Video Lecture Capture in Pharmacy Education: Insights From the Pandemic Experience

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted an abrupt and widespread transition to remote learning, compelling higher education institutions to swiftly adjust to novel modalities. This study examines the post-pandemic insights and benefits of technology-enhanced learning (TEL), particularly archived video lecture capture systems, in facilitating undergraduate pharmacy education during and beyond the pandemic. Through a quantitative analysis of archival lecture views, we sought to identify critical elements that enabled a successful transition to remote learning, providing insights into sustainable educational methods for future disruptions. Our analysis indicated a substantial rise in weekly views of lecture archived recordings during the pandemic, with Spring 2020 achieving 452 views compared to 291 in Spring 2019. Usage surges transpired during weeks 11-13 of Spring 2020, aligning with the sudden transition to remote learning and a temporary postponement of assessments. A comparative analysis of archived lectures from Spring 2019 (delivered before the pandemic) at two intervals - November 2019 and September 2020 - revealed a significant rise in views following the pandemic. The temporal analysis of lecture archives access indicated that students sustained their after-hours watching patterns, with a peak occurring between 6 PM and 9 PM, particularly before major exams. Nevertheless, the frequency of access significantly increased after the pandemic.

This study emphasizes the strategic importance of video lecture recording in enhancing resilience within higher education institutions, facilitating students' learning continuity, and equipping institutions for possible future disruptions. These technologies facilitate flexible, autonomous learning, catering to diverse student needs and learning styles. They also support faculty professional development by encouraging reflective practice and data analysis to improve teaching methods. Furthermore, video recording facilitates instructor collaboration and acts as a vital resource for ongoing education, allowing students to revisit complex topics. Integrating TEL and video capture systems into the conventional academic framework enables higher education to improve its readiness and adaptability to uphold educational quality during unexpected occurrences.