1. Podcasting and assessment in geography Dr Richard Jones, University of Exeter & Dr James Newman, Bath Spa University

2. Background A. Interest in the use of Mobile Locative Media for fieldwork and / or Assessment in HE Geography 1 year GEES funded project - ‘E-Learning or A-Gimmick!’ PSP vs iPod vs Mobile Phone vs Paper! Created series of information packages based around a fieldtrip to Sandscale Haws in Cumbria - assess performance of various media and student perceptions etc. Also a Biosciences funded project iPod - Botanical tour of Sandscale Haws

3. B. Use of Podcasting as an Assessment tool B1. Lecture based : GEO3211 – China an Environmental history Assessment – Video podcast on a environmental topic impacting modern China. Based in part on news clips provided through the Newsfilm Online initiatve. Students expected to edit video – provide voice over / soundtrack / pieces to camera etc

4. As part of the GEOVID programme (part of the JISC pathfinder programme) we are also examining the use of Podcasting in the context of 2 way video Particular emphasis on improving cross institutional student interaction

5. B2. Field based : GEO2219 – Time – Earth in the Quaternary An Idea for 07/08 – Student produced Videocast related to their fieldwork in Cumbria – this will following on from exisiting work at Sandscale Students will be expected to produce a video posd cat aimed at the ‘general public’ – possibility the best ones can be collated and used by the National Trust.

6. Our approach to Video Podcasting

7. Decision was made to limit students to specific range of digital formats for video - Mini DV Easy to obtain - Argos’ returns policy! Easy to transfer data onto computer via Firewire Decision was also made to limit students to Vodcasts rather than Enhanced Podcasts - greater range of skills required Stage one: importing and video/audio editing - export to mp4 Stage two: Voice over / video to Camera etc. Stage three: Final Vodcast production

8. Positives New, Innovative and enjoyable Alternative to traditional methods of assessment Provides students with opportunity to learn new numerous transferable skills - Video / Audio editing etc/ Provides mechanism to enable students to target different / multiple audiences Avoids copyright minefield Positive impact on Plagiarism Provides opportunity for staff get their hands on new kit!

9. Negatives Staff / Student IT literacy Staff time Gimmicky - student resistance Availability of mobile media - assumes ubiquity? Availability of suitable hardware / software at work and at home Very problematic for large classes / Beamed lecture series Rapid evolution of technology Assessment criteria / Shift away from Geography? Balance between Geogrpahical and media content Mapping onto traditional assessment norms (challenging!)

10. Pointers Consider staff / student support - technological / pedagogical Evaluate staff / student expectations and IT literacy Levels of departmental / Institutional support available