Podcasts have been seen to have significant potential as an engaging and flexible learning tool in higher education (Evans 2008, Morrissey 2012, Joly 2019). TEU Edge of Discovery Podcast series aimed at providing DCU academics with information and reflections on various teaching, learning, and professional development initiatives across the university community was first launched as part of Teaching & Learning Week, September 2020. They have now attracted over 220 downloads.
The podcasts comprise of short interviews (approximately 15 minutes each) with different academics across the university and led by two members of the TEU team – Dr Fiona O’Riordan and Lisa Donaldson. The first set of conversations centred around Teaching and Assessing Online, Eportfolio-based assessment and Advance HE Fellowships.
We are pleased to release today, January 25th, a second set of podcasts that feature a number of DCU colleagues, including…
Clare Gormley and Dr. Jane O’Kelly discussing Learning Design, Dr Enda Whyte and Dr Paul van Kampen sharing their creativity for the Covid-19 delivery of practical modules; Asst. Prof. David Kennedy describes how he transformed a module for online delivery with student care to the fore. In addition, there is a set of two podcasts focusing on ways of assessing students to promote academic integrity – Dr Rob Gillanders discusses peer assessment and other assessment approaches that partner students; and Drs Tara Concannon-Gibney and Niamh Watkins share their experience of using oral interactives as an authentic and engaging assessment tool that promotes academic integrity
Providing innovative and impactful CPD for staff has been critical during the Covid-19 crisis. The DCU Teaching Enhancement Unit has offered many skills based online webinars; facilitated the Sipping Point community to provide a space for conversations about teaching which aims to encourage the sharing of teaching practice and the spread of new ideas; and promoted Elevenses, learning in bite sized breaktime sessions. We are delighted to now add the next series of the Edge of Discovery podcasts to our TEU CPD offering. They are available on the TEU website and Podbean. In the dark days of January, they are a perfect CPD soundbite for pandemic 5k walks as we all wait and hope for better times.
References
Evans, C. (2008). The Effectiveness of M-Learning in the Form of Podcast Revision Lectures in Higher Education, Computers and Education 50, no. 2 (February 2008)
Joly, K. (2019). Podcasting: A Voice of the Future for Higher Ed? A once-overlooked platform is back, bigger than ever. University Business, 18.
Morrissey, J. (2012). Podcast Steering of Independent Learning in Higher Education. All Ireland Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (AISHE-J) 4, no. 1.
Digital Learning Dispatches 