An Inexpensive Method for Recording Lectures Without Use of a Video Recorder

Recording lectures for later use is a method used by instructors for some time as a means of helping students learn course material and prepare for exams. Except in distance education courses where recorded lectures may be necessary, the method has not been widely adopted, however, probably due to the extra effort and resources required to produce instructive recordings and make them available to members of the class. Unless lectures can be held in studios settings with permanently installed video and audio equipment, a luxury few of us have, instructors face the daunting task of setting up, testing, operating and taking down the considerable amount of equipment needed. In most cases, a “crew” of experienced technicians needs to be present in the classroom to assure consistent, quality production. Where adequate resources are available, good quality recordings have been produced benefiting students in introductory chemistry [1]. Our experience suggests, however, that relatively few schools offer the level of support needed for conventional lecture recording.