Does Podcasting Improve Student Learning?

This is an important question for those who have signed up for the Creating Your First Podcast track at the Institute. I recently found an excellent white paper, published by Ashley Deal in the Office of Technology for Educators & Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence at Carnegie-Mellon University. If at all possible, I would encourage you to read this before the Institute begins.

The paper discusses three common uses for podcasts: delivering lectures, creating supplemental learning materials, and giving podcasting assignments to students.

While students reported liking the lecture podcasts, there is no evidence that providing them improves student learning. But, they are the easiest type of podcast to produce.

Podcasts that offer supplemental learning content, when designed with clear educational outcomes in mind, did seem to positively influence learning outcomes. These types of podcasts take more time to plan and produce.

Having students create podcasts is another topic we should discuss during the Institute. As the paper points out, this can be a way to get students really involved in your class.

Click on the link below to read the article.

Podcasting White Paper (PDF)