technology.
- In a traditional classroom, students may use lecture captures for study and review, to reduce confusion and increase understanding, and to catch up on missed classes.
- In a hybrid learning environment, lecture captures are often watched before class, freeing up in-class time for other activities and hands-on learning.
- In an online course, lecture captures provide instruction, engagement, and information.
An ideal lecture capture solution facilitates learning in all of these situations, and meets the needs of students in each.
Understanding Student Priorities
Regardless of the learning environment, students share many of the same priorities with regard to lecture capture.
Quality and Flexibility
Today’s students expect more than just a grainy recording; they expect access to high-quality audio and video recordings. Lecture capture technology needs to support a variety of inputs, including audio and video sources, as well as high-definition recording.
In addition, students want to be able to adjust the playback speed of lecture capture content. This provides the ability to move through a lecture at a pace best suited to the individual, and is an effective tool for study and review.
Searchability and Notetaking
In order for students to use lecture capture content effectively, they need to be able to find the lectures they need, and to find content included in the lecture. Search features are essential for students, and should incorporate a variety of search tools, including:
- Title
- Tags
- Slide content
- Captioning
In addition to being able to search both course and individual video content, students also want to be able to take notes from within the lecture capture interface. For the most effective study option, students should be able to download their notes alongside relevant slides from the lecture capture.
Accessibility and Mobility
College students today have a variety of different learning styles, as well as learning challenges. Accessibility features not only provide legally required Section 508 Compliance, but help students to learn and engage. Effective captioning, audio descriptions, and keyboard shortcuts help to support student learning.
Mobility is also a high priority for students today. Many students are busy and need the ability to watch lecture capture content from a mobile device, like a tablet or smartphone. They also appreciate the ability to download video content for offline viewing, or to download audio-only podcasts for review.
