Abstract

The study attempts to find out if providing downloadable copies of lectures was serving the purpose for which it was meant or if it was creating a situation that encouraged laziness, absenteeism and an environment that allowed students to be disrespectful of speakers through inattention or willful performance of tasks unrelated to the class. The problem of determining whether making lecture files downloadable had helped students has two major aspects. The first has to do with the positive effects of making lectures downloadable. Has this exerted a positive influence on these students’ ability to meet course requirements by reducing the need to take notes, by facilitating active participation in class, by enabling better focus on the lecture, and by aiding students in preparations for examinations? The second has to do with the negative effects of making lectures downloadable. Has this exerted a negative influence on these students’ ability to meet course requirements by encouraging laziness and ill-preparedness for class discussions, by encouraging inattention and disrespect for speakers during lectures or presentations, by making the performance of tasks unrelated to the class possible, and by abetting student absenteeism? A short survey using a five-point Likert scale response pattern was created to elicit reactions to eight statements. The respondents are one hundred third and fourth year students from the University of the Philippines-Diliman Extension Program in Pampanga. All respondents are enrolled in classes handled by the author. The survey forms were distributed on the last day of the first semester 2009-10 and collected at the end of each of the four classes included in the survey. The answers I obtain from the study will help me reassess this feature of the courses I teach and help me refine existing teaching strategies and class management techniques to benefit the students and the university.