ALT Learning Technologist of the year : Team award 2009 European foundation for quality in e-learning Unique Award winner The role of podcasting in effective curriculum renewal Alejandro Armellini and Ming Nie

Aim To report on a study of the contribution of podcasting to curriculum transformation at the University of Leicester

Context Two distance learning MSc programmes in Occupational Psychology (OP) in need of curriculum renewal 50 new students per year since 2000 Podcasts are part of suite of changes Enabled by the JISC-funded DUCKLING project (Delivering University Curricula: Knowledge, Learning and INnovation Gains,

Challenges Learner engagement Flexibility for time-poor work-based learners Learner isolation Retention rates

Podcasts in curriculum delivery Podcast categories Module(s) the podcasts were relevant to No. of podcasts Purpose Module overview Personnel Selection and Assessment 2 To provide an overview of the modules Training and Development1 Research methods Research Methods in OP11 To explain key concepts and approaches associated with research design, data gathering and analysis in OP Assignment Personnel Selection and Assessment 4 To provide support and detailed guidance on module assignments Psychology of Organising4 Training and Development3 The Individual at Work4 Research Methods in OP1 Dissertation 17To offer a scaffold through the dissertation process Feedback Dissertation12 To provide individual feedback and comments on draft dissertation chapters To December 2009: 59 podcasts in OP; now >100

Planning tool SectionPurposeKey conceptsLengthWho 1 To highlight the importance of well- articulated research questions Achievable? Researchable? Novelty or repeat? Too broad? Narrow enough? 3’AS & KB 2 To illustrate the need to explain the focus of the research Why is it worth researching this? What contribution will this research make? 3’AS 3 To highlight the need to demonstrate knowledge of existing literature Literature review Contextual factors Creating, challenging extending 2’KB 4 To recapReview of main points covered1’AS & KB

Data 2 VLE-based surveys (23 and 34 respondents respectively) 7 semi-structured interviews with distance learners Thematic analysis

Results (1) FindingsKey points The learner experience The human touch Personalisation, interaction, relationship-building Livening up the learning experience Reduction in the isolation associated with distance learning Guidance, support and feedback Effective provision of feedback, guidance and support in different formats Additional opportunities for effective engagement Flexibility and mobility Access to quality content through mobile devices

Results (2) Innovation and sustainability Design once, deliver often Reusability of resources, minimum adaptation Low-cost, high-value innovation Reduced online traffic on non-academic matters Better and more cost-effective use of tutors’ time FindingsKey points

Limitations VLE-related (pull vs push, absence of RSS) Lack of skill and awareness of the affordances of technology Sample size Timeframe & cohorts

Sustainability Concentric rings approach to sustainability and capacity building Image by andrew.capshaw on Flickrandrew.capshawFlickr

Challenges met? Attributable to the introduction of podcasts? Improving learner engagement with materials and with each other Enhancing flexibility for time-poor work-based learners Reducing learner isolation Improving retention rates

Conclusions (1) Enhanced learner experience: –added personalisation –quality content in a new format –increased curriculum flexibility –cost-effectiveness Low-cost, high-value: a sustainable and transferable approach

Conclusions (2) Others across the university and beyond relate to research-based exemplars, adapt these ideas to their own courses, promote pedagogical innovation and build capacity.

Thank you Nie, M., Armellini, A., Randall, R., Harrington, S. & Barklamb, K. (2010) The role of podcasting in effective curriculum renewal. ALT-J Research in Learning Technology, 18(2), pp