Technology+Trend

1) Technology Trend: In Favour of Podcasting Lazzari (2009) describes podcasting as a means to distribute audio or video files over the Internet. Each file is called a podcast and typically a podcasting service will post a series of podcasts (Lazzari). Users can subscribe to the series and have them automatically sent to them as they are available (Lazzari). A benefit of a podcast is that it is sent directly to the subscriber so that the user does not have to continually check a website for up-dated information and they do not have to download the information (Lazzari). Users can access and view the audio or video files directly on a desktop computer or other mobile digital devices (Harris and Park, 2008).

Evans (2008) suggests that podcasting has significant potential to be an innovative learning tool because students can watch or listen to the podcast when and wherever they choose. Also, the flexibility of podcasting can meet the diverse student's needs by enabling repeated learning and offering an opportunity for the effective use of time (Harris and Park, 2008).

Evans (2008) found that students felt podcasts were more effective for revising information than their textbooks and more efficient than their own notes in helping them to learn. “They also indicate that they are more receptive to the learning material in the form of a podcast than a traditional lecture or textbook” (Evans, 2008, p. 497).

Podcasts are also beneficial to instructors because they may communicate information to students without requiring face-to-face interaction (Harris and Park, 2008). The instructors may also emphasize information that they feel is essential for students to understand.

Saeed, Yang, and Sinnappan (2009) found that today learners’ are flexible in their learning styles and adapt to different teaching methods. Saeed et al. (2009) also found “that today’s students are ready to experience new technologies in their study routines” (p.100).

Evans, C. (2008). The effectiveness of m-learning in the form of podcast revision lectures in higher education. //Computers & Technology//, //50// (2), 491-498.

Harris, H., Park, S. (2008). Educational usages of podcasting. //British Journal of Educational Technology, 39// ( 3), 548-551.

Lazzari, M., Creative use of podcasting in higher education and its effect on competitive agency, //Computers & Education//, //52// (1), 2009

Saeed, N., Yang, Y., & Sinnappan, S. (2009). Emerging web technologies in higher education: A case of incorporating blogs, podcasts and social bBookmarks in a web programming course based on students' learning styles and technology preferences.

//Educational Technology & Society//, //12// (4), 98–109.