Signposting and Zoom recordings

‘What one thing could universities do to improve the quality of digital teaching and learning?’

This question was posed to students in Jisc’s recent Student Digital Experience Insights survey 2020. The top two themes arising from this question on how to help students learn effectively were:

  • Record all lectures and upload promptly
  • Improve consistency and navigation of the learning environment

The integration of Zoom with Brightspace means it is quick and easy to set up Zoom sessions on units. And the integration with Panopto makes it easy to share the recordings of these sessions with students on the unit, without worrying about sharing links or allowing permissions. But to enable our students to learn effectively we need to make sure we are getting the basics right and helping students navigate seamlessly to these learning materials.​

Signposting and navigation 

Example of renaming a recording file

When you set up your Zoom meetings, you might use a generic name, especially where the meeting is set up as a recurring session.

When you create the link to the recording from your unit’s content area, it’s good practice to take the time to rename the file. Rename with an indicative title, adding dates if appropriate, along with a short description to give more details and context.

Clear and consistent labelling supports students in finding and accessing learning materials and is especially helpful when students may want to revisit content for revision purposes.

Embedding recordings

When you have recorded a Zoom session or recorded a video using Panopto, you will receive an email from Panopto to notify you that the recording has been processed.  Remember, the link in this email is for your personal use and cannot be shared with students. To share recordings with students, and avoid any unnecessary emails from frustrated students requesting permission to view recordings, ensure the video is embedded into the content area of your unit. Embedding the video has the added benefit that students can play the recording directly from the unit without the need for downloading, and the permissions are automatically set so that only students enrolled on the unit are able to view the content. You can find step-by-step guidance and a short video covering this simple process here:

As well as saving the academic time, avoiding any extra clicks for students means there is less chance of them disengaging with their learning and overall provides an improved student experience.

Further help and guidance

If you would like any further help or information in relation to any of the above, contact your Faculty Learning Technology Technologist

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