Information Technology Services

The Lecture Theatre Recording Service is capable of recording from the following input sources: Audio plus Screen Capture OR Video (a camera shot of the lecturing podium)

Audio
The audio that is recorded is the same audio that comes through the speakers in the lecture theatre. For example, if you play a CD, video or audio cassette during the lecture, the audio from these devices will be recorded. Similarly the audio from all of the microphones provided is recorded (assuming the microphone is switched on). It is highly recommended to use a radio microphone if you will be moving around the theatre. The podium microphone is not able to pick up your voice if you move away from the lectern.
Screen Capture
The screen capture recording format captures everything that is projected from your computer screen during the lecture. This includes Visualiser, the House computer or your laptop, so long as it is selected to view on the screen. Any program can be captured (including PowerPoint). Please note that in situations where there are two screens, only the first screen is recorded and that Videos such as CVRS replay are not captured.
Video / Camera
Lecture Theatre Recording Service is also capable of recording video from a video camera source. For example, by pointing the video camera at the lectern, Lecture Theatre Recording Service can be used to record a talking-head style video lecture. There are limitations, however unless an operator is booked (this is a chargeable service) At this time, Screen Capture (see above) is the recommended mode.

Screen Capture Video / Camera

What delivery options can I choose for my recordings?

Lecture Theatre Recordings are delivered in a variety of formats which suit the widest possible range of student technology. This includes both audio and video “Podcasts” (downloads) as well as streaming formats for viewing over modem or broadband. Naturally, the broadband formats provide superior quality sound and images. These formats are explained below:

Download

The Download delivery option allows students to download lecture files directly to their computer in a range of file formats including Flash, MP3, MP4, Quicktime and Windows Media. This then allows 24/7 access to the files without the need to be connected to the Internet. Additionally, this allows storage of files on portable media players such as iPods, MP3 Players, Mobile Phones, PSPs and PDAs.

Podcast

The Podcast delivery option allows students to subscribe to unit lecture recordings and have their podcast-enabled software (e.g. Apple iTunes or Juice) look for newly published recordings on a regular basis. LTR supports output of both audio and video podcasts. Podcasting is a convenient way to organise your content for ease of student access. Once downloaded, the podcasts can be transferred to a portable media player such as an iPod or MP3 player. For more information about podcasting please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcasting.

I checked my lectures and there was a problem. Either there was no sound, image or the accompanying PowerPoint file was not attached. What do I do?

Lodge a problem report via the Lecture Theatre recordings page (student view). Each recording has a link titled ‘Report a problem with this recording’. Click the link for the specific recording where there is a problem and submit the details regarding the problem.

How do I know when a lecture has become available?

The specified Unit Contact(s) will receive an automated notification email containing: 1. a link to update the details for the lecture using the LTR Staff Tool 2. a direct link to the student view of the lecture recording

If I make a mistake in my lecture, can you edit it out?

Yes, this is possible, however we prefer to reserve this action for special cases, e.g. cutting out parts of a private conversation that was accidentally recorded at the end of the lecture when the microphone was not switched off. This process can take several days to complete.

At what point does the lecture start or stop recording?

To make allowances for starting early and running slightly over time the system will by default start the recording 2 minutes to the hour and finish at 50 minutes past the hour (e.g lecture starting at 2pm - recording time starts at 1.58pm and ends at 2.50pm). The recording is 'audio-triggered' - this means that it will only start recording when an audio signal is detected from the microphone once the scheduled recording period has commenced. This means that the microphone must be turned on in order for the recording to start. Once a recording has started, it then runs for the duration of the scheduled recording period, and ends at the time specified by the schedule (not when you turn off the microphone). For example, if you start a lecture 10 minutes late, at 2.10pm, your recording will continue until 2.50pm as scheduled and students will only hear 40 minutes of the lecture.

Pushing the icon during recording will pause the recording (icon flashes RED). This is recommended to cut out any copyright material (e.g. Video Presentations) or to omit irrelevant “house-keeping” announcements. Pressing the flashing icon once again re-starts the recording (icon glows steady red).

Is the Lectopia computer time synchronised with the clock in the lecture venue?

The LTR computers synchronise their clocks on a regular basis using automatic time synchronisation (NTP), making them very accurate. Lecture theatre clocks are not synchronised to any time server, so we would recommend that it is probably best to rely on the time indication on the room PC.

I run repeat lectures. Can I choose which one I want to be put online?

Yes, you can. Sometimes lecturers find that one lecture had more information than the other, or that it was delivered better. To change which lecture is published to students simply contact LTR support. When submitting your Lecture Theatre Recording booking you will need to provide the details for both lectures, indicate which lecture is the repeat and which lecture should be made available to students by default. The system will record both lectures, make the default lecture available online for students and prepare the repeat lecture for rapid availability to student should you opt to make the repeat lecture available.

How can I protect my Lectopia recordings?

Recordings made available via Blackboard are username and password protected and therefore access is restricted according to user group permissions for particular Blackboard units. However, there is no means of protection available should students elect to allow lecture recordings to be shared.

I am concerned about recordings of potentially defamatory material in my lecture(s) - what are my options?

Occasionally concerns are raised by lecturing staff that some lecture material is sensitive and potentially defamatory and hence unsuitable for recording or archiving. If you are concerned, you could “Pause” the recording to avoid any contentious material; not record the lecture; or opt not to make the recording available to students.

What happens to my Lecture Theatre Recordings after the unit is finished for the semester?

Recordings are retained online until the completion of the deferred exam period. After this time the recordings are removed from the online section but some components are retained for 12 months following requirements for retention of eLearning material.

How long are the Lectopia recordings available for access to students?

Students generally have access to the recordings until after the deferred exam period at the end of each semester.

What about the copyright issues in the material I use in my lectures?

Individual lecturers are responsible for obtaining appropriate permissions for all materials delivered by the Lecture Theatre Recording system. This includes copyright clearance and/or payments for any material that you have requested to be recorded. For specific copyright queries, please contact the UQ Copyright Officer.

I need to change the time/venue of the scheduled recording. What do I do?

Please contact LTR support at least 2 days before the lecture with details of the change in venue and time. Please note that you will also need to contact the Academic Facilities Office to arrange the change of venue.

I am recording my lectures using audio tapes - what do you recommend I use?

We recommend the use of C120 tapes, as they allow for 60 minutes of recording per side. C90 tapes can also be used however they are not generally recommended as they only allow for 45 minutes of recording per side, meaning that the ends of lectures can be cut off in the recording.

Access

What should a student do if they have a problem accessing Blackboard?

Please contact Blackboard support.

What should I do if a student has problems accessing a recording?

Students can lodge a problem report via the Lectopia recordings page by clicking on the link titled ‘Report a problem with this recording’. When a problem report is submitted, the web page gathers information about the user's computer and their experience with Lectopia recordings, and submits this to an internal error reporting management system for investigation by Lectopia support staff.

Lecture Theatre Equipment

I've connected my laptop to use PowerPoint but nothing appears on the lecture screen – what should I do next?

If you are experiencing problems, please contact the Lecture Theatre Help Line 59111 or the AV Unit (ext. 54033) using the lecture theatre wall phone.