Lecture Recording Policy cements modern learning at UC

UC’s Lecture Recording Policy was approved in April this year, and will be reviewed in 2026. Source: UCSA 

With UC’s recent Lecture Recording Policy, the presence of online learning is now firmly entrenched in the University’s modern learning environment – a stark contrast from generations past. 

The policy reflects how students have many parts of their lives to juggle alongside study.  

“It is a huge win in equity for students,” UCSA President Luc MacKay said. 

“It allows you to not only go back on old lectures to refresh your memory, but also prevents life getting in the way of the pursuit of higher education.”  

The advancement in technology has not only allowed students to engage in a raft of opportunities outside of study, but according to class of ‘89 UC alum Rod Smith, has increased the quality and depth of education they receive. 

“Degrees used to be about cramming as much information in as possible because accessing it was difficult comparatively speaking,” Smith said. 

“[Now], the information is easily accessible and it’s more about applying it. That’s how it should be.” 

Smith also touched on how there used to be no support systems for students who missed lectures. There was only one remedy, which was to rely on notes from fellow classmates, a process Smith described as “not the optimum way to pass”. 

In the same vein, online lectures have paved the way for distance learning to become a genuine path to attain a tertiary education, especially for those who simply don’t have the time/resources to be an on-campus student. 

Canta spoke with distance student Khymne D’Arcy about her experience learning in a digital space, in which she stated the flexibility of her course was a major factor for her outlook. 

“Being able to see and do everything at my own time of the day made it possible for me to study,” D’Arcy said.  

“Seminars are managed really well, and I still got to know people in my groups there.” 

While it is a true sign of advancement and inclusivity to have recorded lectures and online learning as an option for students, some of UC’s academic ranks still believe in-person learning is the way to go. 

Dr Bethany Growns, who teaches forensic psychology and psychology and law at UC, said while online and in-person learning both bring sound and unique advantages to the table, the research shows the former provides a higher level of learning. 

“Both academic and wellbeing outcomes are higher for those who are able to engage consistently in active, in-person learning environments where they can interact with peers and receive immediate feedback,” Growns said. 

Sticking behind the evidence, Growns implemented in-class quizzes within her second-year psychology lectures, with the primary goal allowing the students to “foster a collaborative leaning environment and provide an opportunity to engage in the content of each lecture at a deeper level.” 

The interaction factor was additionally mentioned by D’Arcy, who described how she struggled in one of her courses, due to not having any people around her to study with.