Dani McKinney, a psychologist at the State University of New York at Fredonia, is in the process of an ongoing study which examines the correlation between podcast lectures and exam grades. McKinney has conducted one tests thus far. She divided her class into two groups. The first group attended class and sat through a lecture. The second group was given the link to a podcast of the lecture. Both groups were provided with a printed handout to supplement to the lecture or podcasts. After receiving the material both groups were given an exam to test their knowledge of the lecture. Interestingly enough, McKinney found that the students who listened to the podcast scored higher on the test than those who sat through the in-class lecture.Professor McKinney believes there are many educational benefits to podcasts. The advantages include: easy accessibility to lectures, convenience, and the ability of students to rewind and replay the information. Students could even pause the podcast in order to take notes; a problem which many students confront in class lectures.
I believe the use of podcasts could be incredibly beneficial especially to students attending a large university like the University of Texas. Classes at UT can exceed hundreds of students creating a difficult environment for absorbing and processing lecture information. However, I am also worried about the onset of podcasts in the classroom. If podcasts are implemented the motivation to attend classes will in turn decline. If a student is paying for his or her education you would think that that student would want the in class experience that the professor is being paid to provide. As stated, I am torn between the value and benefits that could come of educational podcasts and the threat to in class education.
To read the article that inspired this post follow the link provided below:
http://www.dailycollegian.com/news/professor_studies_podcast_effects_on_learning-1.1598298
