Podcasts are a rapidly rising technology. A few years ago I was completely oblivious to this ‘podcasting’ technology, however now I treasure it.
Podcasts are audio files that can be downloaded on to a computer and various other devices such as an iPod. This means is that almost anything can be recorded and downloaded from informative radio programs to lecture notes and transferred to ones computer or iPod.
The thing that makes this such a great e-learning tool is that anyone can record and download files. Teachers can record lectures, notes, concepts, chapters of textbooks – anything - and then the students can upload it onto their iPods to listen to whenever it’s convenient. It makes the learning experience more fun, convenient, and interactive for all students.
The use of an iPod means that it can be used almost anywhere – on the train, on the bus, in the car, when you’re checking your Facebook – appealing to the time saving and multi tasking attitude of the digital native.
Throughout my two years at uni I have realised just how useful this tool is. I have recorded notes on concepts for exams and listened to it constantly. I have used recorded lectures to listen to lectures that I have missed. I have listened to teleconferences when I’m in my car driving to work. By being able to listen to it when I’m doing other things, it means I am being more ‘time smart’.
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Hi Kelly
ReplyDeleteWe hear it over and over again; there isn't enough time in the day. People's lives are obviously are lot more busy today. And, while some blame technology for this by eliminating the time constraints that separate work and home time through increased connectivity, I see technology as a real time saver. Like you mentioned, through the capabilities of wireless technology we can now access information from anywhere in the world, at anytime we want (provided service and a full battery). Moreover, unlike a lecture, educational podcasts/vodcasts are immortalised, meaning they can be viewed more than once which is good for those of us who do not have photographic memory.
Thus, I see one of the greatest benefits of this particular elearning tool for me, and other students like myself, being that it allows me to better schedule my study time around my work and social time. This is critical to me and I think this is why I prefer studying by distance education.
Regards
Lyneale
Hi Kelly,
ReplyDeleteYou are spot on, podcasts make it easy to listen to lectures in a time efficient manner. I have also found some great podcasts and vodcasts available in the i-tune store, that were ideal for students to listen to. They were able to hear directly from an expert about the stars which they were studying at the time. Very engaging.
Regards,
Sharon