The use of stramlined lecture recordings: patterns of use, student experience and effects on learning outcomes

We describe a study conducted during 2008–2009 that investigated three issues relating to the use of streamed video recordings of classes by students at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We investigated (i) the pattern of use of the resource, (ii) the student experience and (iii) the impact of watching the streamed classes on learning outcomes measured by retention of factual content. We found that most (61%) of the recordings were being used by students, with a peak in usage mid-semester. Students were mainly using recordings to replace class attendance on occasions when they could not be present, though routine use of the resource by fully online students was also common. Significant technical issues reduced the quality of the experience, although the experience was still reported as positive by most (65%) of students who had used the resource. All students who had not used the recordings reported that they would be interested in such a resource. We could find no difference in retention of factual content between our sample of students who attended classes compared with those who viewed a recording, however our sample was small. We suggest that this technology should be fully adopted, and recommend elements of development that should be addressed to maximise the full benefits to learning