Podcasts (audio) and vodcasts (video) are resources made available to download via the Internet and designed to be used on mobile devices or computers.
Podcasts
Enhance teaching and learning with the use of podcasts.
Using podcasts to enhance learning
Podcasts can take learning beyond the classroom encapsulating a wide range of content for example traditional broadcast media, whole lectures, short project updates or personal reflections after a conference. Tutors can communicate ideas effectively and students can even create their own podcasts to record placement logs, conduct interviews for research projects or to use in their assessment submissions. Podcasts are also great revision aids giving students the opportunity to reuse them as often as required. This can be especially helpful for international students.
Students can ‘subscribe’ to a series of podcasts with newer episodes automatically downloaded when they become available. Resources delivered via this on-demand format enable flexibility, convenience and give students the ability to personalise their learning schedule.
Audio or video?
Audio podcasts a pieces of audio content designed to be portable and played on demand, so that it can be listened to at the user’s convenience.
Video podcasts (vodcasts) are a type of podcast that contains video content. This can be video footage captured from a camera or a screencast (recording of a computer screen). Video is effective for practical demonstrations and reinforcing spoken instructions.
Supporting Chemistry students with video podcasts
The feedback from students has been phenomenal, they really love them. They like flexibility and a human voice guiding them rather than black and white.
Contact the Digital Education team
University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA