Podcasts Replace Acceptance Letters

McCafferty, P. (2006). Podcasts Replace Acceptance Letters. Recruitment and Retention in Higher Education , 1-2.

This article describes how Fitchburg State University used podcasts to let students know of their acceptance to the university. The response from the perspective students was positive. They enjoyed sharing the acceptance news with their families and friends.(McCafferty, 2006) "What's important from an admissions perspective is not just the message but the delivery mode," McCafferty said. "It isn't just about the latest flavor and it's not about flash. There's substance behind it. It is about the college as a whole recognizing that technology can improve the way we communicate and learn." (McCafferty, 2006)

I think that this is an important article because it takes the use of podcasting to another dimension. It is not only for classroom or distance learning but can be used in other aspects of the education setting. FSC plans to create a series of podcasts that will help guide students through the entire admissions process and recruiting cycle. In addition they will begin podcasting lecture material as well as class introductions that introduce students to their courses and faculty expectations in those courses before the classes actually begin to meet. (McCafferty, 2006) I believe that this will facilitate the whole admissions and class enrollment. They are using a different modality for teaching which many people will respond to.

Reducing the Effects of Isolation and Promoting Inclusivity for Distance Learners through Podcasting

Lee, M. J., & Chan, A. (2007). Reducing the Effects of Isolation and Promoting Inclusivity for Distance Learners through Podcasting. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education , 85-104.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of podcasting in relationship to the feelings of isolation of distance learners. According to the authors, at most higher education institutions, distance learners have the highest risk of dropping out, and they attribute it to the feelings of isolation.

For this study the podcasts were structured as a series of short, 3-5 minute talkback radio-style segments, with senior students holding discussions on pertinent issues realted to the subject and its content in a relaxed and informal style. (Lee & Chan, 2007) The findings were positive and the students felt much more connected with their class.

I think this is important information for distance education leaders, because by using this information they can insure a better connection with their students and better education. I find it interesting that these podcasts were not necessarily educational but more about clarify assignments, and talking about them so that the students were more comfortable with it. This would be simple to do and according to their research very beneficial.

Podcasting in the Classroom

Flanagan, B., & Calandra, B. (2005). Podcasting in the Classroom. International Society for Technology in Education , 20-25.

The focus of this article was on the inumerable possibilities of the use of podcasting in the education system. The article included instructions on the initial setup for retrieving podcasts, and creating your own podcasts. They make a good argument for the simplicity of creating and retrieving podcasts making it relevant to being used in the education setting. The authors also cite issues that need to be considered which are, having permission to use the materials, monitoring student podcasts, and a dedicated staff willing to help facilitate podcasting in the classroom.

There authors make the point that podcasting is a cost-effective way to deliver instruction and it integrates naturally with audio-dependent courses such as music and foreign languages. Podcasting give students the flexibility of being able to study where ever they are.

The authors conclude that 'podcasting is a new and rapidly developing technology and its potential in the classroom is only limited by the resourcefulness and creativity of faculty, students, and administrators.' (Flanagan & Calandra, 2005)

Instructional Podcasting in Higher Education: Rockingham Community College

Preuss, Michael. Instructional Podcasting in Higher Education: Rockingham Community College Pilot Study. Rep.No. Rockingham Community College. 1-11.

This investigation was undertaken in an effort to understand the usage patterns in instructional podcasting and the impact of instructional podcasting on students and their performance in a community college setting. This pilot study considered both usage patterns and outcome measures. The utilization results described are for faculty and students. In conclusion the author believes that podcasting decreases absenteeism, it may reduce withdrawal rates and may impact instructor classroom practice in such a way that there is an associated improvement in withdrawal rate and cumulative GPA. I am encouraged by the results of this study and am looking forward to more use of podcasting in educational settings. It is an important addition to education for those who are unable to attend the convention classroom.

Intersection of Training and Podcasting in Adult Education

Roy, A. K., & Roy, P. A. (2007). Intersection of training and podcasting in adult education. Australian Journal of Adult Learning , 478-491.

The focus of this article was on podcasting and adult education. It is very useful because it contains the simple basics on how to create a podcast in addition to listing the pros and cons, expenses, useful sites, and what to watch out for. This article is meant for educators teaching adults. The article sites 4 different studies addressing technology and adult learning. I think this is a reliable article, although as fast as technology changes it will be outdated in a few years. There will be better ways to create and distribute podcasts. The author is Assistant Vice-Principal for Finance at Kennesaw State University. He has a Masters in Adult Education and has authored over 52 publications. The author concludes that as part of an overarching coordinated technology strategy, podcasting should be integrated into adult education programs because of its great number of advantages including cost-effectiveness, flexibility and classroom enrichment. I found this article very informative and interesting. I am going to try the free download provided to create a podcast.