Pedagogic Value of Podcasts

The Law Library Blog links to a white paper by Ashley Deal at Carnegie Mellon University in which the author seeks to evaluate the pedagogic value and impact of podcasting.

The text looks at the use of podcasts as a mechanism for the archiving of classroom lectures, the delivery of supplemental course materials via podcasts, and assignments that require students to produce and submit their own podcasts as a means of developing presentation skills.

The paper concludes:

"Does podcasting enhance education? The answer to that question depends entirely on the educational context, including goals and appropriate learning activities, and on how the tool is implemented. Podcasting does not contain any inherent value. It is only valuable inasmuch as it helps the instructor and students reach their educational goals, by facilitating thoughtful, engaging learning activities that are designed to work in support of those goals."