The Effectiveness of Using and Creating Podcast's/Vodcast's in Educational Settings

On the Cardiff Metropolitan University website and YouTube page, a range of vodcasts are available. Here are two vodcasts, one giving a virtual tour of the Cyncoed campus and the other reviewing Cardiff’s accommodation/halls.  

1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDqAw31jYow

2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll6eEhhRmyY

I would say both these vodcasts are effective, and very beneficial for students contemplating studying at the university. International students could view the university before arrival or open days. All information is given through vodcasts, which is easy to access and cost effective. If individuals have questions or queries about accommodation, they can watch the vodcast for personal experiences from other students.

Pena and Challoo stated ‘teachers today need to be savvy in the ways they present material and how they get and keep their students’ attention’ (2011). Therefore vodcasts seem to be supporting teachers when presenting or setting work. However creating these vodcasts can be very time consuming for filming, editing and researching. Not all students would know how to access these videos, neither would some want to be filmed.

Pena, R., & Challoo, Linda. (2011). The Impact of Podcasts, Screencasts, and Vodcasts on Student Achievement in the Science Classroom, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses.

Podcasts and Vodcasts in Education

It is becoming increasingly common within education, that lessons are no longer taught with traditional book learning, but through the use of Audio and Video tools.  More and more education systems, such as schools and universities, are making information available online.  One of the most common systems to use are Podcasts and Vodcasts. But what are these and how useful are they really?

Below is an interview I conducted with 2 students of Cardiff Met University to see what they thought about Podcasting and Vodcasting and how useful it really is:

 

It seems that although this type of resource can be useful in education, there are some negatives towards using it effectively. 

I do believe however that using podcasts and vodcasts will become a more common way of teaching as technology continues to improve.