The integration of multimodal learning resources can and should consider audio recordings and podcasts (defined as a series of episodes of audio recordings that focus on a topic or topics). There are two ways to engage students with this multimodality - as a consumer/ listener of audio recordings (ones you create or ones created by others) and as a creator (incorporated into an assignment or classroom task). In both cases, the focus for the audio recording should be the course topics and content. In all cases, audio recordings should include a text based transcript to ensure accessibility for all learners.
How to Create This
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Podcasts are audio files that can be downloaded and played on computers, mobile devices, or MP3 players. Most podcast content contains conversational style dialogue, which has been associated with better online student experiences, and better student outcomes. Embedding the podcast directly on the Canvas tool (Pages, Assignments, Quizzes or Discussions) makes them more accessible for students while providing visual cues, and spatial relationships to other surrounding information.
Good ways to use podcasts are:
to replace text-based readings/resources and add variety to the online course
to help improve understanding of difficult concepts
as a reflective listening activity
can be included as part of a student assignment or discussion where students listen to the podcast before responding to questions, in order to analyze or critique
as a way to provide learners with access to a wide range of content from experts and organizations
to add flexibility for learners, who can listen when and where it is convenient for them, at the pace it suits them, and their lifestyles
in online courses to "help reduce learners’ feelings of isolation and promote a sense of social presence" (Bolliger et al., 2010)
Difficulty Level
Embedding an existing podcast is relatively easy to do. Most podcast sites will include a share button or link that will generate the iframe embed code for you. That code can be pasted into Canvas using the Rich Content Editor mode of the text editor.
Having students create audio responses is an alternative to written discussion forum responses and can engage students critically in making key connections, since limitations of 'word counts' could also apply to an audio recording. With an audio recording calculator - the average number of words can you speak in 60 seconds is 130 - this can help student focus their response on essential concepts.
intermediate computer skills to use be able to navigate the internet to select podcasts, and generate embed codes or hyperlinks
HTML/CSS knowledge is an asset but not a requirement for using audio and podcasts in course content
Development Time Steps
1. If you are asking students to create a podcast response, either individually or in a small group, it takes time to script and record the podcast (suggested 60 to 90 minutes per recording, depending on student's familiarity with recording software. Groups of students can create audio podcasts relevant to course topics, as part of their interactive engagement with course content. Within the group, one student could take on the role of audio mixer - stitching the audio files together. Each group member can record their response to the topic prompt or questions for the week, then send these files to the audio mixer who will put the files together into one cohesive recording. The mixer does not respond directly, but becomes the voice that connects the individual recording files together. The finished podcast can be posted, linked, or embedded to the Canvas page, by using Kaltura / My Media. If you are using CSS/HTML to tweak the formatting or apply customized formatting to the audio files, this could take you a bit longer.
Steps
Spend some time to find good and relevant podcasts which are aligned with your course/module or activity goals.
If the podcast's duration is too long, or has information not related directly to the course goals, identify the time frames that students need to listen to.
Generate and copy the iframe embed code from the podcast site — most podcast sites have a share button or link in an obvious location.
Paste the embed code into your Canvas page using the the Canvas Rich Content Editor mode of the text editor.
To improve the student experience you should also include a direct link to the podcast which opens up in new window. (To do this just press the Control+K (Windows) or Command+K (Mac) keys on your keyboard, paste the url and set target to open in a new window.)
Tips & Tricks
Be sure to select podcasts:
that have high quality sound and allow for volume adjustment, playback speed variation, and pausing
which are a shorter duration to maintain student engagement
where the longer podcasts have identified time frame selection(s) for the information students need to listen to
which align to the course/module goals and assessments
that are entertaining, and easy to listen to in order to keep students interested
When adding the podcast to your course, be sure to:
include background information about the podcast to help students understand the value and can help to situate the podcast or podcast clips in a meaningful context
provide an additional external link that opens a new window so students have the additional option to access the podcast directly
provide transcripts whenever possible and practical as good UDL practise
When asking students to create a podcast or audio recording for the course, be sure to:
provide multiple examples and samples so student can 'hear' what is expected
provide a structure and timeline for completion
include strategies for completion, including those provided in the 'Development' tab on this page
check in with groups to ensure one group member has volunteered to be the 'audio mixer'
provide some guidelines on the length of audio files and tips on how to upload the audio files to Kaltura / My Media and linking this to the Media Gallery for the course.
More Tips
As with all external online content, links can change or break if the media is relocated or removed. So before the next iteration of the course, you should validate Canvas course links Links to an external site.and fix any broken links.
For optional or supplementary podcasts use links which are set to open in a new window so the visual cueing (indicating and external link) on the Canvas content pages is consistent.
Resources
Bolliger, D. U., Supanakorn, S., & Boggs, C. (2010). Impact of podcasting on student motivation in the online learning environment. Computers & Education, 55(2), 714-722. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2010.03.004
Calandra, B., Barron, A. E., & Thompson-Sellers, I. (2008). Audio use in E-learning: What, why, when, and how? International Journal on E-Learning, 7(4), 589.
This example shows how the audio file is embedded into Canvas as a 'playable' object, including elements such as the 'share' and 'download' options. Be sure to provide directions so students know what to do when they see this object.
Podcast Summary
This EdSurge Podcast podcast discusses the current state of educational podcasts. The affordances of podcasting make it a popular way for people to use audio as a way to learn. Teachers are using podcasts as part of their online courses and even in classroom settings. For example, podcasts used as course "readings" overcome some of the limitations of text for teaching language, and can enrich the student's learning experience.
This example shows an embedded media player that links to the original source. Since there is little or no descriptions, be sure to provide explicit directions so students know what to do when they see this object and include a link to the location of the audio file.
Podcast Summary
It's a phrase you've probably heard before: First Nations, Inuit and Métis. But how much do you really know about the Métis? Historically, the Métis didn't fit in society, at times they were also rejected by their First Nation families. Theirs is a history of rebellion, resistance, and forced assimilation. This podcast looks at some of the history of the Métis — and how is has shaped the challenges they face today.