1. Learning & teaching
  1. Lecture capture
  • Lecture capture

    Lecture Capture automatically records teaching events classified as “lectures” scheduled in Lecture Capture enabled room. The academic or course office team must then connect Lecture Capture to Moodle to share recordings with students.

    What is lecture capture?

    Lecture Capture automatically records teaching events classified as “lectures” in MyTimetable.  Automated Lecture Capture records the computer screen, laptop screen or visualiser, your voice, and the video camera records the front of the teaching space or can be set, via the Pod controls, to record the Whiteboard. You can change the inputs that are recorded or request that Live stream is enabled via the Automated Lecture Capture change of details form.

    Lecture Capture is available in most learning spaces at City. You can also request that other teaching events are set to record by completing the Lecture Capture booking form.

    How do I make Lecture Capture available to students?

    You must connect Lecture Capture to Moodle for students to view the recordings. You can also use this link to check what teaching sessions have been scheduled for recording.

    Benefits of lecture capture to students

    Lecture capture is used in many universities in the UK and around the world. The ability to review lecture recordings is particularly useful for students whose first language is not English, or students with a learning difficulty such as dyslexia which makes it difficult for them to take notes - many students make their own low-quality recordings of lectures already and Lecture Capture allows staff to offer them better quality, easier-to-use recordings.


    If you want to embed this video in you Module, see here for the embed code below the video. Use a label to embed the video in Moodle.

    However, this facility is appreciated by many students, especially for revision ahead of exams, and to help with note-taking and content review after each lecture. Studies have shown that these systems are widely used by students where they are available and can help students to take a more active part in lectures when they know that they will be able to review the content later rather than feeling that they must take word-for-word notes during the lecture itself.

    Lecture capture and student attendance

    Although lecture capture might be expected to reduce attendance, there is little evidence of this among comparable UK institutions. Studies suggest that students can participate more actively in sessions when they feel able to take fewer notes. Usage reports also show that students tend to review short passages rather than watching or re-watching entire recordings, suggesting that they tend to use the facility to review complex or important parts of the lecture.

    Of course, it will be necessary to be clear with students about the expected uses of lecture capture recordings. While students will most likely not get the full benefit of watching the lectures online rather than attending in person, some may assume that they no longer need to attend. It is lecturers' responsibility to ensure students understand that lecture capture recordings are provided as a supplement, not a replacement, for teaching.

    Detailed Lecture Capture Guidance

    You can request additional lecture captures, changes to the recording inputs, opt out of lectura captures  or request a lapel microphone via the forms linked below.

    Request recordings of other teaching events, excluding lectures. Lecture Capture booking form.

    Request change of recording inputs and/or live stream. Automated Lecture Capture change of details.

    Opt out of Lecture Capture. Lecture Capture opt out.

    Maximise your audio quality: Request a lapel microphone.