Dr Ray Kirby's Presentation for Brunel University London's Learning and Teaching Symposium 2015

1. Brunel University London
“Face-to-face lectures are no longer
appropriate in the digital age”
The Case Against
Ray Kirby
Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and
Civil Engineering
The Case Against 1

2. Brunel University London
The Pedagogic Case
Lectures should be based on interaction and should:
• Engage
• Inspire
• Enable discussions
• Develop confidence
Lectures can
• React to questions in real time
• Change scope and aims depending on feedback
• Encourage active learning
• Respond quickly to SSLC and other issues raised by students
17 April 2015
The Pedagogic Case 2

3. Brunel University London
The Pedagogic Case
• Digital lectures:
• Formal recordings encourage:
• Dull, regulated, formal and boring delivery
• Passive consumption by students
• Remove the ability to interact
• This is not new!
• We have had the wonders of the moving image for
many years.
• OU lectures on TV are a classic: dry, dull delivery
17 April 2015
The Pedagogic Case 3

4. Brunel University London
The Pragmatic Case
Cultural
• Prospective Students Expect to Attend Lectures
• This is what we do at “University”, it is seen as a part of
“being a student”, a shared experience
• Parents expect their children to attend lectures, this is part
of what they think they are paying for.
• This is how students are used to “learning.”
Practical
• Our Key Information Stats will look bad and harm
recruitment
• Students will not use digital forms, so attrition rates will go
up.
17 April 2015
The Pragmatic Case 4