Simple use of podcasts makes a big difference to students and staff

where; leicester university Course; occupational psychology (distance)

Student numbers; 34 aprox

Course issues; student isolation, flexible resources, engagement Solution; action based research focuses on development of 59 X 10 minute podcasts on variety of curriculum and course related topics

Result; staff found it easy, effective and fast [design one deliver many times]
Students; responded to the personalisation, clarity, 'livening up' the learning, reducing feeling of isolation and mobility

Successful podcast ideas include tips for writing a dissertation and 'why you should love your handbook'

Reference Nie et al (2010) the role of podcasting in effective curriculum renewal, alt-j, vol 18, no 2, pp105-118

Additional notes
Action based research method was McNiff & Whitehead 2006. All you need to know about action research. sage

Good literature review on page 106 including negative results from Cann 2007 and Deal 2007.

Links to research into drop out rates on distance learning courses, for example, 20-50% dependent on nature of course (Xenos et al, 2002; Pierrakeas et al, 2004)

Also the idea of running a learning technology festival.

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