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Use of In-Class Streaming of Material in Engineering

Caroline R. Kayser, Jennifer J. Amrine, and James A. Swanson

University of Cincinnati

1. Abstract:

The authors are experimenting with the use of real-time, in-class streaming of lecture materials to portable personal computers that students bring to class. Lecture materials, including audio and visual streams, are saved on both the student and instructor computers in recordings so that class sessions can be reviewed at any time. Students can also take notes electronically. These notes are integrated as part of the session recordings and can be edited during playback. Participants can search their notes for important points and share their notes with other participants. Since the authors prefer to avoid Microsoft PowerPoint presentations in class, they have opted to use a tablet PC during lectures. This material is simultaneously broadcasted to the participants in class (either locally or remotely) and displayed on screens in the front of the classroom. The authors’ experiences during a trial use of the technology are presented and discussed.

2. Introduction and Background:

Technology is a growing part of our society and it should not be excluded from our classrooms. At one time, overhead projectors were thought of as being high technology. They became a common fixture in classrooms and are now being replaced by computer projectors. Technology is a part of evolution, and as it progresses, academia is faced with keeping pace.

The benefits of utilizing technology in the classroom have been well-documented and supported. Alexander1 provides an excellent summary of previously documented e-learning experiences and references Bates’2 four reasons for including technology in higher education: (1) improving the quality of learning, (2) improving access to education and training, (3) reducing the costs of education, and (4) improving the cost effectiveness of education. Alexander concluded that for e-learning to be successful in higher education, there must be an excellent university support system for teachers, and teachers must plan and strategize to effectively use technology in the classroom.

At the other end of the spectrum are those who seriously question the use of technology in the classroom. Among several others, Todd Oppenheimer3 questions whether a heavy focus on the use of technology in education is actually resulting in a better educational experience for students. Oppenheimer, author of “The Flickering Mind,” suggests that educators should approach educational technologies very skeptically. His opinion is that computers are often

Proceedings of the 2005 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2005, American Society for Engineering Education

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Amrine, J., & Kayser, C., & Swanson, J. (2005, June), Use Of In Class Streaming Of Material In Engineering Paper presented at 2005 Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--14449