Missing lecture recordings leave students learning off PowerPoint slides

Distance study at Massey University is not as flexible as expected, as a Massive poll found 52% of distance student's lectures aren't always recorded. 

Distance student Kimberly Knight said instead of recorded lectures, she was provided with a copy of PowerPoint slides and lecture notes used for internal lectures. 

The average 15 credit distance paper costs around $883 at Massey.  

Some distance courses required students to attend online lectures or tutorials at set times. 

The lack of recorded lectures created a logistical nightmare for those who were working full time or had children. 

Flynn O’Hallahan, student association distance vice president said students are being forced online due to recent staff and course cuts. 

"Yet they [Massey] aren’t putting any extra effort towards rectifying the issues of course quality in the distance space”. 

Despite Massey's website stating its distance education “combine[s] pioneering technology with the latest research”, students who did have access to recorded lectures often found the recordings were several years old.  

Improving distance resources appeared to be a major concern with over 48% of distance students saying improving the quality of distance courses was important, another 32% stating it was a priority.  

Distance student Kat Kalynchuk said, “There seems to be the idea that distance students don’t log in for lectures because they are lazy or can’t be bothered. This is outdated and wrong." 

“Distance students have jobs and families and responsibilities that are just as important as their studies.” 

Students looking for extra support found that Massey’s off-campus library services were useful, with after-work events and access to full-text electronic journal articles on offer. 

Massey University was asked to comment, however, did not provide a response.