Client: Academic Computing, Student Assembly, DCAL

Project: Lecture recording represents a major paradigm shift for instructors and, ultimately, for education. Indeed, lecture recording may be to education what other innovative capture technologies, such as print and audio and video recording, were to storytelling and live performances — disruptive of old methods, and yet immeasurably enabling. But we need to understand what is gained by recording lectures, and what is lost. One thing is certain: access is improved when learners can view and review course lectures. However, several questions must be answered before we see widespread adoption of lecture recording. For instance, does access to recorded lectures improve learning? Does access to recorded lectures affect attendance? And, on a practical level, how do different recording methods measure up (e.g., audio only, audio and slides, synchronized audio and slides)?

We plan to run a Podcasting Pilot Program during the 2007-2008 academic year to being to determine the strengths and weaknesses of podcasting using iPods in different classroom situations. We seek funding through the Computing Technology Venture Fund to purchase 10 iPods to be distributed to faculty across campus. Each will be trained and supported by Academic Computing staff in the use of the technology. Each faculty member will also work with DCAL to assess the impact of lecture recording on their course. In this way we will gain experience with the technology and also measure its impact on the course experience.