Audio/Video Podcast: Pros and Cons for Adult Learners

Calandra and Flanagan (2005) explain that “podcasting is an automated technology that allows listeners to subscribe and listen to digitally recorded audio shows” which are directly downloaded to your media device.  The learner can listen to the podcast as many times as they would like.  Learninginhand.com describes podcasting as a learning tool that is used all over the world.  The podcasts programs allow new episodes to automatically download.  

PRO:

·         Meets the needs of auditory/visual learning style

·         Listening to lectures at a convenience time (not bound to time, like sitting in a course)

·         Listening to difficult portion of material several times

·         Hearing the material while doing other things – working out, cooking, etc…

·         Flexible – many different uses for example: lectures, interviews, guest speakers to present, class news, external and supplementary material and resources and distance learning

·         Helps those that may struggle with reading

·         Fun new way to listen to course material

·         Can allow learners to make lessons available to learners can learn at their own pace.  Can move on to the next lesson when ready.

CON:

·         As with many technology tools we have discussed in previous weeks, a challenge that seems to reoccur is permission to publish the information or copyright issues (just like on a blog and wiki).

·         Technical support may be a challenge for different individuals using the equipment required 

·         Inappropriately used

I have to admit, I am not at all familiar with creating, using or even incorporating such a thing into any of my courses but I feel this would be a very beneficial tool to have.  I like how you can refer back to it over and over if your understanding of the material isn’t clear (in my mind, like a textbook).  As a student, I like the ability of replaying and reviewing the information on my own time outside of class.  As an instructor, I like the ability to archive lectures. 

I am always thinking of creative ways to engage my learner but in a very effective way.  Since we are in the fall semester, I will explain a learning activity that I do.  In a course that I sometimes teach Creativity, Physical Development Working with Children Birth-8.  So we make a field trip to our State Fair.  During the fair there is a building dedicated to children of all ages artwork.  They must go and investigate and take notes of all the different artwork they find and define different stages of development.  Using digital audio to record field notes can supplement written notes.  It could aid in another level of reflection and/or experience.  I love that podcasting provides many different avenues of learning.       

McKinney, Dyck and Luber (2009) mentioned in their article about iTunesU.  I have never heard of this and having an iPad that I am on constantly using.  This got my attention.  Has anyone else had any experience using this?  I am very interested, so please comment.  

Hope you enjoyed!

Melinda Bennett

Resources:

Calandra, B., & Flanagan, B. (2005). Podcasting in the classroom. Learning & Leading with Technology, 33(3), 20. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.er.lib.k-state.edu/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA138751740&v=2.1&u=ksu&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=cfaa0e034ba5f78679c30e20f43b55b2

McKinney, D., Dyck, J., &Luber, E. (2009).  iTunes University and the classroom: can podcasts replace professors? Computers and Education, 52, pp. 617–623.