This week’s blogging assignment (and our last) is to identify the pros
and cons that you think the integration of audio/video/podcast into our lesson
plans may bring to our adult students?
While there are both pros and cons to utilizing audio, video and
podcasts into our lesson plans, it is my belief that there are more pros than
cons. King and Knox state,
“Digital media such as podcasting offer the capability for students to
use their popular media and be critical thinkers and creators of knowledge
across disciplines rather than sitting in the background as passive spectators
to their own education” (2011, p.33). I think this statement resounds through
additional means of technology such as the use of audio and video as well.
Our lives seem to change every time a new piece
of technology hits the market. This is
not only for every day consumers but for students and educators as well. It is not only limited to the younger
generation as well. This was apparent in
this week’s podcast assignment produced by Stan Alcorn of NPR. This podcast showed the power of technology
and podcasts with senior citizens and their experience with such technology and
their preconceived notions about using it.
With that said, the following are what I believe are the pros and cons
of podcasts.
Cons:
Advertisements: Most podcasts have
advertisements that distract from the learning experience and put the
viewer/listener on edge or distract them from the content of the podcast. Users may think that the podcast in some
shape or form may be associated with the advertisement and make them biased.
Users access: Some students/users may not have
the access or means to view podcasts.
Users attitude: Some students may not want to
watch a podcast because they feel as though they cannot ask questions and or
get answers right away about the content of the podcast.
Pros:
User access: users can access the podcast at their
convenience or leisure.
User attitudes: Students/users may want to see a
podcast about a particular subject, with a subject matter expert than listening
to their instructor lecture.
Technology integration: Students/users can utilize their technology
to access and view a podcast, which will allow them feel as though they have a
say in their learning experience or that feel comfortable with.
King, K. and Cox, T. (2011). The Professor’s Guide to Taming
Technology. Charlotte,
NC: Information Age Publishing.
Alcorn, S. (Producer). (2012, July 12). New Online Users Have A
Longer
Timeline [Podcast]. Retrieved from
8/new-online-users-have-a-longer-timeline.
Hi Ryan,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog post this week. Although you had mentioned some pros and cons which I had also noted you brought up a lot of interesting points that I had not thought of. Something I am glad you mentioned was the use of advertisements in podcasts. Although this may seem like a small issue, it is something which I believe could deter listeners. I think one of the biggest pros which you mentioned was that the use of podcasts allows students to utilize their own technology. King (2011) noted that by allowing students to use popular media for learning it helps them to be critical thinkers and develop knowledge instead of being such a passive part of the education process. From my experience teaching online classes I know that getting students to engage and use their critical thinking skills can be a challenge. Technology such as podcasts may be a good answer to some of these challenges in the online classroom.
Reference:
King, K.P. (2011). Podcasting: Learning on demand and content creation. In K.P. King & T.D. Cox, The Professor’s Guide to Taming Technology (33-50). Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing Inc.
Thanks Amanda!
DeleteHi Ryan:
ReplyDeleteThank you for this interesting blog posting this week. It nicely addresses some of the important points raised in our reading assignment such as promoting critical thinking, knowledge construction, and student engagement (King & Cox, 2011). In addition, I like the point you made about the changing nature of technology and its impact on not only consumers, but also students and educators. It is this variability which I find so exciting about technology and the consistent quest to enhance teaching and learning via such innovative educators like Dr. Kang and other professors in the Adult and Continuing Education graduate degree program at K-State Specifically, through blogging, wiki construction, and the multimedia interview assignment, I learned, developed, and applied new knowledge, leading to an advanced technological skill set grounded in a strong theoretical understanding about teaching and learning. All of our technology assignments were linked to key course learning activities and outcomes. In general, the linking of the course curriculum to specific technological requirements and positioning them as an interconnected learning design was extremely constructive and useful in directly helping me to achieve the desired learning outcomes. It is such action, along with Dr. K answering questions, modeling, elaborating on and clarifying his expectations which were the vital key towards successful technology integration in this course (DeGennaro, 2010).
Best,
~Aja
____________________________________________________________
References
DeGennaro, D. (2010). Grounded in theory: Immersing preservice teachers in technology-mediated learning. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 10(3), 338-359.
King, K.P., & Cox, T.D. (2011). The professor’s guide to taming technology: Leveraging digital media, web 2.0, and more for learning. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing Inc.
Thanks Aja!
DeleteRyan,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Amanda that I had not previously considered the interference that advertisements may cause when learners are listening to podcasts. However, I also agree with you that there are many more pros than cons for the use of technology within our adult curriculum. You bring up a good point in that the ever-changing landscape of digital media is constantly evolving the way we interact and our entire environment. I enjoy technology and the never-ending pursuit to improve our lives, our communication with each other, and the way we learn. I think technology has broadened our opportunities and access to the world in a way we did not have before technology. Your last points are my favorite: the fact that podcasts and the use of digital media gives the student more control over his or her own learning experience. I think empowering the student to take charge and tailor his or her learning to his or her specific needs enforces the idea of lifelong learning and maximizes the student's potential for learning.
Regards,
Kayla
advertisements make me think that the site is all about making monkey at the expense of the user. Just my two cents! Thanks for the comment Kayla!
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteThank you for using the large font on your blog. It makes it so much easier to read after a long day. I share the previous comments about the impact of advertising. You did a very nice job of contemplating new pros and cons for your readers. You do have a favorite podcast or video blog that you follow?
Thanks
Ewilde
Not really...I'm really not a technology guy. I use my computer and the internet for email and music! I guess that will change once I finish up here at KState.
Delete