In Unit 2: Activity 1 of the LRNT 526 course, we are prompted to reflect further on the learning technology we selected. Since exploring podcasting as a learning technology, I have grown to recognize its remarkable capacity to engage listeners through an immersive learning experience. Consequently, my chosen focus revolves around podcasting and the potential it has to impact learning, teaching, organizations, and society as a whole. Here are a few potential impacts worth considering:
Potential Impact on Learners:
- Podcasting makes educational content easily accessible to learners. They can listen to podcasts anytime, anywhere, allowing for flexible learning (Bratcher, 2020).
Potential Impact on Teachers:
- Teachers can use podcasts as supplemental materials to enhance classroom instruction. They can recommend educational podcasts to students, providing additional resources and diverse perspectives.
Potential Impact on Organizations:
- Podcasts can foster a sense of community among learners, educators, and organizations(Lonn & Teasley, 2009). Engaging discussions and interactions through podcasts can lead to collaborations and shared learning experiences.
Potential Impact on Society:
- Podcasts can showcase diverse perspectives, cultures, and voices from around the world (Figueroa, 2022). This promotes understanding, empathy, and appreciation for different cultures, fostering a more inclusive society.
Overall, podcasting has the potential to revolutionize the way we learn, teach, and share knowledge, making education more accessible, engaging, and collaborative. As I continue to explore podcasting as a learning technology, I think about ways that it could be implemented into my teaching practice. Since the courses that I teach are primarily hands-on, it may be difficult to teach the hard skills like operating a camera or setting up a lighting setup for a scene using podcasts. However, podcasts may be effective as an additional learning resource to teach the soft skills necessary for preparing for the industry. For example, it may be beneficial to have industry professionals join podcast episodes to speak about their role in the industry and provide useful tips for the learners.
References
Bratcher, T. R. (2020). Toward a deeper discussion: A survey analysis of podcasts and personalized politics. Atlantic Journal of Communication, (2020). https://doi.org/10.1080/15456870.2020.1862846
Figueroa, M. (2022). Podcasting past the paywall: How diverse media allows more equitable participation in linguistic science. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0267190521000118
Lonn, S., & Teasley, S. D. (2009). Podcasting in higher education: What are the implications for teaching and learning? The Internet and Higher Education, 12(2), 88-92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2009.06.002
May 23, 2023 at 4:49 pm
Hi Giulia,
I find your topic about podcasts extremely relevant, particularly with the increased use of podcasts over the past several years.
You mention in your post that certain aspects of your job (the ‘hard skills’) would not naturally allow for podcasts; I wonder if podcasts are better suited for some areas than others.
Another topic I have been wondering about is accuracy and trust; have you come across any research that illustrates challenges regarding accountability and content? How does an educator (or listener) determine vetted content and trusted resources?
I look forward to what you uncover!
-Terry
May 23, 2023 at 9:02 pm
Giulia, I appreciate the breakdown of your analysis potential impact of podcasts on learners, teachers, organizations and society. Several participants in this course have been looking at how to enhance learning in a professional work setting, or among a public audience, and it appears there is a real potential in a number of areas, including a sense of shared learning and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. The vetting of the helpful podcasts from the herd is an important question, as Terry points out and also as you have been pointing out. The accountability question is key here.