Streaming Video and Podcasting Enhancements in the Post-secondary Classroom

Abstract

The use of online learning enhancements is becoming more popular in post-secondary instruction, and certainly distance education and lecture based institutions are exploring the use of elearning strategies. Unfortunately, there is very little available research in the literature that examines the use of streaming video and podcasting as enhancements to in class post-secondary instruction. This paper explores the use of short streaming video clips and audio podcasts with students enrolled in a lecture based pre-service teacher education class. Seven short video clips were developed that extended the classroom lecture material. The clips consisted of Power Point slides enhanced with voice, diagrams, and pictures. The clips were also made available to the students as audio only podcasts. Students voluntarily chose whether or not to view the video clips or listen to the audio only podcasts. A supporting study guide and workbook were also provided online. Student perspectives on the use of these online enhancements were gathered during the course feedback process. The benefits and pitfalls of using streaming video/podcasts as part of postsecondary instruction are discussed.