Issues in capturing the classroom experience Lessons from the trenches

1 INESC-ID/IST/UTL, Av. Rovisco Pais, Lisboa, [email protected] 2 INESC-ID/IST/UTL, Rua Alves Redol, 9, Lisboa, [email protected] 3 INESC-ID/IST/UTL, Av. Rovisco Pais, Lisboa, [email protected] Abstract This paper describes our work in capturing, and evaluating the classroom experience as the hub for technology-assisted blended learning environments. In fact, we believe that much of the work that goes into preparing a class can be brought to fruition if there are means to record classes in the form of synchronized multimedia streams which can be webcast and archived. We tested this approach over the last three years, notably during last spring semester in a Multimedia Course at our university attended by over 143 registered students. We propose a practical technique to evaluate the usability of the learning support system and improve the design of this kind of experiences from pedagogical and technical perspectives. The main contribution of this research consists of a workable and empirically tested evaluation approach which allows project teams to diagnose and deploy cost-effective improvements to technology assisted learning experiences.