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Pros and Cons of Automatic Lecture Recording Applications and Solutions

Pros and Cons of Automatic Lecture Recording Applications and Solutions

Nov 02 2015

The ways in which schools record courses vary, but the main conceptual essence is to authentically capture the content of textbooks in the form of video recordings. By leveraging the vivid and lively visual presentation of videos, this method can transform into an easily absorbable and understandable teaching effect. Simultaneously, it shifts from the traditional classroom model where teachers lecture downward to a model where students absorb content through online teaching, share learning experiences with classmates, and where teachers play a guiding role. This approach enables students to achieve a genuine understanding of the course content, surpassing 90% depth of comprehension. This is the reason why countries vigorously promote online teaching.

With the development of technology, there are various ways to record courses. Globally, the following seven methods can be classified from course videos provided on the internet:

  1. Laptop webcam recording
  2. Electronic whiteboard
  3. Automatic lecture recording
  4. Remote control
  5. E-Learning
  6. EFP multi-camera filming
  7. Virtual studio system

(Conceptual Diagram of Multi-camera Filming - EFP)

(Conceptual Diagram of Virtual Studio)

Of course, each school may choose a recording method suitable for its unique courses based on the school environment, principal, and teacher preferences. However, based on a survey of teacher opinions, we can categorize the preferred recording methods into several key points:

  1. Time-efficient, high yield, and minimal burden.
  2. On-site filming, on-site completion.
  3. Incorporating the teacher's PowerPoint presentations into the recording.
  4. Pre-prepared recorded videos that the teacher can easily film.
  5. Capable of recording and transmitting over the internet in a single step.

Therefore, it becomes apparent that the best way to record lectures is for teachers to naturally record a class or chapter of a course during regular classes without disrupting the classroom teaching atmosphere.

Now, let's discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and considerations when implementing automatic classroom recording.

Firstly, we need to understand what automatic classroom recording means. It refers to providing automated tracking core technology that allows teachers to independently control the entire recording process manually or automatically, without the need for additional personnel or camera operators. The equipment must have unmanned operation capabilities, such as PTZ cameras, matrix microphone systems, and recording systems. The central system requires an intelligent person tracking system. With this combination, semi-automatic or fully automatic course recording can be achieved.

The core point is the automatic tracking function, which is essential for automatic lecture recording. However, there are various methods for automatic tracking in the market, with infrared being the most common but also having its drawbacks:

  1. Lack of professional filming concepts results in visually uncomfortable videos with inconsistent speed.
  2. Installation of tracking devices limits tracking to the teacher, making the recording environment less realistic.
  3. Continuous tracking takes away control from the teacher.
  4. Student questions cannot be presented in the course video; only their voices can be heard.

A recent development in the market is a facial image tracking system that addresses some of the issues mentioned above. In addition to the mentioned equipment, it includes a director system for real-time switching when tracking different individuals, allowing the complete recording of lectures with teacher instruction and student interaction.

An impressive feature of this tracking system is its ability to command the camera's tracking and filming speed, mimicking the slow-to-fast-to-slow techniques used in television production. This allows teachers to take control and switch interactions with different students seamlessly. This technology represents the latest advancement in tracking systems.

In conclusion, as MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) teaching becomes more widespread and reaches various levels of schools, the demand for diverse instructional recordings is increasing. Schools are establishing multiple specialized classrooms for course recording, highlighting each school's unique characteristics. Particularly in an era of declining birth rates, enrollment emphasis has shifted towards evaluating schools based on faculty, environment, and distinctive features. In the age of rapid internet dissemination, the content of course videos may influence student and parent preferences. Therefore, schools are considering developing unique characteristics to distinguish themselves in the pursuit of diversity and excellence.