Using Lecture Capture to Improve Online and In-Class Student Performance in Principles of Economics

Abstract

The primary purpose of deploying a lecture capture method of course delivery is to enhance student performance in online classes. In this study, recordings of classroom lectures are available to students in online sections of the course, as well as those taking the class in face-to-face class sections. We examine the effects of viewing these recorded lectures on student performance in principles of economics courses (macro and micro) over the course of five years. The setting is a small regional university that serves an extensive rural area. The dataset consists of close to 700 students, 55% of which enrolled in online course sections. Course grades, as the dependent variable, are regressed on measures of personal characteristics and academic maturity, as well as use of the recorded lectures. Results indicate that online students who watch the recorded lectures earn course grades that are significantly higher than counterparts who do not. There is also evidence that students in the face-to-face course sections also benefit significantly from watching recorded lectures.