Staff and student perspectives on web based lecture technologies: insights into the great divide

Web-based lecture technologies (WBLT) have been introduced by some Australian Universities in recognition that many students need flexible learning choices during their studies. This paper reports on some of the findings of a research project, "the impact of WBLT on current and future practice in learning and teaching". The research was conducted across four Australian universities, with data obtained from surveys and in-depth interviews with both staff and students who had used WBLT. While student perceptions about WBLT have been largely positive, staff opinions are varied. Many lecturers see the potential of WBLT as a study tool and recognise students’ need for flexibility. However, staff are concerned that WBLT are exacerbating a trend toward declining lecture attendance, which they are linking to a drop in academic performance. While some lecturers indicate they have made changes to their lecturing in response to the technologies, there is little evidence of changes to the curriculum to effectively utilise these technologies.