A strategy for using podcasts for teaching and learning in the biosciences

Barry, Timothy and Abt, Grant ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4079-9270 (2007) A strategy for using podcasts for teaching and learning in the biosciences. (Unpublished)

Preview

PDF - Accepted Version Available under License CC BY-NC Download (57kB) | Preview

Abstract

A 'podcast' is simply an on-demand media file that can be automatically downloaded from the web to a computer or portable media player, such as an iPod, for listening offline. The use of these portable devices are emerging as a major technology within e-learning (Fischer et al., 2003). While the technology to create and publish on-demand media such as an audio MP3 file has been with us from the advent of the internet, the recognition and uses for podcasts within higher education are relatively new. The popularity of podcasts has exploded over the last two years probably due to widespread availability of broadband and increasing access to the internet at home, with more than 100000 podcasts listed on the iTunes Store as of August 2007 (Apple, 2007b). Mainstream media such as the BBC now publish many of their radio shows as on-demand podcasts. The popularity of the iPod has certainly contributed to this, with over 100 million iPods sold since 2001 (Apple, 2007a). However, it is also the creation of podcasts that has become easier to achieve. Software such as Apple's GarageBand and other audio editors such as Audacity have made the process of recording and editing audio much easier, thereby allowing enthusiasts with access to the internet (including students and lecturers) to create and publish their own podcasts. With the advent of this new technology in teaching and learning a clear strategy is needed to enable the appropriate use of podcasts to maximise their potential. This strategy aims to provide a guide to any tutor from the Biosciences wishing to embark on using podcasts on their courses. It will attempt to classify different types of podcasts and provide a simple framework to enable the educator to assess the suitability of using podcasts to enhance teaching and learning within their subject.

Item Type:	Report
Departments:	Academic Departments > Medical & Sport Sciences (MSS) > Sports and Physical Activity
Depositing User:	Insight Administrator
Date Deposited:	17 Dec 2010 10:23
Last Modified:	11 Jan 2024 20:15
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/582

Downloads