Tape Recorders Not Allowed!

Katnip, RN · Apr 20, 2003

In our school we always have to ask permission to tape classes. Most isntructors allow it, but some do not. It does have to do somethig with intellectual property and copyrights, though most instructors put there lectures on power point slides and have us print them out to take notes on. Not sure why. I think some people are just overly protective.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Apr 20, 2003

When I went to school, it was considered illegal, if one hadn't gotten the instructors permission. It is also illegal in many states to tape anyone without their express knowledge/permission. It can also be considered a theft in some cases of "intellectual" property.

I do have to say, have been on the receiving end, I can understand why. I don't mind speaking louder for people to hear me but for a tape? I personally don't like being taped, photographed or filmed (deepseated religious upbringing) but I have had pt's family stick a camcorder in my face and had to inform them that it was not permitted.

There are instructors that do not like to be taped, it can be a pain to deal with students saying, "But so and so allows it". This frequently leads to a no taping policy.

Also, remember that as a nurse, you will have to hear a remember info on the fly, not be able to tape it and relisten to it several times. This is practice for your future.

rnmi2004 · Apr 24, 2003

Our school has a policy that you can not tape record unless all the students in the class sign an agreement that they don't mind that other students may be recording the class. I think they said that it was because you can't record the comments of other students who may not want to be recorded. All the students in our lecture class signed the sheet agreeing to it, so it isn't an issue for us.

Jenn CLPN · Apr 24, 2003

The nursing school shouldnt be using patients names anyway.Ive never heard of a school that didnt allow taping(unless they dont want to hear the clicking on and off). Also, most people use a PDA as part of there daily lives, i cant believe they banned that also.

missionnurse · Apr 24, 2003

Originally posted by rosemadder
We were told at our school it is a confidentiality issue as the instructors give many examples of actual patients and the material is not allowed to leave the classroom.

This was the same reason we were given during our first year of school, but this year they decided to go ahead and "trust" us with the info. Also, our teachers now make sure they don't use any names when giving real life examples.

essarge · Apr 24, 2003

Our school hasn't implemented that policy yet but, I'm sure it's coming. I see that quite a few schools use the "condifentiality" issue but I suspect that it's so the instructor's can cover their butts.

We recently had three seniors fail because the instructor did not drop the lowest grade as she said she would. One of the student's had it recorded and the outcome is now pending. So I'm sure that recorders will not be allowed next semester!!

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 24, 2003

Perhaps it would help those of you who can not understand why a teacher would not want everything taped should imagine yourself working in a hospital that videotaped all of your interactions with your patients and co-workers. Personally, I do not like to be taped and would not teach in a environment in which all my words were recorded -- just as I would not work in an institution that videotaped all my patient interactions. It's just a part of my right to privacy that I wish to protect.

Also, my teaching style is more conversational than "straight, formal lecture" and the effectiveness of classes I teach often rely at least in part on the spontaneous interactions between me and the students -- eliciting their responses, helping them bring forth their thoughts, etc. Being conscious of being taped would probably hinder that crucial part of the educational process.

Also, I have been in classes that have been taped and there is often noise, activity, etc. associated with that -- changing tapes that run out, etc. I find that sort of thing distracting.

To help students, I make sure that the key content is either clearly explained in the text or included in the handouts -- particularly anything that will be "on the test." That should be sufficient -- the key stuff is written out for them and they can jot down a few notes from the discussion, which has hopefully been free and easy and actively participated in by most members of the class.

I hope that helps explain why some teachers choose not to be taped.

llg

renerian, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2003

Probably an instructor said something and it was on tape, someone brought the tape in, played it and something bad happened maybe related to testing or relay of information. Sad because I taped all my lectures. It helped me alot.

renerian

redshiloh · Apr 24, 2003

Ya know I tried that...but the lectures kept putting me to sleep on the road.

tonicareer · Apr 24, 2003

My first thought was that a tape recorder can be used to tape things that the instructor says that are inappropriate toward students or a student. Unfortunately this policy is hurting students who would like to hear lectures repeated.

Alan7161 · Apr 29, 2008

I have been doing some research on tap recorders and public schools. I read that congress has repeatedly rulled that anything in public can be photographed, vidio recorded, or audio recorded. The question is whether a public school is classified as a public place. Some of the handicaped students are allowed tap recorders. As for it being a crime to record people without their consent. Are we going to bring charges against T.V. news reporters? It might be questionable whether students rights are being violated by not allowing tape recorders in school. And if so what recourse do we have? Myself, I have had on going problems with some of the people in My class at school. When I bring this up to My instructor I am told that I am unable to prove it. I brought a digital recorder to school to do just that. Now I am told that the instructor is under orders from higher up to take it away from Me if he sees it.