Making mistakes in class - the case against recording lectures

To record or not record lectures - that is the question.

There are several advantages to recording lectures: students who miss a class can watch/listen to a lecture on-line, it is useful for students with disabilities, it could be useful for revision, and might also help students who learn best as visual learners. Some disadvantages might be: issues with Intellectual Property, files being misused by a minority, pandering to students who miss lectures.

Image source: Izquotes.

We are all human, and humans make mistakes. I prepare for every class as best as I can, but cannot say that I will be 100% perfect. Recently when I have made a mistake in class I said to my students "This is why I'm not in favour of recording lectures". I am concerned that if I record a lecture what will happen to the recording, and more importantly that it might show up errors (even if I correct them in class). A copy of a lecture recording in the wrong hands could embarrass a lecturer and the College. Regulations need to be tight and a College needs to be ready for the introduction of this.

Lots of lecturers provide recordings of their lectures and it's great that they have the confidence to do this. I see this as a common practice in the near future and in principle I favour this. Lecturers need the backing of their Colleges in the event of misuse - I think it might be a mistake for third-level authorities to assume that academic staff would embrace this practice without debate.

NB:This post is a personal opinion only and does not reflect the views of any other academics or of any college.