According to feedback from our learners, Podcasts are rated very low in terms of desirability of learning materials.
This may be partly explained by a recent research study we completed on preferred learning styles. We found that among our learners (mostly nurses) that only 13% were predominantly auditory learners compared to 57% visual and 21% tactile learners.
Based on this information, and our other experience over the last few years, podcasts and other audio-only learning materials are a low priority for us. You will probably get a much better return on investment by focusing on multi-sensory e-learning courses and / or simulations and learning games.
They offer these as part of a compllete solution (class and "e"), and they are remarkably successful in all areas.
Russ' study, (limited niche audience), says that 13% of learners are auditory. So - that's 13% of your audience that you are not going to cater for?
Chris - I think it is very dangerous to make statements like this. Bottom line is that you develop for your audience, and based on learning objectives + budget. Many of my learners like to just listen to my eLearning voiceover, that's why I invest so much time in crafting my scripts.
It all depends on what your "podcasts" are. I used to record SMEs, and then just post the .wav file onto the corporate server. That was incredibly cheap, and worked like a dream - because people recognised the names, and recognised the expertise they could get. It also played to the SME egos, which is not a bad thing. OK - not fully-fledged "podcasts", but certainly "auditory learning".
Many "learning games" are seen as purile by the intended audience - only you know your audience. A package that encompasses a blend for a reason, rather than a fad usually works best.
Russ - by the looks of it, for the cost of producing a complex study like that, you could have produced a fair few really useful podcasts for those 13%!
Bruce
APMP Distance Learning - We're with you all the way.
I just wanted to thank you for the Podcasts you have on
i-tunes. I downloaded your podcasts and listened to the each evening and
when commuting. Thanks to them I passed my APMP. Thanks again.
Hi Bruce, thanks for your input and very good point about the 13%.
Is your audience currently using mobile smartphones to access the podcasts? If so, are there any best practices for the user to access through various device platforms?
5 Replies
Hi Chris,
According to feedback from our learners, Podcasts are rated very low in terms of desirability of learning materials.
This may be partly explained by a recent research study we completed on preferred learning styles. We found that among our learners (mostly nurses) that only 13% were predominantly auditory learners compared to 57% visual and 21% tactile learners.
Based on this information, and our other experience over the last few years, podcasts and other audio-only learning materials are a low priority for us. You will probably get a much better return on investment by focusing on multi-sensory e-learning courses and / or simulations and learning games.
Best of success with whatever you decide.
Russ
Hey Russ, thanks very much for your quick response and great information!
This information supports my thought that learners are more visual than audiophile's.
Chris
...and just to even up the score...
I work on occasion with a Project Management training company.
Their downloadable podcasts are the #1 Global Project Management download from iTunes.
They offer these as part of a compllete solution (class and "e"), and they are remarkably successful in all areas.
Russ' study, (limited niche audience), says that 13% of learners are auditory. So - that's 13% of your audience that you are not going to cater for?
Chris - I think it is very dangerous to make statements like this. Bottom line is that you develop for your audience, and based on learning objectives + budget. Many of my learners like to just listen to my eLearning voiceover, that's why I invest so much time in crafting my scripts.
It all depends on what your "podcasts" are. I used to record SMEs, and then just post the .wav file onto the corporate server. That was incredibly cheap, and worked like a dream - because people recognised the names, and recognised the expertise they could get. It also played to the SME egos, which is not a bad thing. OK - not fully-fledged "podcasts", but certainly "auditory learning".
Many "learning games" are seen as purile by the intended audience - only you know your audience. A package that encompasses a blend for a reason, rather than a fad usually works best.
Russ - by the looks of it, for the cost of producing a complex study like that, you could have produced a fair few really useful podcasts for those 13%!
Bruce
APMP Distance Learning - We're with you all the way.
Hi Bruce, thanks for your input and very good point about the 13%.
Is your audience currently using mobile smartphones to access the podcasts? If so, are there any best practices for the user to access through various device platforms?
Hi Chris,
The Podcasts are designed for iPad users primarily, and are available from iTunes as a downloadable lesson.
Please note that these are jjust something that a client of mine produces, I am not linked to them specifically, and do not know a lot of the details.
Bruce
This discussion is closed. You can start a new discussion or contact Articulate Support.