Project iU--the pilot project on using podcasting in the University of Calgary learning environment.

The goal of this project is to pilot and then assess the viability and usefulness of using podcasting in a learning environment from a variety of perspectives. It is understood from the start that the use of podcasting will not suit every student, professor, or course every time. However, given the expansive use of this technology, and the exponential growth of non-muscial applications for it, it is also understood that very likely, this technology can be of use to students, faculty, and courses, sometimes.

The project consists of the use of podcasting in four courses, one in each of the Faculties represented in the Undergraduate Programs Office, ie Communication and Culture, Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences. These courses run from July 2006 to Winter 2007. They are:

• COMS 201 (Dr. Dawn Johnston, Summer 2006)
• CHEM 353 (Dr. Ian Hunt, Fall 2006)
• SOCI 201 (Dr. John Manzo, Fall 2006)
• ENGL 231 (Dr. Harry Vandervlist, Winter 2007)
  

The following report provides an analysis of the pilot courses from the perspective of students, of information technologies, of the Teaching and Learning Centre, of the professors and of the administration. The report includes:

1. Best practices document
   What's useful, what's not? What kind of courses are appropriate? What are some do's and don'ts? What is the difference between prepping for a podcast class and a traditional lecture?
2. "How to" guide for podcasting at the UofC
   What hardware/software do you need? Who do you call for help? What support is available? What is the process to starting a podcasting course?

Download the Academic Podcasting Pilot Final Report