Depending on the class, audio segments may include: weekly lectures, a review of the syllabus, a summary of assignments and exam reviews. Learning units can include pre-recorded audio lectures along with PowerPoint slides, downloadable handouts or worksheets.
Where and how do students listen to audio podcasts?
Students listen to audio podcasts at home, at their workplace and on the go. A total of forty students in two summer 2011 online
mass communication classes responded to open ended questions about how and where they listened to the podcasts. They were also asked if they would listen to audio lectures/podcasts in other online or traditional classes if available. Each student received 5 points extra credit as an incentive for completing the questionnaire. The students were a mix of traditional and non-traditional students majoring in a variety of subjects.
The majority of the students reported they listened to the audio podcasts on their computer, usually at home. A couple of students downloaded the audio segments to their phone and iPod and listened in the car.
One student wrote, “I find them very useful in understanding the lessons and they can be mobile. “
Another commented,” For the most part, I listened to the podcasts on my computer. It was simply easier because I was at a desk in order to take notes as I listened. However, I did like the option to put it on my iPod. There were a few times I was stuck in traffic and would listen to a lecture.”
When asked if students would listen to audio lectures/podcasts in other online or traditional classes if available – most students said yes.
One student wrote, “ I would do it (listen to audio podcasts in other classes) because of the ease of use, I can listen when I want, how I want, and where I want. I can pause and come back to it if I need to as well.”
Audio Format
Faculty should consider how and where students access audio podcasts before they create them. Designing the appropriate format for the class is key to developing an effective teaching tool. Determining a standard template for each audio segment makes it easier for students and faculty. For example, each segment could begin by introducing the chapter or topic. The professor could then discuss the content and close with a review of key points for quizzes or assignments. For the classes in the study, most weekly lectures were scripted in advance and were under 20 minutes in length. Additional audio interviews with professionals covered important concepts in class. Interviews are recorded on the phone or in the field with a digital audio recorder. These clips varied in length but were all under 10 minutes.
One student commented, “The length of them (audio podcast segments) should not be too long; it’s hard to stay focused after about 30 or 40 minutes. The voice of the podcast should be considered too, nobody wants to listen to a monotone voice for an hour or so.”
Personal Connection
Audio is an intimate medium. For example, good radio programs are personal with a conversational and direct approach. Audio podcasts can provide a sense of connection between the student and the professor.
Another student commented, “ I think it (audio) is helpful because it is like having a mini-lecture, which I do miss from having online classes. Also, if it is an online class it gives the student a sense of connection to his/her professor. I felt like I actually have met you.”
A non-traditional student wrote, “I sometimes get tired of just reading and watching videos. I take a lot of my classes online, and it helps you feel like you are in a classroom. I am a note taker, always have been, even if I print everything off the online class. I still like to hand-write notes with a pen in a spiral. I am old-school. I like to listen to the podcast and take notes.“
Scripts & Transcriptions
Scripting audio segments in advance insures the instructor hits his or her key points while providing a transcript for faculty records and student use. Posting the transcript might offer another tool for students who prefer to read along while listening to the audio. When writing for audio, sentences should be short and conversional. Faculty should emphasize important information so students understand the significance of the content.
Content
Weekly audio segments covering textbook chapters encourage students to connect with the book and the content. Finding a reliable textbook is especially important for an online course.
In order to extend the life of audio podcasts beyond the current semester, faculty should develop lectures or segments on course fundamentals. These undated, evergreen materials help lay the foundation for the class and can be recycled from term to term.
When scripting audio podcasts, faculty should not refer to due dates or deadlines, as they will change each term. Instructors might also change the assignment point values from one semester to another so it’s important not to include grading details in audio segments. The professor can always create an audio clip discussing the grading rubric for major assignments.
