Enhancing the Student Experience: Insights from the Panopto Enhancement Project

Written by Jordan Lloyd, a Learning Designer in the Digital Education Team part of the Learning and Teaching Academy.

Lecture capture and video-based learning play a central role in supporting flexible and inclusive study across higher education. At Cardiff University, Panopto is widely used to provide lecture recordings, supplementary learning materials, and video assessment submissions. While the platform is highly valued by students, feedback suggested that their day-to-day experiences often varied significantly depending on the module or school.

To explore these experiences in greater depth, the Student Experience Partners (SEP) programme led a student-driven research project. By combining survey data analysis, a dedicated student survey, and focus group discussions, the project aimed to gather evidence-based recommendations to inform staff guidance and student support resources directly from the student voice.

The findings show that Panopto has evolved beyond a supplementary tool into an essential safety net for learning. Students rely on recordings to consolidate understanding, revise for exams, and catch up when ill. However, key challenges such as inconsistent recording practices, upload delays, hard-to-navigate folders, and assessment anxiety frequently impact the user experience.

Did you know?

One of the most significant themes identified by students was the impact of upload timing and video organisation on their study habits. Most students consider same-day uploads ideal and within 24–48 hours acceptable, whereas delays beyond three days disrupt revision planning and make it harder to catch up.

Furthermore, recordings titled only with dates or hidden deep in folder structures mean students often spend more time looking for a lecture than watching it. Simple practices, such as embedding recordings directly alongside module slides on Learning Central and using clear naming conventions, make an immediate positive impact on student engagement.

Hear what students value as the top priorities for improving their Panopto Experience

What actions can you take?

• Embed Content Direct to Modules: Place Panopto recordings directly within Learning Central module pages next to relevant slides and resources, rather than leaving them in separate external folders.
• Use Clear and Appropriate Titles: Replace date-only titles with descriptive topic names so students can quickly locate specific lecture content.
• Aim for Timely Uploads: Strive to publish recordings within 24 to 48 hours of the live session to keep students on track with follow-up learning activities.
• Prioritise Audio Quality: Ensure microphones are set up correctly, as clear audio is essential for both student comprehension and automatic caption accuracy.
• Reassure Video Submissions: Provide clear guidance or confirmation expectations when students submit video assessments through Panopto to reduce submission anxiety.

Improving the Panopto experience is not about overhauling how we teach, but about creating consistent, reliable habits that support all learners equitably. When recordings are uploaded promptly, clearly named, and easy to find, students can focus their energy where it matters most: mastering their subject.

Contact us

Want to discuss lecture capture, Panopto guidance, or digital education strategies further? The Learning and Teaching Academy are here to help, just get in touch! [email protected]