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Engaging Learners through Podcasts

Summary: 

 

Gadgets such as iPods and MP3 Players have become more and more popular over the last few years. Originally the devices were designed for listening to music, but they can be used to listen to any audio files or even to record your own. Organisations are now recognising that they can create audio files for people to download and listen to at a time that is convenient to them. These are known as podcasts. For example the BBC provides recordings of radio programmes and interviews on the BBC website, and people can download these to listen to on their own devices.

Audio files can be used effectively with learners in lots of different ways including:

  • enabling learners to hear the pronunciation of words
  • providing ways for delivering mental maths assessments
  • providing ways for learners to share stories
  • providing a way for learners to reflect on their learning experience
  • making learning more accessible for some learners by providing it in a 'mobile' format
  • providing a way to capture discussion for assessment purposes
  • providing a way to introduce yourself in an online learning course or community space.
                   An audio recorder

 This resource explains how to create a podcast. It provides information and links which cover:

  • Recording your podcast
  • Editing your podcast
  • Uploading the file to a podcasting hosting site

The resources explores the use of a free audio recording and editing tool called Audacity.

Accessing the resource: 

The resource is a Xerte learning object. To access the resource click on the link below, which will open the resource in a new window. Work through the learning object and close the window when you have finished. It is fairly easy to find your way around a Xerte learning object,but for help navigating Xerte, click the help function within Xerte.

View resource here (opens in new window)
Accessibility: 

The resource was created with Xerte, which has inbuilt accessibility features and can be used with most screen readers.

Additional information: 

Podcasts can be linked to wikis, blogs and other Web 2.0 tools and learning environments. They can be used for educational, social and other hobby uses.

Signpost to other resources: 

Group 4: Engaging learners through collaboration

Tip!: 

Recording directly into an editing sound recorder such as Audacity will save you time. If you are a SkypeTM user, then you could record interviews using Pamela for Skype. You could then edit the Pamela recording and upload it as a podcast.