Access to missed content may be indicated on an accommodation letter as a safeguard for missed course material. Faculty must provide students who have this accommodation with content missed due to disability or a *remote captioning error.
Examples of how to provide content are as follows:
- Use lecture capture software (such as Panopto) to audio record each class session (video is optional)
- Temporary access to an online section of the course or pre-recorded lecture content
- Thorough instructor notes covering the missed content
Content must be provided to the student within two business days, upon request. It is not necessary to provide lecture content to the student unless a specific date has been requested.
*Remote captioning is an accommodation provided by ODS and is arranged between ODS and the receiving student.
This accommodation is class-specific and may require further discussion with ODS. If faculty have limited classroom technology (e.g., camera, microphone) or if it may significantly alter course content, please contact ODS at [Email: ods@ua.edu] to assess feasibility.
I received an accommodation letter that states a student in my course requires access to lecture content. What should I do?
Examples of how to provide content are as follows:
- Use lecture capture software (such as Panopto) to audio record each class session (video is optional)
- Temporary access to an online section of the course or pre-recorded lecture content
- Thorough instructor notes covering the missed content
Content must be provided to the student within two business days, upon request. It is not necessary to provide lecture content to the student unless a specific date has been requested.
I don’t know how to use lecture capture software (Panopto). Is there someone who can help me?
Yes. UA holds an institutional license for Panopto and campus classrooms are equipped with cameras and microphones. The Center for Instructional Technology can provide guidance on using Panopto in your classroom.
I have recordings from previous semesters. Can I use those recordings instead of recording my current lectures?
Perhaps. In the case that the lecture content is the same from semester to semester, previous semester lecture recordings can be used.
I move around the room while I teach. I am worried that my teaching style will be negatively impacted if I am restricted to a podium or lectern for lecture capture. What are my options?
If your classroom camera is a webcam and cannot be moved, you may provide content by providing temporary access to an online section of the course or pre-recorded lecture content or thorough instructor notes covering the missed content. Please contact ODS if you have other preferred methods for providing lecture content.
I do not believe Panopto is the best way to provide access in my course due to small group discussion, interactive components, etc. What are my options?
Depending on your course and teaching modality, an alternate but equivalent accommodation may be needed, such as temporary access to an online course section, pre-recorded lectures, or detailed instructor notes. Contact ODS to discuss options.
Does access to lecture content replace the need for a notetaker?
No. If a student provides an accommodation letter that includes a peer notetaker, you must recruit a notetaker for the course.
My course includes labs. Does the access to lecture content accommodation still apply?
No, the lecture content accommodation covers only lectures, not handouts or tutorials. Separate accommodations, such as attendance modifications, address missed work arrangements between the student and faculty.
My classroom is not equipped with a camera and/or a microphone. What should I do?
If the classroom lacks a camera or microphone, contact ODS for assistance. ODS may provide and install the necessary technology or collaborate with you to develop an alternative accommodation plan.
I have concerns about being recorded. Must I use Panopto despite my concerns?
While Panopto is not required, the intent of the accommodation must be met. You may provide content through temporary access to an online course section, pre-recorded lectures, or detailed instructor notes. Contact ODS if you prefer other methods for delivering lecture content.
Note that Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act stipulates that instructors and institutions “may not impose upon handicapped students other rules, such as the prohibition of tape recorders in classrooms…that have the effect of limiting the participation of handicapped students in the recipient’s education program or activity.”
Using lecture capture software offers more control by allowing faculty to provide recordings to specific students and delete them when no longer needed, enhancing security compared to students recording on personal devices.