THE ESSENTIALS OF USING RECORDED LECTURES IN AN ONLINE INTRODUCTORY GEOLOGY CLASS

Recorded lectures are an effective way to convey information to students. As part of an online introductory course that employs various techniques to teach and guide students through a variety of topics, recorded lectures provide an innovative yet recognized teaching tool. Minimal equipment and software are required to create the lectures. Already established lecture materials may be used to create the recordings, which also can be used in subsequent semesters. Access to the lectures is simple, does not add unnecessary cost demands, and can be done at the students’ leisure. Students have responded positively to recorded lectures in the online environment in both their grades and in their course evaluations. This assessment of the effectiveness and popularity of the recorded lectures over the course of six semesters includes a survey of student participation and written responses. The analysis will be used to determine whether this teaching tool should be utilized in future courses, whether the technique can be improved, and whether or not the lectures are not just popular but effective in helping students to succeed in class.