Abstract:
Using technology to enhance teaching and learning has been a major strive in education of all levels. In collaboration with the Centre of Learning, Teaching and Technology, the project made use of the Podcast and iTunes technologies to produce customized educational materials in the form of multimedia files. These files included interviews, presentations, tutorials, demonstrations, videos, or edited lectures focusing on certain aspects of the modules in Music and Visual Arts curriculum. Students were able to download these podcast files on their desktop or portable computers as well as mobile phones or other MP3 playing electronic devices. Students could also refer to these visual, audio and textual materials at anywhere, anytime and on their own pace. The project helped to build up a collection of educational materials available for different users who could share and publish content across the internet. Through a series of workshops, sharing session and dissemination seminar, project members not only acquired the technical know-how of creating podcast files but also shared their experience on the ways in which these files could be actively integrated in module teaching and assessment.
Code:
T0069
Principal Project Supervisors:
Subjects:
- Computer-assisted instruction
- Education technology
- Internet in education
- Podcasting
- iTunes
- Music -- Instruction and study
- Arts – Study and teaching
Start Date:
01 Jan 2010
End Date:
31 Oct 2010
Status:
Completed
Result:
The project team learnt how to create educational podcasts and used them in teaching. A server had also been developed to archive the podcasts for future use, review and further development. A total of 58 podcasts had been created. Students had also gained a better understanding on the podcast technology and experiences of learning through podcasts.
Impact:
On teaching, the project encouraged innovative teaching amongst members participating in this project. Colleagues gained firsthand experience in the delivery of contents using iTunes and podcasts. Through attending workshops and sharing session, colleagues shared their experiences and obtained a better understanding on how to create and use podcast technology in teaching.
A survey to all students (N=184) and a focus group interview of three students from each course were used to collect students’ feedback on the project. The results of the survey and the interviews reflected students were positive to podcasting and they found them helpful to their learning. The project has enhanced personalized learning for students as they could learn at any time and any place. Another benefits mentioned by students was that they could learn according to their own pace using podcasts. They also reported that podcasts increased their learning motivation and made learning more interesting.
Besides, students shared the difficulties they encountered in using podcasts and made suggestions for future development. On the technical aspects, quite a number of students reflected that they did not have any concept about podcasting and iTunes and it was difficult for them to download the podcasts without support. They suggested teachers to spend some more time in explaining the concepts and demonstrating the use of podcasts at the beginning stage of the project. Uniforming the disseminating platform was recommended by students. On the design of podcasts, students suggested that podcasts should not be used alone without linking to face-to-face teaching. Briefing, debriefings and discussions were recommended by students. They also reflected that podcasting was especially beneficial on presenting course content that emphasized on the application of skills, but was less effective on presenting theoretical or factual knowledge. Students found that audio and visual effects of podcasts interesting and they suggested that sections can be added so that they can search and locate the required information easier.
Deliverables:
Tam, C. O. (2012). The effectiveness of educational podcasts for teaching music and visual arts in higher education. Research in Learning Technology, 2012,20.http://www.researchinlearningtechnology.net/index.php/rlt/article/view/1...https://repository.eduhk.hk/en/publications/c22780cf-efb3-4dbb-903e-23f5...
A workshop on “Introduction to podcasting and its use in teaching” presented by Mr. Vincent Hung of Centre for Learning, Teaching and Technology at The Hong Kong Institute of Education on 2 February 2010. (No. of participants: 10)
A workshop on “Creating podcasts using iTunes” presented by Mr. Vincent Hung of Centre for Learning, Teaching and Technology at The Hong Kong Institute of Education on 9 February 2010. (No. of participants: 9)
A workshop on “Creating podcasts using iMovie” presented by Mr. Vincent Hung of Centre for Learning, Teaching and Technology at The Hong Kong Institute of Education on 22 February 2010. (No. of participants: 9)
A workshop on “Supporting tutors to create podcast files” presented by Ms Cathy Chan at The Hong Kong Institute of Education on 4 March 2010. (No. of participants: 8)
A mid-term sharing session on “A reflection on the use of podcasts in teaching: Problems and strengths” presented by Dr Tam Cheung On and project participants at The Hong Kong Institute of Education on 26 April 2010. (No. of participants: 10)
A seminar on “Teaching and Learning Using Podcasting: Sharing the Results of a TDG Project” presented by Dr. Tam Cheung On, Mr. Lee Man Kei, and Mr. Ng Mau Wai at The Hong Kong Institute of Education on 23 March 2011. (No. of participants: 17)
Financial Year:
2009-10
Type:
TDG