There are several pros and cons to the use of audio/video/podcasts in courses. Some of the pros include:
- Cater to different learning styles (King, 2011, p. 36).
- Students with hearing or attention deficits can play back recordings for review (King,2011, p.37).
- Content is accessible 24/7
- Students take initiative for their learning and become independent learners (King, 2011, p.39).
There are also several cons for the use of audio/video/podcasts and they include:
- Learners gain nothing except review of content (King, 2011, p.37).
- Podcasts could just be lecture webcasting (King,2011, p.37).
- Quality of education could be compromised (Oomen-Early,2011, p.51).
- Not all students have access to internet and software.
I have used different podcasts for both education and pleasure for many years. There was a radio personality located in Chicago who I listened to for many years. When he was fired from the radio station, he provided daily podcasts of his show which I downloaded to my iPod. I would then listen to them every afternoon. I do believe he still has them available. Another podcast that I use and recommend for my students is Kahn academy. They provide excellent short clips that can explain concepts for students. The site is especially helpful for math concepts.
I think the pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to adding audio and video to courses and presentations. I have been attending a conference this week and have paid close attention to the presentations and all of them had some type of audio or video clip. The engagement of the audience was evident.
References
King, K. (2011). Podcasting learning on demand and content creation. Eds. King, K. & Cox, T. The professor's guide to taming technology. Charlotte, NC, Information Age Publishing, Inc. p. 33-50.
Oomen-Early, J., Bold, M. & Gallien, T. (2011). Using online asynchronous audio communication in higher education. Eds. King, K. & Cox, T. The professor's guide to taming technology. Charlotte, NC, Information Age Publishing, Inc. p. 51-66.
Hi Barbara, I enjoyed your assessment of the pros and cons of podcasts and particularly how you highlighted the prevalence of the medium at your conference. Authors, King and Cox, in chapter five (King & Cox, 2011) really highlighted how accustomed we have become to the use of videos via YouTube and other medium and I believe people expect these kinds of offerings in an academic setting. You brought up a great point in discussing social presence, particularly in an online setting. A key factor of establishing social presence is trust (Stavaredes, 2011) and allowing someone to her and see you can help to decode some of the social cues that may be lacking, or misinterpreted, in an online environment.
ReplyDeleteYour point about students with hearing deficits also resonated with me as I currently have a student with this barrier. Thanks for sharing!
King, K. & Cox, T. (2011). The professor’s guide to taming technology. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.
Stavredes, T. (2011). Effective online teaching: Foundations and strategies for student success. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Barbara,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading your blogs because you have really wonderful pros and cons. I like that you discussed social presence. It has so much impact on learners in an online course. Sometimes, I think I have too much social presence in my online courses but after reading end-of-course surveys, the results show that my students really enjoy my high level of involvement in the course. It makes me feel good because I do try really hard to be involved in everything and it also puts accountability onto the learners because they really know that I am reading/commenting/asking questions/furthering the discussions and they must be ready for that.
I currently do no use podcasts in my courses but after this week, I already have many ideas for one or two of my online courses (along with face-to-face courses).
Since I work full-time in a scholarship program in the Child Development Academic Program at a community college, I think it would be a great idea to add podcasting into our Child Development Student Organization meetings. My idea is that every monthly meeting we have a topic to discuss.
Like one month would be – Talking, Listening, Growing. Talking and listening are indispensable for learning, but they are also crucial for development and our growth as individuals. Whether developing understanding, conveying meaning, sharing thoughts, sparking new ideas, forming friendships, developing empathy, or even learning how to collaborate and cooperate, the ability to communicate effectively and skillfully is fundamental.
We would record episodes by podcast, we’ll explore how the ability to communicate is being cultivated in the school and classroom. Maybe invite an expert in the field to come or a faculty member to speak. Students are playing an expert role as well.
I agree with you that the pros far outweigh the cons on this subject of using podcasts in learning.
Great blog.
Melinda Bennett
King, K. & Cox, T. (2011). The professor’s guide to taming technology. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.
Barb - I haven't used a "podcast" in place of or for a classroom lecture yet. I have used Zoom and Office Mix in an attempt to bring a bit of realism and humanity to my online classrooms. I tend to agree with King (2011) when he says that a podcast has the ability to break down traditional instructional barriers (p. 40). We have all observed the dynamics of the classroom; those students who don't like to participate, a handful who may make moderate contributions, and those students who just can't resist talking all of the time, in effect monopolizing the classroom conversation and environment. The students who have the potential to benefit most from podcasting and other forms of online broadcasting of classes are the first group; those students who don't really ever say much, even thought they may have a lot to say.
ReplyDeleteSource
Cox, T.D & King, K.P. (2011). The professor's guide to taming technology. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.