Use of Echo360 generated materials and its impact on class attendance

Abstract

Echo360 lecture capture system has become widely used in Australian universities. However, there are concerns about how Echo360 generated materials are used by students and the effects of its use on student learning. The paper draws on data from an inter-disciplinary project that aimed to investigate the role of Echo360 lecture capture system on learning and teaching at the University of Tasmania. Initial findings showed that the majority of respondents used Echo360 generated materials to help them better understand face-to-face lectures, review notes, prepare for assignments and examinations, rather than using the materials as an alternative to attending lectures. Contrary to some published findings, this study found that the availability of Echo360 generated materials did not necessary result in low class attendance. Over 86 per cent of respondents still considered face-to-face lectures to be of high value and attendance was necessary to promote their learning.