Faculty and Student Perceptions of Podcasting : Empirical Evidence from Four Higher Education Institutions

Colleges and Universities are looking for ways to reduce student costs and improve student learning retention. Podcasting has been in play for ten years now, giving time for a broader audience to use this technology. This paper presents the findings of a study which looks at use and felt effectiveness of podcasting in online courses by both faculty and students. The survey looks at how podcasting may aid in improving focused student learning. How willing faculty is to use podcasting in place of costly textbooks is answered. The frames of this survey include: awareness, utility, effectiveness, learning styles, technology, and cost. In 2015, surveys were given to online graduate and undergraduate Business students and faculty at four higher education U.S. institutions. Results suggest that faculty should consider using podcasting in online courses to place focus on providing further explanation of stated learning objectives in order to meet the expectations and needs of today's student population