Audio -Podcasts

Back

Brief Description: Podcasts are audio downloads which are usually released in episodes at regular intervals. Podcasts vary in length and frequency of new episodes. Most podcasts are focused on a fairly broad topic, to facilitate the inclusion of many episodes.

2. Standards and Goals: (when, how and where to use for instructional meaningful connections, how would this be used in the real world) Podcasts are best used to reach a wide audience interested in a particular subject. Podcasts are best used when the content doesn’t need to be focused on the needs of any one group. Podcasts should only be used when the intended audience has internet access.

3. Application to types of learning:

     a. Cognitive objectives: (Prior knowledge, reading ability, vocabulary levels) The need for prior knowledge is limited to the ability of the audience to operate a device capable of downloading or streaming the podcast.  Podcasts do not require any reading ability.  Podcasts may be used to develop recognition of significant sounds. A learner may need to know how a device, machine or instrument should or shouldn’t sound, and how to troubleshoot based on these sounds. Podcasts are also used for language learning, enabling the learner to recognize the sound and rhythm of speech in the language being learned. Care should be taken to ensure that the vocabulary level used in recordings is appropriate for the target audience and the lesson.

     b. Psychomotor objectives: (interpretive movement, physical and perceptual abilities) There are no movement or physical requirements for learners using podcasts and instructors require only the ability to speak clearly, unless the use of music or some other more involved sound is being used. The ability to listen to podcasts while performing other tasks makes it a great tool for providing direction while a learner performs a task. Learners must possess the perceptual ability to hear and interpret sound. 

     c. Affective objectives:(senses, what attentive needs and abilities, value/emotion requirement, motivation to learn)
Podcasts require learners to listen critically. They must be able to focus on understanding what they are hearing and must be able to maintain their focus throughout the length of the lesson. Podcasts may be used to induce a desired emotion through tone of voice, volume, rhythm, sound effects, background music and storytelling.

4. Strengths: 

  • Very Accessible, easy to create and use.
  • Can be very stimulating and engaging.
  • Easy to store and reproduce in multiple formats.
  • Great for learning of a second language.
  • Ability to be used while engaged in another activity requiring visual attention, such as driving or cooking.
  • Able to reach a wide audience.

5. Limitations:

  • Use of other’s material may lead to copyright violations.
  • Can be easy to lose focus on the audio.
  • Difficult to know what pace to use, as there is no opportunity for feedback during lesson.
  • No opportunity to answer questions or rephrase to facilitate better understanding.
  • Requires internet access.

6. Special Features/Creative ideas: Podcasts can be used to explore the intricacies of a given topic, focusing on a different subtopic for every episode. Podcasts are very useful for language learning, instructors can explain vocabulary as well as model pronunciation, conversation and grammar.

7. UDL/ Accessibility requirements:

Provide options for perception:

  • Provide the same information through different modalities by providing a text transcript of audio presentations. This can be used for those with learning or hearing differences, or those that can’t easily take notes and listen at the same time.
  • Translate into different languages if needed for English Language Learners

Provide options for self-regulation:

  • Provide sufficient alternatives to support learners after the lesson to listen on their own with volume considerations (Ex. increased volume for those with hearing impairment), rate of speech options,  and comprehension needs

8. Technology Resources/websites:

9.  References:

CAST (2018).  Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.2. Retrieved from http://udlguidelines.cast.org