In January 1999, the School of Computing introduced computer-based Lecture-On-Demand (LoD) for selected core curriculum modules. These modules are CS1102 Data Structures and Algorithms, CS1103 Digital Logic Design, and CS1301 Discrete Mathematics.
LoD allows lectures to be organised and stored electronically. With this facility, students can gain access to lectures from any networked personal computer or campus-wide secure plug-and-play point at anytime. LoD also allows students to search and retrieve specific lecture materials depending on their need, and to support self-paced individual as well as small group study.

The electronic content of LoD comprises two parts. First, MPEG videos are used to present preambles to key sections of a course. Second, animated PowerPoint lectures are delivered using screen capture and streaming technology from Lotus Development Corp. Students can view the lecture content either using a standard web browser (illustrated above) as well as from a CD-ROM.

In lieu of live lectures, students are given the option of attending recitations instead. Recitations are classes of approximately 20 to 25 students. The purpose of recitations is to ‘interpret’ or explain the lecture material, with a focus on more difficult concepts. Recitations thus represent the essential human element of LoD, and they are critical to the overall LoD philosophy. The recitation classes are conducted by lecturers and tutors. The small class size is intended to facilitate a higher level of interaction between students and tutors. Under the LoD scheme, tutorials are conducted as usual, and their purpose remains unchanged.

In order to gather student feedback on their experience with LoD, an electronic survey was conducted in April 1999. Four surveys were conducted. One survey dealt with LoD in general; the remaining three surveys related to each of the LoD courses. A good response rate, averaging 64% for the four surveys, was obtained. Overall, there was a high degree of satisfaction with the introduction of LoD as reflected in Chart 1 (above).

Students who made use of the LoD CD-ROM generally agreed that use of the CD-ROM significantly improved the quality of their learning. This result is depicted in Chart 2 (below).

A total of 49% of students who responded to the survey felt that LoD with recitations was better or much better than live lectures for the purpose of teaching course content; 15% felt that there was no significant difference. One positive comment read:

“I sincerely wish that the LoD and recitation combo will be implemented for almost all the modules in NUS. It is the way of the future and it is also highly effective. Furthermore, the need to travel to school which is very far away from my home is cut; thus I actually save a lot of time from travelling. On top of that, I can learn the lectures at my own pace and thus skip chapters that I already understand or go through the chapters that I have problems with repeatedly. Well done pioneers of LoD. I give my heartiest congrats.”

In view of the overall positive response, the School of Computing intends to continue pioneering the use of Lecture-on-Demand in the delivery of its courses. It will also make more extensive use of IT in the conduct of its courses.