Warwick University propose use of Lecture Capture to combat strikes

The last fortnight has seen a stream of university staff members striking up and down the country, following proposed cuts to staff pensions.

In response, university faculties have put methods in place in order to try and limit the proposed disruption.

Warwick University have proposed the following alternatives to lectures, following the industrial action:

"Re-scheduling some teaching in the early part of the summer term where feasible; the involvement of alternative staff in delivery of some material and the use of lecture capture where there is content appropriate for the relevant programme of study."

Lecture Capture is where lecturers record and upload their lectures for students to access at their own leisure.

Lectures from previous years may be uploaded, but only as long as the lecturer gives permission.

The proposal of using this method as a way of combatting industrial action has been met with disapproval from both lecturers, and students alike.

It is argued that using Lecture Capture to combat strike action is undermining the efforts of staff members who are going on strike, as it limits the proposed impact of industrial action upon campus.

David Smith, a professor form the University of York, tweeted saying that the use of Lecture Capture sought to "break the #USSstrike".

Anastasia Arghyrou, a first year History student, told The Tab: "It not only undermines their work but also the entire purpose of the strike."

Arghyrou added: "Many students don’t actually want to undermine the strikes because the more our lecturers suffer the harder it is for them to provide us with the best possible education. In turn we lose out on quality education in the long run even if we get a few hours of lectures now."

Peter Dunn, Director of Press and Policy for Warwick University, told The Tab: "Lecture capture recordings may remain available for some lectures, but the recordings remain under the control of the staff who originally made them who can choose whether they are available or not."