With schools like Abilene Christian University giving iPhones to their incoming Freshmen, the ubiquity of portable media devices (iphone, ipod, etc.), and the 2.0 Native’s assumption of access to all content, it comes as no surprise that a recent study has indicated a preference to have university lectures available for out-of-class review.
The study, which did not have 100% participation of its respondents, indicated a strong preference to have access to their class content through digitial means. While the study didn’t parse out the various methods of making content available (which I think may alter the discussion as to whether it should be pursued–see below), the study did list making up missed classes (93%) as the most popular use of class webcasts. Other uses included: convenience (73%) and reviewing for exams (percentage not given).
Leaving aside the snarky professor comments (change is often resisted) that followed, I applaud the use of technology in providing access to educational content. While I can appreciate hesitation to being filmed (one mis-fired joke endlessly looped on YouTube sort of horrors), I also see tremendous benefit in providing access to as wide a range of educational content as possible. Sure, some students would prefer to sit at home and just watch their education. But, this type of student (non-motivated, looking for the easy route) isn’t necessarily the target audience. The self-motivated student, looking to make up a missed lecture, desiring to hear a particularly difficult section again (think of that chemestry class of long ago) or just wanting to fact check a comment really should be the image forefront in this type of discussion.
With most universities/colleges employing some form of BlackBoard/WebCT platform, or with the ready availability of sites to distribute streaming content (iTunes has a section devoted to school vlogs and podcasts), the only real restriction is doing something different for the first time.
Engage the possibilities.
