Example of podcasts created by pairs of staff members rather than individually

Podcasting to support students using a business simulation

Audio or video podcasts can be a useful tool to supplement practical exercises such as business simulations. In this paper, we discuss a case study in which different types of podcast were utilised to support the delivery of a course in international business. The students work in groups and run a fictional company using business simulation software, which gives them the opportunity to evaluate their decision making skills. A number of podcasts were used as reusable learning objects for different student cohorts. Faculty members produced visually enhanced audio podcasts offering tutor discussions of key elements of the computer-assisted business simulation used by the students. The podcasts were made available via the virtual learning environment (Blackboard Vista), as well as for subscription by web browser-based RSS readers, such as Google and downloadable RSS readers, such as iTunes. Our evaluation of this approach to using podcasts takes into account pedagogic and technical issues. Firstly, faculty members involved in this case study were interviewed to obtain their views and experiences on the process of producing podcasts as well as the suitability of podcasts to support their teaching. Secondly, students were surveyed and interviewed about the value of the podcasts and the way in which they were used. This work is on-going and initial informal student feedback indicates that the podcasts engaged the students and supported their understanding of the international business module. This paper presents a snapshot of the current findings which generally support the value of this innovative way of using podcasting for learning and teaching.

ISSN:1479-4403 Reference: Gorra, A., Finlay, J. (2009) Podcasting to Support Students Using a Business Simulation. Electronic Journal of e-Learning, 7 (3) December, pp.203-211. Item type:Journal article Published status:Published Official URI:http://www.ejel.org/volume7/issue3 Refereed status:Refereed Deposited on:30th June 2011, 17:06 Author:Andrea Gorra; Janet Finlay Publisher:Management Centre International Limited Deposited by:Nick Sheppard Linked Resource:

Podcasting to support students using a business simulation

Department:	Leeds Met
Class/Course:	Business Studies (International)
Students:	2nd years to start with expanding to all 2 years (700) students in total
Technology:	Media Enhanced Podcasts
Assessment Activities:	Not stated
Efficiencies:	This is an enhancement rather than focused on efficiency
Learning Gains:	Flexibility in delivery – students could extend study beyond classroom activity Greater range of methods of delivery Podcasts were created in teams of 2 by staff, this proved useful in connecting staff and sharing ideas

Purpose

To support a classroom based business simulation games by demonstrating how the game connects with theory. Extend learning beyond classroom

Research method
Interviews with staff. Survey of all students + focus group with 10 students.

Issues
Students listened to them online rather than as ‘true’ podcasts.

Staff are worried that this only supports the students who are engaged.

Need to think about how they connect with other activities

Example