The Use of Lecture Podcasts as a Learning Tool for Psychology Students Laura Whybra June 2009

Background

“iTunes University better than the real thing” Study by Dani McKinney at the State University of New York Fredonia: “Can Podcasts Replace Professors?” 32 introductory Psychology students attended a traditional lecture on visual perception whilst another 32 listened to a recorded podcast online

“iTunes University better than the real thing” Students tested one week later: Students who attended the lecture averaged a D (62/100) Students who downloaded the podcast averaged a C (71/100) Students who listened to the podcast and made notes averaged 77/100.

“iTunes University better than the real thing” The importance of the “pause” button Able to make more accurate and thorough notes “It isn’t so much that you have a podcast, it’s what you do with it”

Rationale for study

Psychology students currently have access to only 3 modules providing podcasts across 3 years SSLC discussions – podcasts popular amongst students and identified as good practice Staff concerns – impact on attendance?

Rationale for study This study aimed to investigate the use of podcasts as a learning tool for Psychology students: to uncover the benefits they provide to investigate areas of lecturers’ concerns to make recommendations about future podcast provision

How are podcasts used? How often do you use podcasts?When are you most likely to use podcasts? “Very handy revision tool in addition to being useful immediately after a lecture.” “I use them more than once a month, slightly less frequently than weekly.” “As I attend every lecture, I don’t feel the need to use them until exam time.”

How are podcasts used? “I like to go back over a point made by the lecturer and listen to it several times so I am able to get a full understanding of what they are saying.”

Why are podcasts used? “Podcasts allow me to be more confident that my lecture notes are accurate and I really did understand what was being said. I am more confident that I'm not revising inaccurate information”

Why are podcasts used? “I got my highest exam grade on the module where podcasts available.” “Really helpful throughout the whole course but especially when it comes to revision.” “They don’t discourage people from attending lectures, which I feel is the fear.”

What are the effects of podcast use? Feel more prepared for exams Believe podcasts have a positive effect on exam performance Are less likely to attend live lectures “ They are the most helpful study and revision aid that the School could provide, it would be brilliant if we could have them for every module.”

What are the effects of podcast use? “If podcasts are available I will make less notes in the lecture because I can concentrate on understanding the lecture instead.”

Psychology students’ opinions about podcasts “They're really really really helpful and should definitely be used in the future.” “Sometimes cuts off the end of the lecture if longer than an hour” “Maybe say when to move to next slide etc.”

Psychology students’ opinions about podcasts

“I would be happy if the podcasts are only made available to those with high attendance records, or only available during exam periods, if these measures meant the continuing use of the podcasts.” “Podcasts aren’t a substitution for lectures”

Podcast use specific to Psychology 11.6% are happy with the current availability of podcasts in Psychology

Podcast use specific to Psychology “Please podcast all lectures!!! Especially the more scientific ones, such as animal cognition” “Stats definitely needs podcasts! The difference between my performance in term 1 to term 2 is unbelievable, and I'd put that down to the podcasts” “I would like to see all modules podcasted.”

Overview Students mainly use podcasts to make accurate notes and for revision Students do not see podcasts as a substitute to attending lectures Students feel podcasts enhance their learning and believe that they perform better in modules when podcasts are available

Recommendations Podcast use in Psychology should be supported Podcasts should be made available for more lectures Lecturers can monitor attendance formally or subjectively if concerned and limit podcast provision if problems arise

Thanks for listening!