Recording tutorials

Arrangements for the recording of oral tutorials by students with specific learning needs

The Open University wishes to make every effort to assist students with specific learning needs and, to this end, students with specific learning needs may record tutorials in accordance with the procedures outlined below.

Adherence to these procedures will ensure that The Open University is able to make a reasonable adjustment under the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act in respect of providing equal treatment and equal access to educational opportunity for all, regardless of their disability status.

Recording of tutorials

If one of your students finds it difficult or impossible to take notes (for instance if they have visual or audio impairments, dyslexia, mobility impairments, etc), it will be important to explore with them how best their needs can be met in tutorial sessions. Students who are eligible for DSAs may be funded to have a note taker; they may find additional tutorial notes helpful; or they may need or want to record face-to-face tutorial sessions. In these cases, and others you identify, you are advised to follow the following procedures:

1. If the student has already notified the University of a disability or additional requirement that might be helped by recorded tutorials, please

·  Contact your regional centre to ensure that they have appropriate information and arrangements in place to support the student

·  Discuss with the student

  1. How recording of tutorials can most helpfully be arranged
  2. Processes to inform other students in the group
  3. Arrangements to be made if highly sensitive or confidential issues are likely to be discussed during a tutorial. (It may be appropriate to switch the recorder off at some point).
  4. Handouts or other support to be provided if the student is not able to attend tutorials.
  5. Think about the structure of the tutorial and how you can best cater for both the needs of the student concerned and the rest of the group .This may mean making slight alterations to the structure of the session e.g. allowing time for summary of key points following discussion on a topic. This would allow the student to record the summary of the discussion without compromising the actual discussion. It also has the benefit of causing minimum interruption to group dynamics.
  6. Create’ recording points’ during the session. This can provide students with a focus for their recording and also reassure other students that recording will only take place at these points.
  7. Highlight recording of certain sections as being a positive aspect of the tutorial; a chance for all to consolidate content of discussions /seminars and not just the student that is doing the recording. This may make a big difference in terms of how the recording is perceived by the group and can help to diminish feelings of fear for other students. It also means that the tutor can feel more confident about what is being recorded and how it can be used to best effect by the student concerned.

2. If the student has not notified the University of a Disability or additional requirement, please encourage them to do so. You can assure the student that disclosing a disability simply enables the University to put in place appropriate measures to meet their specific educational requirements. Any information will be kept securely and only revealed to those who need to know in order to meet their personal needs.

However, the student does have the right to keep the reasons confidential. Associate Lecturers should in this case follow the guidelines on disclosure and confidentiality for disabled students.

Sources of Support

If you have any queries or concerns about the recording of tutorials, or if you have any other needs relating to the support of your students, please contact your Regional Centre. In addition to your Staff Tutor/Regional Manager, all regional centres have a team which specialises in the support of student with disabilities and additional requirements (DAR team) and they will be pleased to discuss any issues with you.

Recording Rights

An understanding that the contents of tutorials remain the intellectual property of The Open University forms part of the learning agreement between the student and the University and this should be accepted by all students. The tape(s) should be used only for the personal study of the student and should not be reproduced or passed to anyone else other than for transcription purposes. The recording of lectures/seminars and tutorials is covered by ‘performance rights’ which means that consent must be obtained from all parties (staff and students), and they have the right to refuse.

If material is used from a lecturer or tutorial then this should be acknowledged in their scholarly apparatus in the same way as they would reference other sources e.g. books, journals

In cases where parties do refuse, then an alternative needs to be provided as a ‘reasonable adjustment’. Examples of alternatives are given below.

What constitutes a ‘justifiable refusal’ may differ depending upon the particular tutorial but may be e.g. Discussion of a sensitive nature, discussion of a personal nature, discussion of mark allocation etc.

Examples of Alternatives to Recording tutorials

1. Provision of bullet point summary notes

2. Telephone tutorial

3.’Buddy’ arrangement with another student (note sharing etc)