PODCASTING IN HIGHER EDUCATION - CHALLENGING BUT FUN AND GREAT FOR LEARNING

Podcasting is a production of audio files to a specific subject and its publication on the internet. So why not to publish a podcast for learning purposes within lectures in Higher Education? Team work for producing those audio contributions encourages reflection and discussion processes and helps to understand complex subjects. Indeed there is a different suitability for podcast project work for various subjects. But generally learning processes in teams; especially in project work is always more engaging, motivating and lasting.

The content equals the teaching content and students have to work it out themselves and create a matching concept for the given subject. Research work and interviews with experts are two usual methods within the project workflow. The audio recording and editing is obligatory for all project teams but with current developments in ICT, especially in software and mobile technologies not a major challenge. Digital products are finally the result of those projects. They can be displayed prominently and used for different purposes. The institution itself can represent itself with these products, the lecturer can do it as well as a part of communication to the scientific community and the students can use it as part of a portfolio of well done work for job applications.

The contribution presents workflows and experiences made in different podcasting projects in Higher Education in Romance Literature Lectures and Language Learning Courses. An Evaluation of these projects was made and results confirm a high level in student motivation and an optimal learning outcome.