The Effects of Podcasting on College Student Achievement and Attitude

This mixed methods study investigated the impact of weekly podcasts, written and recorded by course instructors to summarize college course content, on student achievement and attitudes. Weekly summative podcasts were posted on an Internet website in Windows Media format and downloaded by college students. After four weeks of podcasts, students were assessed and evaluated and results were compared to similar classes that did not use podcasts. Students completed a questionnaire and were interviewed to record their views, perceptions, and attitudes. Participating teachers were also interviewed. Although not generalizable, the results of this study indicate that weekly podcast summaries were an effective teaching tool which produced improved student achievement and caused students to view their evaluation preparation and comprehension of course content optimistically.