Podcasting is just one technology in a wide range of web-based technologies used in distance education. Additionally, podcasting can be used in many different educational ways. Therefore, there are many combinations of what is possible with podcasting in education.
For example, consider combining a teacher’s podcasting with student and teacher discussion groups and vlogs of student presentations. Or perhaps an in-person class where students create a podcast project that is spread out in rotation across multiple class sessions. In this way, students can participate by sharing research and perspectives on the course material.
The important point is that we don’t have to limit ourselves to one model of instruction. This premise is especially true when we have the opportunity to work with digital natives who can very well catalyze new perspectives on the content during the creative process.
Podcasting has been a movement whereby more of the general public could be part of the media. It’s called the “democratization of the media.”
Similarly, couldn’t podcasting be a push in the direction of co-learning in colleges and universities? Perhaps we could start to see teachers and students share, dialogue and participate more through this medium. Teachers are content experts, students can bring experience in digital culture. This provides a place where we could have a creative nexus.
Additionally, big questions are right in front of us that I think students of all ages in higher education can explore, such as:
- Political issues that collide in the closed spaces of our classrooms
- Cultural understandings that need to be understood within our local and global communities.
- Economic issues that affect audiences around the world and not just local or regional spaces
Such questions raise fertile opportunities for students in their 20s, 30s, or 50s as podcasters. or similar none elderly podcast listener?
From the creation of podcasts to the critique of their meaning and the construction of new understandings, digital media is a nexus of innovation, technology and empowerment, and these are generative elements. Let’s unleash some new possibilities for deeper learning along with creativity and expression of understanding. Effective 21st century communicators will need these same skills for professional success. Why not seize the need, resources, and opportunity to develop critical and engaging audio projects in higher education classrooms and training environments?
In a future article, we’ll discuss how podcasts provide other benefits for these groups as well.