The University of Toledo

Faculty Profiles

 

Ed Lingan, Assistant Professor of Theatre

Moving outside the classroom with Lecture Captures

Lecture capture is the process of recording lecture material for later viewing. Echo360-enabled classrooms can do this automatically. The system captures video and audio of the instructor and synchronizes it with text, pictures, or any other content that can be displayed from a computer. The software can also be used from home to record learning modules, screencasts, or tutorials. Students can then access a recorded lecture anytime from their computer or any Internet-connected device.
 
Ed Lingan, Assistant Professor of Theatre, has successfully incorporated the use of lecture capture into his courses as a way of providing students with additional access to content. Ed recently sat down with us to discuss the reasons for using Echo360 and the impact it has made on his students.

 

Why did you choose to start using Echo360?
 
I was interested in creating video recorded lectures and discussions as a supplementary teaching and learning tool in the course.
 
Was there a particular problem you were trying to solve?
 
I wanted students to be able to hear the comments, discussions, and reactions about course content outside of the classroom. I thought this might improve learning.
 
Have students been receptive to the use of Echo360?  How so?
 
Yes. Very. They love being able to return to course comments. They can even cite comments made in class later and reference the recorded lectures.
 
How has student learning changed with the adoption of Echo?
 
Yes. Students are able to go back and watch lectures, listen to discussions, and student presentations. In the latter case, this allows students to respond to comments I have given them on how to improve their presentation skills. By seeing their own presentations on video, they get a sense of what they need to do to improve.
 
What are the downsides or challenges to using Echo?

Echo’s editing system is not very flexible. Also, to truly capture both students and teacher in one session, you really need two cameras. You also need a very good microphone to capture discussion as fully as possible.
 
What advice would you give to a faculty member who is considering the use of Echo?
 
Just start experimenting with it. It’s easy to use, and Learning Ventures will give you the support you need if you run into problems. They have been VERY helpful in my case.