What’s the use of webnotes? Student and staff perceptions

Abstract

We present findings from a study exploring student and staff perceptions of the use of webnotes, and whether their availability affects attendance at lectures. A questionnaire survey gathered data from 162 undergraduate and masters students and 20 staff. Students and staff agree that webnotes have become an expected supplement to lecture delivery, and cite a range of advantages of such notes. There are mixed views on the impact of webnotes on attendance; all agree that it is important that the lecture is seen to ‘add value’ over webnotes. Some see gapped notes as encouraging interaction and engagement, whilst others feel that they interrupt concentration and learning. Staff offered insights into how lecturers can enhance the effectiveness of students’ use of webnotes. Suggestions are offered as to how both students and academic staff might improve their practice in this context.

Keywords:

• webnotes
• PowerPoint
• lecture notes
• student attendance