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The average person probably remembers more of what they see than what they hear. For example, you’re likely to readily remember a person’s face more easily than you would his name. However, according to molecular biologist John Medina, the key to more remembering what we see and hear is enhanced when repetition is involved. Don’t get me wrong, I am not advocating mass memorization of anything by anyone. Memorization is necessary in some cases, but given the easy access to all kinds of information, I see little reason for my students to commit large amounts of information to organic memory as opposed to knowing how and where to find it. What I am merely suggesting is that frequent re-exposure to snippets of content will likely aid understanding of what was presented or discussed. I have found that the podcast is one way to provide short bits of information for clarification purposes or as a way to provide expanded discussion of something that I covered in class.
Here are two key guidelines to follow when developing a podcast:
- Keep it short – Podcasts should address only one topic or concept at a time; and
- Add value – Podcasts should not simply replicate something that already exists verbatim on paper. There should be some added value to what is shared in this new format.
I use podcasts in a variety of ways and so could you. I use podcasts to welcome students to my classes, to provide clarification on assignments or course content, and even to provoke emotional responses to something we are discussing in class. Here is an example of an emotional response podcast using the app Voice Record Pro (HD), Humans as Technology.
What I just shared with you was a 2.5 minute snippet from my Technology and Society class where I was attempting to establish a starting point about what technology may or may not be. Keep in mind that the sample shared is addressed much more in-depth in class. You may say, well, why would students want to come to class if some of the class content is addressed in a podcast? Fair question. My intent in using podcasts is not to address all of the content just one small part of it. Additionally, I am hoping that what I talk about serves as a way to draw students in and is interesting enough for them to want to come to class. Alternatively, it could be that what I say in the podcast encourages them to come to class because they feel compelled to challenge the notion of humans being classified as technology. And finally, I hope that what I present might offer something a bit different, and serve as a trigger for what I covered in class. If my podcast serves any one of the aforementioned purposes, then the tool is well worth using with my students.
There are many other voice recording apps, but I’m, all about “cheap and efficient” when it comes to apps. Voice Record Pro fits the bill for me and I think it will for you, too. The interface is easy to use and allow you to perform rudimentary edits, although you may have to use a program like Audacity if you want to have more editing options. I particularly like the fact that I can convert my recordings to the popular mp3 format used by most, if not all, portable devices that our students carry around with them. Best of all, Voice Record Pro provides a host of options for sharing created podcasts and lets me give each podcast a unique name. The latest update to the app adds some additional bells and whistles that I will let you discover on your own. Here are two screen shots of the app both of which are fairly straightforward.
 The start screen. |
 The Edit/Share Screen |
Summary:
Voice Record Pro (HD) is one of many available voice recorders but the cost (it’s free!) and the app’s simple interface makes it a cinch to use. Here is how easy it is to get started:
- Touch the ‘Record’ button to begin, then ‘Pause’ to take a break, and ‘Stop’ to finish your recording.
- Touch the ‘Back’ button to navigate to a listing of all recordings made.
- Selecting a recording will bring up a variety of share options including naming, simple editing options, and converting your file to an mp3 format.
What could be easier than that? Of course, there is an ‘Edit’ button, but if you plan your podcast well, follow a short prepared script, and keep your podcast short, who needs, an edit button?
Dave Yearwood, Professor and Chair of the Technology Department at the University of North Dakota.
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Salpeter, 1999 opined that technology in education accelerate, enrich and deepen basic skills of students who are in a student centered learning environment. These students learn faster with more depth of understanding. Further, when technology is used for real communication with real audience, then these students are capable of talking to mature audience due to the technological exposure. Technology therefore facilitates cooperative learning and encourages new roles for learners.
http://www.k12.hi.us/~teono/teri/benefits_of_technology….
I uploaded VRP before a meeting I needed to record. I made a couple quick tests to familiarize myself with it, and as you state, it's very user-friendly. During the break, I pressed "PAUSE", and when we reconvened, pressed the button to re-start. At the end of the hour-long meeting, I pressed "STOP" and when I went to replay later in the afternoon, only the 1st half of the meeting was there. Talk about panic! (I need to write a report) I checked twice during the 2nd half to make sure it was recording – the meters were active and assumed all was fine. Any idea why it appeared to be recording, but only saved the first 30 minutes? Very frustrating.
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