Instructional Podcast
Instructional podcast as part of an e-learning course, entitled Technology Tools for World Language Educators.
Podcast topic: Quizlet for Vocabulary Teaching and Learning.
The podcast instructs world language educators how to use the free version of the Quizlet app on their own mobile devices to create digital vocabulary flashcard sets for the foreign language(s) they teach. Moreover, listeners learn how to share these study sets with their students and/or colleagues via the app. Finally, the podcast covers how to apply the study sets within the app.
(Completed November 2019)
Task
The task was to develop a 5-10-minute professional instructional podcast, which related to an e-learning course proposed in a previous assignment. We had to research the content carefully and ensure the chosen topic meets the needs of a particular audience. In my case, the stakeholders were world language educators. We needed to write a script and produce the podcast, using Audacity or another audio editing tool.
Listen to the podcast
Photo by JuShoot on Shutterstock
View the script
You can view and download the script:
Quizlet for Vocabulary Teaching and Learning
Why I chose this project
I decided to include this project in my portfolio, as it demonstrates my ability to deliver a set of instructions, produce clear and precise content, as well as record and edit audio using Audacity. Due to the time limit, I had to deliver step-by-step instructions concisely without any superfluous elements (Markel and Selber 2018; Lannon and Gurak 2011). Moreover, I believe that I produced a podcast that is motivating and engaging.
Podcasting in education can increase accessibility, improve teaching practice, and enhance the student learning experience. It offers the opportunity for instructors to broadcast engaging audio content, which learners can access in their own time and wherever they are (Gray 2021). Therefore, educational podcasts present an excellent tool providing both flexibility and an alternative learning method for students with reading difficulties or visual impairments. Consequently, podcasting adheres to the guidelines for Universal Design of Learning (UDL), a framework to enhance learning and to ensure that all learners can access and participate in meaningful learning opportunities (AHEAD 2017).
Skills demonstrated
Script writing
Research
Referencing
Adhere to accessibility and usability
Provide concise and clear instructions
Write learning objectives
Create step-by-step directions
Audacity
What I learned
I did voice-over work in the past and just a few months prior to this project, I had recorded a German voice-over for a welcome video in a professional sound studio in Dublin. As a German instructor, I have used Audacity for many years and I regularly incorporated sound recordings into my language classes I taught at the University of Florida. For this project, I learned how to work with multiple tracks to integrate sound effects and music to signpost different sections. Although I had experience with voice-over in the past, I listened to numerous educational podcasts to get a feel for the style and tone of a good podcast. I improved my skills for a smooth delivery with an appropriate pace and clear enunciation.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed producing this podcast and I found it an invaluable experience. Since teaching and learning moved online due to Covid-19, I have created several podcasts to teach educational content in my university classes.
References
AHEAD (2017) Universal design for learning, available: https://ahead.ie/udl [accessed 16 April 2021].
Gray, C. (2021) Podcasting in education: what are the benefits?, available: https://www.thepodcasthost.com/niche-case-study/podcasting-in-education/ [accessed 16 April 2021].
Lannon, J.M. and Gurak, L. (2011) Technical communication, 12th ed., Boston; London: Pearson.
Markel, M. and Selber, S.A. (2018) Technical communication, 12th ed., Boston: Bedford/St. Martins.
Photo by David MG on Shutterstock.