The role of podcasting in effective curriculum renewal
Authors: Ming Niea; Alejandro Armellinia; Sue Harringtonb; Kelly Barklambb; Ray Randallb
Abstract
This paper reports on a case study into the contribution of podcasting to the curriculum transformation of two distance-taught master's programmes. Both programmes attract work-based Occupational Psychology practitioners, most of whom are in full-time employment. Challenges faced by the course team included adding flexibility to the curricula, increasing learner engagement (both with learning materials and feedback) and reducing learner isolation. As part of a coordinated enhancement effort, which included changes to curriculum design and delivery, 59 podcasts were introduced into the curriculum over a 12-month period. Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered from students and staff throughout the study. Action research ensured a regular flow of relevant evidence informing each stage of the renewal process. Evidence suggested that the students' learning experiences improved as a result of four key benefits associated with the integration of podcasting in learning design: personalisation; an additional and different format for providing clear and engaging guidance, support and feedback; increased flexibility and mobility within the curricula; and 'design once, deliver many times' with minimum adaptation.
Blackboard Reference Guide
University of Leicester learning technologies team wins top national award
Accolade for University's e-learning research team
Issued on 10 September 2009
A team of University of Leicester researchers has been judged as ‘one of the UK’s leading learning technology research and development teams.’
In June 2009 we ran a workshop 'Engaging and responding to learners' for the JISC curriculum design and development projects.
In late 2008 through Spring 2009 we ran the Learner Experiences of e-Learning national workshop series. Structured in six sessions, these workshops can be used as a basis for you to design your own staff development events.
Materials from the national workshop series
These materials are available to be copied, used for staff development, and re-purposed for different audiences under the terms of a Creative Commons licence. Before downloading any materials please read our Creative Commons licence.
Here you can meet the team delivering the workshops and also find out more about the projects on whose research these materials are based.
Workshop materials are organised around the live workshop sessions (see plan below). Alternatively you can use the Staff Development Toolkit as a means of designing a staff development session using the resources in this site. Most materials are available as both word documents and accessible pdf.
Guardian interview with Diane Davies about online learning for the MA TESOL at UoL
The Beyond Distance Research Alliance, University of Leicester (UK), brings together teachers and researchers, interested in the field of innovation in teaching and learning, from any discipline or level of education.