Learning and Teaching Services Podcasting in Learning and Teaching Spotlight 2007 Mark Morley – CiLASS/CiCS Graham McElearney - LeTS

Learning and Teaching Services Today’s session: Introduction to podcasting, screencasting and videocasting Uses of podcasting in learning and teaching Demonstration of producing a podcast

Learning and Teaching Services Definition: Podcasting (I) Distribution/publishing of digital audio via the Internet Can be subscribed to via RSS, and retrieved from the Internet using podcatching software e.g. iTunes, Juice Or can be simply downloaded from a website Normally in MP3 format

Learning and Teaching Services Definition: Podcasting (II) Once downloaded, audio can then be played back using iTunes (PC/Mac), or Windows Media Player (PC)… …Or transferred to a Digital Media Player (DMP), mobile phone, PDA….. Podcast = iPod + broadcast A misnomer – podcasts can be played on a wide range of DMPs, ranging in price from £10 to £250+

Learning and Teaching Services Definition: Enhanced podcasts Other media type can be included along with audio e.g. images, text, URL hyperlinks Longer programmes can be chapterised for ease of navigation Playback limited to higher end DMPs, e.g. iPod, or iTunes software

Learning and Teaching Services Key pedagogical points – flexible delivery Audio content is downloaded rather than streamed Material can be used away from an Internet connected device Allows for flexible delivery of learning materials e.g. walking to classes, on the bus, stacking shelves….. Ties in with the broader field of “mobile learning”

Learning and Teaching Services Key pedagogical points – use of audio Places a new emphasis on the use of audio as an educational medium Audio often seen as a poor relation to other forms of media e.g. video Audio has a long track record in education Creates a challenge to find innovative uses? It’s easy to create

Learning and Teaching Services Definition: Screencasting Is primarily visual Material captured from a computer screen: PowerPoint presentation Software demonstration Can include an audio commentary Playback typically constrained to PC/Mac, delivered in Flash format Lectures can also be captured using the Apreso system (currently in pilot stage)

Learning and Teaching Services Definition: Videocasting Content is video based Can only be played back on a PC/Mac (e.g. iTunes), or on higher end DMPs and some PDAs Also known as Video Podcasting Campus TV – new trial video streaming service

Learning and Teaching Services Podcasting in learning and teaching – possible uses (I) Recording of lectures Recording of special events e.g. outside speakers Subject expert interviews Assisting auditory learners, and/or providing for a variety of learning styles, Accessibility Specific “listening practice” for certain disciplines e.g. heart sounds in medicine, speech/phonetics

Learning and Teaching Services Podcasting in learning and teaching – possible uses (II) Listening to language – comprehension and pronunciation Lecturers providing group feedback on assignments Submitting oral reports and/or other assignments

Learning and Teaching Services Podcasting in learning and teaching – possible uses (III) Students capturing audio data as part of inquiry based learning Students recording notes from field work Students engaging in other forms of creative activities Materials that already exist

Learning and Teaching Services Podcasting support at Sheffield LeTS’s new DIY podcasting, screencasting and video editing suite Download the software and DIY (it’s easy and free!) Material produced by LeTS, via the Learning and Teaching Development Grant scheme Get your students to do it

Learning and Teaching Services DIY Podcasting – what you need: Something to say PC/Mac connected to the Internet A microphone and headphones/speakers Some audio recording software e.g. freely available Audacity A place and means to put material on the Internet Willingness to learn a few new things….

Learning and Teaching Services Podcasting – the process: Prepare some material to record Record your podcast using e.g. Audacity Edit recording to correct mistakes, add music etc Export as MP3 file Upload e.g. to ULCC server – currently on trial Create link to your podcast

Learning and Teaching Services Podcasting - conclusions Just a fad? – Big Players with big investment Easy and cheap Use in education yet to be evaluated An opportunity to have fun…..