The Use of Lecture Recordings as Study Aids in a Professional Degree Program

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Education
• Educational Technology
• Student Learning Strategies

Background:

• Lecture recording is prevalent in educational settings, prompting research into its optimal use for student learning.
• Understanding how students engage with recorded lectures is crucial for effective pedagogical support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the utilization patterns of lecture recordings by veterinary students.
• To identify factors influencing students' choices in using recorded lectures for studying.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining surveys (n=46), think-aloud observations (n=8), and lecture recording analytics (n=637).
• Analysis of student self-reported usage, observed study behaviors, and quantitative viewing data.

Main Results:

• Students prioritized recordings for challenging topics (78%) over exam preparation (48%).
• Recorded lectures facilitated self-directed learning by enabling review of difficult content and guiding further study.
• Direct-entry students watched more lecture content than graduate-entry students; popular lectures had higher total view time.

Conclusions:

• Veterinary students employ a selective strategy for using lecture recordings, focusing on knowledge gaps and enhancing understanding.
• Findings highlight the need for tailored student support to optimize the use of recorded lectures in veterinary curricula.
• Implications for developing effective study skills support are discussed.