Decentralised Teaching with OER Podcasts in Higher Education

Abstract

Open educational podcasts have become a popular medium of communication in decentralised teaching and learning environments, commanding a growing interest in education and digital media studies. Previous research on the efectiveness of educational podcasts for teaching and learning – mainly through user self-reports and experimental designs – has shown that podcasting can, for example, enhance skills development in language learning (e.g., Anzai, 2007), increase understanding of the material covered in lectures (e.g., Bongey, Cizadlo & Kalnbach, 2006), and be benefcial as a supplemental tool which helps to reinforce core course content (e.g., Gachago, Livingston, & Ivala, 2016). Very little research has been performed on podcasts that use narratives and storytelling approaches to help connect students more easily with classical theories in their feld (e.g., Drew, 2017). Yet, several questions remain open: How could podcasts be best integrated into higher education, teaching, and learning? What motivates learners to use these podcasts? What challenges and bottlenecks do they face in using them? ... The paper concludes with recommendations for its practical application and future research to explore learners’ motivation and listening behaviour. [Aus: Einleitung]