Audio/Video Podcast: Pros and Cons for Adult Learners

I would like to start out with a short podcast on podcasting and education and its advantages.

I am an instructor with a passion for literacy and technology integrations to help improve educational advancements. Working with dyslexic children we recommend audiobooks as a resource for added vocabulary exposure. “Podcast offer opportunities to introduce or reinforce information from the classroom.” (Putman & Kingsley, p. 101) By having students listen to books two to three reading levels above their reading level gives them more exposure to vocabulary otherwise they would not hear. Continuing with the advantages of the podcast if downloaded to a MP3 player, computer, or smartphone the cast is available 24/7, not dependant on wifi access. Classroom instructions can be listened to over and over again not just limited to classroom notes. The convenience of not having to be in a classroom at a certain time or day the lecture is available at your availability. Another great tool that many dyslexic individuals will use is the Echo Smartpen by Livescribe, this pen records audio while also taking video notes. The significant advantage of this pen is that if you have a smartphone with Bluetooth capabilities the notes and audio go directly to an app and can be shared. https://www.livescribe.com/site/livescribe-2/echo/ “Podcast created by teachers represent one such tool as they provide a method to address the needs of the 21^st-century learner through access to educationally sound, class-related content like never before.” (Putman & Kingsley, p. 107) The greatest advantage of podcasting is the cost which is rather inexpensive for both instructor and student.

Podcasting does come with some disadvantages as well but is minor and adaptable over time and exposure.  The volume level of a podcast can be a problem if a microphone is not placed correctly or the recording software is not utilized correctly. Background noises can become a problem as well if you are not familiar on how to scrub out the noises. Your podcast can become to lengthly, and your audience may lose interest in the topic. All technology much be learned, and if the instructor is not familiar with how to use podcasting then the effectiveness of the technology will not be used to it’s potential and most likely be pushed aside. An educational concern with podcasting is how to judge educational acknowledgment of content with video/audio lectures. 

Audacity is a popular platform used to create a podcast, so I inserted a How-To YouTube Tutorial. It shows just how easy a podcast can be created. 

References

Gray, C. (Producer). (2013, March 7). Podcasting in education: how a podcast can benefit your teaching. In The PodCast Host  [Video podcast]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/nLnjWDS9nKw

Putman, S. M., & Kingsley, T. (). The atoms family: using podcasts to enhance the development of science vocabulary. The Reading Teacher, 63(2), 100-108. https://doi.org/10.1598/gt.63.2.1

Taylor, D. (Producer). (2015, March 8). Audacity: a complete tutorial guide to Audacity for beginners. In  [Video podcast]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/aCisC3sHneM

Multimedia Interview

I interviewed Robin Meyen, M.S. Ed, CALT-QI, Director of Distance Training for Fundamental Learning Center. Robin works in the teacher training department for the organization where I am currently a Certified Academic Language Therapist. I chose to interview Robin for multiple reasons first being she works with technology and has the master’s degree I am currently working towards. Second, she had great influence on my master’s degree choice. Lastly, I want to work alongside Robin and Tammy her partner in teacher training. FLC is currently in a capital gains project to raise money to build a new school and teacher training is the main focus.

The areas of focus during the interview where:

1.      What types of technology do you use on a daily basis?

2.      How does technology give people the opportunity to take classes otherwise not available to them?

3.      How does technology open opportunities for adults to use discovery learning?

4.      What other technologies would you like to implement into your program if funds where available?

If you are interested in learning more about Fundamental Learning Center or Rolph Literacy Academy you can visit www.funlearn.org

As per the request of Robin my video can be viewed on the classroom canvas message board. https://k-state.instructure.com/courses/82935/discussion_topics/518939 This is a password-protected site username and password are required to view the video.