1. Profcasting and e-tivities: blending personal audio broadcasting and online groupwork
Dr Palitha Edirisingha and Professor Gilly Salmon
University of Leicester

2. research questions
1. How does students’ learning supported by podcasting differ from their learning through structured campus or e-learning processes? Does podcasting assist with student motivation? Is their learning more flexible, easier or successful?
2. What kinds of quality pedagogical applications can be developed for podcasting through MP3 players to students for their informal use within formal HE modules? Can students switch from using MP3 players for entertainment to learning?
3. What are the psychological, social and institutional barriers to and advantages of more informal learning using podcasting?

3. Workshop outline The case study at University of Leicester
Work-in-progress findings
students’ use of podcasts and e-tivities
contribution to learning
Hands on activities
combining podcasts and e-tivities

4. From research on mobile learning
New tools that can support learning
addressing specific needs and cognitive abilities of diverse learners
situated and authentic learning experiences
personal nature of learning
(Sharples, 2001; Kukulska-Hulme and Traxler, 2005; JISC, 2005; Taylor et al, forthcoming; Sariola and Rionka, 2003; Plant, 2001)

5. The case study module
A second and third year undergraduate module ‘Optical Fibre Communication Systems’
Content delivery - online, a weekly f2f meeting
30 campus-based students, 2nd and 3rd year
12 weeks from 23 January
4 sections, each 3 weeks
end of section online assignments

6. The module on the VLE

10. Students use of profcasts

11. 8/26/2019
Gilly Salmon

12. STUDENTS talk about profcasting
“This is actual e-learning
innit…
not just some pdf
to print off”
Good use of time
Help orgnaise learning activities
Flexible
Great format
Stimulates interest/topical
Motivational & positive attitude
Enjoyment! Tuning in weekly
E-skills development
Supports & complements other aspects of the module
Choice/preferred setting/context for learning
Take ‘seriously’ distinguish between learning and music!
Focus
“it is more informal, it is different feeling,
not having to sit down with a pen and take notes,
at the same time you understand what he says”

13. STUDENTS talk about e-tivities
“People post different notes, so we can do a comparison and broadens our perspective of what the optical fibre is a good way to share knowledge.”
“I really like group work and I enjoy the design as well. You meet up and discuss it and you give ideas.”
“… you are working in a team and whenever you go for a job interview they always ask you have you done any group projects or group activities.”

14. Hands on activity
developing e-tivities and podcasts