Effective Use of Video Lectures for Design Project Students

Abstract

Videos are used as an educational tool in many higher education institutions around the world. At the University of South Africa, video lectures were used to communicate essential information to the students regarding the module Design Project III. The question can thus be asked, how can video lectures be used to establish better communication between the study leader and students in Design Project III, and what are student’s perceptions on the use of video lectures? In this research, a case study was used, where lecturing videos were recorded and communicated to the students in the module Design Project III. Student perceptions regarding the videos were recorded with a questionnaire. Several advantages and disadvantages were identified and reported on. Students felt that the video lectures were relevant, easily accessed and beneficial to their studies. Some of the disadvantages were the cost of data to access the videos. The positive responses from students may be an indication that video lectures can be used with great success in design-based modules in South Africa.