elearnspace

Lectures, or any learning experiences, need to be evaluated based on what they are intended to achieve. Sitting in a classroom, and having an instructor lecture (with limited discussion) is not sufficiently valuable to justify confining it to a physical medium. If the intent is mainly content presentation, I would recommend podcasting, video logging, or advanced readings. Podcasts have gained attention recently as an additional tool available to instructors. Podcasting augments, or adds an additional facet, to the learning experience. It’s not about replacing a process that works well…it’s about providing an alternative to processes that aren’t working well. I enjoy a good lecture…but sometimes, I can listen to the lecture while driving, running, etc. That frees up my “physical space” for learning activities that require me to be present. iPods as classroom tools are growing trend among national college campuses: “Though using iPod technology would introduce many new advantages in education, it also leaves more room for distraction in the learning process. Some students are skeptical about whether the iPods would be used purely as study tools or as an easy excuse to skip class. Students agree that something would have to be done to regulate the new technology.”