Note taking is not encouraged in one chemical engineering class at the University, and the concept could spread to others in coming years.
Krishnaswamy Nandakumar, chemical engineering professor, tapes his lectures and posts notes made before class and supplemental notes made during class to encourage his students to forgo note taking during class.
“It’s effective in providing additional help outside the classroom,” Nandakumar said.
Nandakumar said class attendance hasn’t decreased, but visits to his office have.
“They come to class because they find value in it,” Nandakumar said.
Pritishma Lakhe, chemical engineering junior, said Nandakumar’s class is demanding, and students still attend despite the lectures being online, especially compared to her other classes.
“The videos are supplemental,” Lakhe said.
Nandakumar said he encourages students to “listen, pay attention and participate” during class instead of taking notes.
It takes 10 minutes before class to set up the equipment and about 30 minutes after class to upload the videos and notes, Nandakumar said.
“Whatever I write on the white board, I capture and put online,” Nandakumar said.
Nandakumar said he can monitor how many students are viewing his lectures, and the number is quite high.
Lakhe said she watches the videos to help with exams, assignments and homework.
Lakhe said the supplemental material can also help students when they miss a class.
Nandakumar said he created a class YouTube channel to post a version of the lecture and has received feedback from viewers in Europe.
According to the YouTube channel, the videos have anywhere from eight to 150 views this semester and nine subscribers.
Nandakumar said data shows students’ attention spans decrease after 15 minutes, and students can watch the videos to catch segments they may have missed while dozing off.
Nandakumar said this style of teaching is becoming popular with websites like academicearth.com.
T. Gilmour Reeve, vice provost for Academic Affairs, said the technology in classes today was not common 10 years ago.
“Students may not appreciate it as much as those who taught with chalk and a blackboard,” Reeve said.
Reeve said technology considered innovative in classrooms today probably won’t be in a few years.
Reeve said professors should take caution in making sure the innovative technology is facilitating learning and applies to the class content.
Lakhe said she believes if this method of teaching were used in general education classes, attendance might decrease.
“I’m an engineering major, and most classes are hard and demanding,” Lakhe said.
 
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Contact Celeste Ansley at [email protected]