Author: Susan Stuart, s.stuart@philosophy.arts.gla.ac.uk
JISC e-Learning Activity Area: Learning Resources and Activities
Higher Education Academy Subject Centre: Philosophical and Religious Studies
This case study illustrates...use of podcasting, an effect on learning, an effect on exam results, an effect on student personal development, student satisfaction with e-learning, innovation in learning and teaching, an influence on educational research, staff satisfaction with e-learning, staff personal development, a positive effect on retention, an influence on policy, modifications to learning spaces, an effect on social equality
Lessons Learned
Summary and Reflection
Podcasting is not difficult though it can be frustrating, for example, when you get half way through a lecture and have forgotten to switch the microphone to 'on' - this doesn't happen with an Apple iPod, but it did happen with the Sanyo - or when the batteries have run out and you didn't notice. However, the student feedback is very positive and encouraging, and my plan for next year is to take snapshots of the chalk/white board throughout the class and put them up as images to accompany the recordings. I'm also working with my husband on enabling the students to tag the recordings to make note-taking and revision from them easier.
Here's one of the messages I've received. There are many more but this is a UK example and it's from someone who's not currently in education but has downloaded the Kant podcasts and is thinking of coming back into education. I have, of course, anonymised it.
From: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx
Subject: A New Pupil (Unofficial)
Date: 22 May 2007 20:55:35 BDT
To: S.Stuart@philosophy.arts.gla.ac.ukDr. Stuart,
I am sure you have a very busy 'inbox' so I hope you will not be too upset with this unsolicited email.
I am an 'unofficial philosophy student' who has come to the subject in my early 40s, having followed an engineering and business career - for the sake of mammon!
I am trying to teach myself philosophical concepts through all sorts of media. I am extremely interested in the Philosophy of Religion (from a strictly Atheistic perspective) and, through a web search, I found your podcast lectures on Kant's Epistemology; not necessarily related I know.
The reason for this e-mail is to say that I am just "gutted" that I cannot afford to give up work, move North and come to study under you. I think your style of teaching is great and I envy your intellect and knowledge. I listen to your podcasts on my hour-long commute into work in the morning and I feel like I am now part of your extended class.
That's all really. You have such an important role in developing the minds of so many young people. I don't know if you get much feedback from non-Glasgow associates; however, please accept these well intentioned words from a stranger and keep up your fantastic work.
If you ever decide to do a 'distance learning' course; I will be first in the queue.
Kind Regards
xxxxxxxxxx
