Instructional Technology
Conference 2007
Title: Results of podcast/learning materials integration on student performance in an introductory information technology course
Name: James Janossy
Audience Level: all
Audience: Faculty, Instructional Technology Specialists, Distance Learning Professionals, Deans
Length:
45 mins to an hour
Abstract:
The use of podcast student learning materials may enhance the student learning
experience and contribute to improved retention of knowledge and performance. In a
study conducted over multiple academic terms, the experience of 130 students in five
podcast-enabled sections of an introductory course on information technology are
examined in qualitative and quantitative terms. Findings from the year- long study are
presented for the first time at this conference.
Description:
The presenter is co-author of the Information Technology Workbook (Stipes Publishing,2006) which is supported by 80 podcast mini- lectures made available to students. This
session presents the findings of a research study involving 130 students, conducted over
three academic terms during which course learning materials were integrated with
podcasts, and students were given the choice of reading course materials, listening to
course materials on fixed computers or portable sound devices, or using any combination
of reading and listening. The course involved in these evaluations were a mixture of
traditional instructor- led on-site classes conducted by the presenter or co-author, or
conducted by other instructors, and included classes conducted at DePaul University in
Chicago, and Indian River Community College, Florida. A portion of students
participating in the study were students enrolled in the course via distance learning, who
never were present physically in the classroom. Podcasts were created by the authors as
highly polished text documents and transformed into high-quality audio using software
and a specially-licensed professional voice which had been digitized and arranged for
text-to-speech purposes. Findings produced by qualitative analysis and the result of focus
group sessions are combined with quantitative findings to produce insights into the
potential for enhancement to the learning experience for segments of the student population. In particular, student performance data with the availability and use of
podcast mini- lectures is contrasted to performance without the use of podcasts by the
same individuals. The study is underway and will be concluded by March, 2007, with the
results presented at this conference in April, 2007.
Session Type: Lecture/Presentation
Contact information/affiliation:
James Janossy
DePaul University School of Computer Science
243 S. Wabash Avenue, Room 400
Chicago, Illinois 60604
(773) 325-8629
e-mail: jjanossy@depaul.edu