In this spotlight intro, Dr Libby Thomas explains how she is using podcasts to tackle the challenge of isolation among distance learners on her Emergency Medicine MSc programmes
The idea was first developed to address the need for new materials in distance learning programmes and to engage students in ways other than digital lectures. Podcasts, voice-only conversational sessions, are an ideal way to connect with students, communicate new information, supplement online lectures and provide latest knowledge in the industry. They also allow Libby to speak with subject matter experts, and capture their knowledge, experience or update lectures that were recorded a few years ago for the benefit of her students, without the pressure on the expert to produce a new recorded lecture and slides.
In terms of preparation podcasts have a relatively low barrier to entry. After writing a brief discussion outline, Libby worked with her colleagues to pre-record each episode in a sound-proof studio at Queen Mary. This process usually took around 45 minutes and after some light editing a new episode is usually ready to be disseminated to students alongside show notes including references to key papers. Providing supplementing material enhances the learning experience, especially for international students for whom English is not their native language.
She now plans to develop a podcast series and Libby is looking forward to feedback from students on how this medium improves their learning experience. She will continue her work to create a better distance learning environment paying particular attention to finding new effective ways of enhancing learning engagement.
