Monday 08-10-2018 - 11:02

This term will see the introduction of Encore, the University’s new lecture capture system. This system will facilitate the recording of digital presentations along with accompanying audio to provide you with the chance to look back over lectures to review any information you might have missed or as a revision tool closer to exams. You can learn more about the process that led to the implementation of lecture capture here.

I’m excited by the opportunities this presents to enhance students’ learning experience and improve the accessibility of lectures for all students but, as with all new technology, there are likely to be teething issues as staff and students get to grips with the system. Durham University have undertaken the process of implementing lecture capture in an ambitious and compressed timeframe and while I’m thrilled that 111 rooms will be lecture capture enabled for the beginning of teaching, some early issues and delays are likely.

I’m confident that, in the long term, these issues should be resolved ensuring that students should be able to get the most out of lecture capture. The Panopto system the University has chosen is a tried and tested one, already in use in many universities, and its implementation here in Durham has been developed in partnership with students to make sure it meets a wide variety of needs. There’s also a committed and hardworking staff dedicated to ironing out any issues that might rear their heads. Lecture capture is a really exciting opportunity for us all and, with a bit of patience, we should have a fantastic service that will enhance education at Durham.

All staff have the option to opt-out of lecture capture and many staff will have legitimate reasons for why they choose to do this. However, if your lecturer decides to opt out, they should explain their decision to you in their first lecture. If they do not, you are allowed to approach your lecturer to seek clarification about this. Be aware that for many lecturers, the introduction of lecture capture was a sensitive issue so please approach them respectfully.

If you do have any issues or feedback you’d like relaying to the lecture capture team, feel free to get in touch with me or your course reps. Course reps will be elected by 23 October, and should be able to help with any course specific concerns; I can also be contacted at su.ugacademic@durham.ac.uk.