Did your instructor ever let you not tape record lectures?

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Feb 26, 2004

A number of schools do not permit tape recording lecture. Technically, in many states/schools, it may be illegal to tape them without express permission. While not always enforced, it is best to check with the instructors first. (And also - please don't harass them if they do not permit this - it is their right - there nothing quite as annoying as someone going , "Well, so and so lets us do it")

I personally never found tapes all that helpful, or that I had time to listen to the tapes, if I were doing all the other studies/readings, etc.

Just to let you, there are many threads available under "search" for this topic - it is a frequent concern at the beginning of semesters.

Jennerizer, ASN, RN · Feb 26, 2004

Every instructor I've had so far (both in the nursing program & pre-req's) encouraged us to tape the lectures. I don't see why anyone would be against it, but you may want to ask first to be sure.

Achoo!, LPN · Feb 26, 2004

I have always had permission.

RedSox33RN · Feb 26, 2004

I've always thought about taping lectures, but right now I'm doing a lot of hybrid (1/2 online, 1/2 classroom) courses, so there really is no point.

Do you transcribe the pertinent information afterward, or just listen to it in your car, etc? I'm interested to know how people use the tapes afterwards.

Thank you!

hopefully · Feb 26, 2004

I've always thought about taping lectures, but right now I'm doing a lot of hybrid (1/2 online, 1/2 classroom) courses, so there really is no point.
Do you transcribe the pertinent information afterward, or just listen to it in your car, etc? I'm interested to know how people use the tapes afterwards.
Thank you!

Throughout my schooling, my exams were based on the lectures and not the book. So what I do is that I write everything the instructor wrote on the chalk board to my notes. Then I listen to the tape at home which is my study time. If I grasped eveything on the lecture, then I am all set for the exam. I usually listen to the tapes with my notes.

Just to note, I am taping my A/P class right now. I got an 84 on my first exam. I just looked into the book very briefly.

belladelicious · Feb 26, 2004

Hi. I have a BA degree in Sociology. Throughout my schooling, I taped recorded the lectures. I am starting LPN school in the Fall. I am worried about some instructors not letting me tape the lectures. Some people told me that some instructors do not allow tape recorders. Did it ever happen to you where you experienced an instructor not letting students tape lectures?
Thanks for your information.

Most allow it. But, I would ask permission first. For some reason none of the nursing students record classes where I'm at. I guess b/c so much of the tests are about what you learn on your own. And I did have one teacher who didn't allow us to record her lectures, she was a lousy teacher, and something had happened with a previous student that got her in trouble..so something weird was going on w/her(this was an english/lit class..not nursing)

unknown99, BSN, RN · Feb 27, 2004

NO, never in the nursing classes. It was expressly forbidden. They never told us why though

hopefully · Feb 27, 2004

Under federal law, people with learning disabilities can tape record lectures. Schools have to provide accomodiations for students with disabilities. If the school does not let people do it, then they are not following the law and they are discriminating against people with disabilities.

I did not have a learning disability but when I record the lecture, it is easy for me.

mitchsmom · Feb 27, 2004

I have always been allowed to tape my classes. Have been getting lazy about it/don't consider it as necessary this semester, but I usually relisten to them on my 2 hour commute & find it very helpful...does help you retain more I think.

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 27, 2004

As a staff development instructor with some experience teaching in nursing schools, I thought I might chime in on the question of why some teachers do not like to be taped.

For us, it is very similar to being taped giving patient care. How would you like to have all of your patient care and all of your interactions with patients, families, and co-workers videotaped? Ask yourself that question and be honest with yourself about how you would feel knowing that everything was being for your boss to review at a later date. While some of you might not mind that at all, I hope most of you can see where that would make some people -- even good nurses -- uncomfortable.

Some of us feel that same way about students taping our classes. The idea that all of words will be recorded (both carefully chosen ones and "off the cuff" casual remarks) makes us uneasy. Also, recorders do not record visual cues, gestures, facial expressions, etc. -- they don't capture the entire communication. There is a danger of misinterpretation that increases that general feeling of uneasiness that occurs with being recorded.

I am hearing impaired and have many hearing impaired friends. I am a strong advocate for accommodating people with handicaps. But I would try very hard to avoid have my classes tape recorded. For me, it would be a last resort that I would allow only if there were no other choice.

I hope that answers a few questions.

llg

mitchsmom · Feb 27, 2004

As a teacherI would maybe be a little unnerved by it (and I used to be a teacher), but if it helped my students to learn better the so be it. That's what I'm there for. What to be afraid of? Getting called on something I said? So what, if I made a mistake I don't mind my students calling me on it. If anything I think it would make me a more aware, better instructor. There is always a chance for misinterpretation in any case. I think when you instruct, you are opening yourself up - you are giving that information already, what difference does it make if someone records it? What if someone had a photographic memory? Like I said before, I have a two hour commute (each way). I would be really annoyed if a teacher was insecure about me recording class for me to study by & to fill those long hours driving. Please, no more silly rules! Just my little opinion.