Given the choice between reading from a text and listening to a podcast I would choose a podcast. Given the variety in podcasts, there is a freedom given in the ability to close your eyes and just listen to what is being said. Like most people, I am a visual learner and for that reason this goes against the norm.
Despite the different learning style with this medium, the podcast gives increased versatility to listen on the go, multitask, and listen again to the podcast at a later time. Too often do I dread having to crack a book open and reread material to better understand it. Because most people have digital media players and computers, it has never been easier to take media with us.
In the case we did switch and had our classes posted by blog, how would we prepare for being tested over the material? Because most people are visual in learning material I would take notes over the blog. I think this would be multifaceted in the benefits. Individuals would have to pay closer attention to the material because you are having to write it down. Secondly, because you are writing it down you are giving the subject matter more thought. Finally, in taking notes, we aren't going to write word for word what we hear but rather a brief set of notes. Those notes then make for better reviewing material because they are in our own words and it stirs our memory from when we wrote them.
In principal I think it could be beneficial to switch to a podcast style of learning. There will probably need to be a lot of experimentation in how podcasts should be set up and how to present the information. Just like any new concept though, very rarely does one get it right the first try. When were being creative we have to expect and be ok with making mistakes when venturing in to new territory.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I completely agree with you. Much like yourself I am a visual learner so for me to choose listening to a podcast rather than read a text book is against every learning fiber in my body. But I think there is much to be gained with listening to podcasts rather than reading. Like you said, you can at least listen to the podcast again if you need too. They say you need to hear something at least 6 times before you remember it. I don't recall seeing anything that says you need to read someting 6 times before remembering it. I also hate cracking open the text book and reading chapters. I often get distracted or tired. I usually give in to my sleepiness and take a nap! I know that's horrible, but I can't begin to tell you how many times I fell asleep in my chair reading a textbook! I think the only text book I read from front to back was my Art Appreciation book! I can at least multitask while listening to a podcast and take notes at my leisure. At least I'm not sitting in a lecture hall with 150 other students. I have to be up and moving around. I can't be sitting down the entire time while listening to lectures. I would also take notes over the blog. I think everyone types faster than they write. I enjoyed reading your blog. You brought up many valid points.
ReplyDelete