Echo360, the academic video platform used by more than three million students in 30 countries, has announced a partnership with Edinburgh University “to improve the student experience by leveraging technology to drive deeper engagement with learning content”.
The cloud-based technology enables automated recording of lectures “at scale, keeping the administrative burden and barriers to staff participation low”.
As well as watching lecture recordings on demand, students can ask questions, bookmark important content, take time-synced notes during lectures and engage with lecturers and peers, all from a mobile device, tablet or computer.
“Every day, our students and academic colleagues push boundaries through world-class teaching and cutting-edge research,” said Anne-Marie Scott, deputy director of learning, teaching and web services at Edinburgh.
“Similarly, we at the university seek to constantly evolve the academic experience for students. Echo360’s innovative approach to lecture capture pairs sound teaching practice with high quality video and analytics, creating new opportunities for meaningful learning experiences.”
Data generated from students’ usage of Echo360 provides instructors with better insight into how students are engaging with the course content and progressing through the class.
Recent research found that students using Echo360’s video platform and active learning strategies saw a positive increase in engagement and course grades.
“Video is a fundamental aspect of today’s post-secondary experience, and forward thinking universities are recognising its importance in shaping the future of teaching and learning,” said Fred Singer, founder and chief executive of Echo360.
Use of the new solution, which will be fully integrated within the university’s two existing virtual learning environment platforms, begins this month, with campus-wide implementation to be completed by September 2019.