Warning: Big Brother Is Watching

Two random thoughts about recording classes…first, the adage what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas does not apply to our recorded Rec 130 classes.

A quick check with the tech crew at Contact North confirmed my worst fears...recorded sessions once PUBLISHED cannot be edited or altered...yikes better be careful.

Students and teacher must be mindful that Big Brother is watching. For sure, I admit to some initial discomfort about being recorded. Granted, only registered students have access to the PLAYBACK feature; nonetheless, the potential exists for recorded classes to be viewed by who knows who and used for who knows what purpose.

In the final analysis, I accept the fact that recording my classes should not be intimidating...simply because whatever happens during a class should always be appropriate and professional...transparency is good. Moreover, the many benefits offered to students by recording classes, in my humble opinion, far outweigh any disadvantages.

Having come to that conclusion I have already learned that bloopers will be made and captured. For instance, at the start of our second session an “e-class” student taunted “in-class” students by sending a text message reminding everyone how horrible the weather was today and how fortunate “e-class” students were to still be snuggled in their warm beds taking this class… I perhaps too quickly and absently responded by texting...wish I was there with you...this comment will surely make the Rec 130 year-end Top Ten Blooper List.

Second random thought about the virtues of recording classes...students who miss a class for whatever reason can simply PLAYBACK the missed class at another time.

Also, students may find it helpful to use the PLAYBACK feature to review certain parts of a class using the fast-forward option.

Lastly, students may choose to replay classes to prepare for a test or an exam.

Indeed, during the life of this pilot project, I look forward to learning how and why Rec 130 students utilize the PLAYTRACK feature.

Likewise, it would be interesting to track the frequency that recorded sessions are accessed and viewed by students...another question or challenge for the Contact North tech crew?

Hopefully, from time to time, Rec 130 student followers of this Blog will post some feedback under comments. Their feedback would be most helpful and would provide valuable insight into how and why recorded sessions are used.