Students who only listened to podcasts of lectures achieved substantially higher exam results than those who attended class in person.
It’s importing to follow this statement with a condition: preliminary findings. It should come as no surprise that kids learn better with computer technology today. I myself find it easier to grok if I’m not bored to tears by a presenter. We can’t all be good presenters of information. And since the university style of education does not emphasis “teaching” over “publishing” it’s clear that kids are the ones to lose in the lecture hall.
It should also come as no surprise that students in Michael Demers’ geography classes at NMSU (my parents’ alma mater – go Aggies!) meet in Second Life for lectures. These are exciting times for education. Experiential learning should notbe limited to physical education, music, art classes and classes with labs. While geography seems like a no-brainer for getting out of the classroom, simulations could prove academically compelling. Whether or not Second Life is actually being used in that manner on campus yet is unlikely. I think the idea is just to meet students where they like to be met at this point. But nevertheless, I am hopeful for the future. I know I learn better when I process information with all my senses. It only makes sense that pedagogy evolve in this direction.
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