Monday, April 6, 2009

Engaging, Pocket-Sized Content for a Learning Management System

In a training course hosted via a learning management system, lectures can be presented in a number of exciting ways. Information can be laid out on a web page or in a downloadable packet.

But why not make it more interesting? One way to provide lectures in a convenient and optimally portable way is in audio or video format, via podcast.

Podcasts have an array of educational possibilities, and appeal to many learning styles. They are an exciting and convenient feature added to any course content. Podcasts can be used to supplement and reinforce course learning material, or renew learning activities.

They can be used as announcements, reminders, and updates to be heard by everyone using the learning management system. Podcasts can be used to distribute interviews and discussions, or to inform students what to expect in the next lesson.

They are easy to create, produce, and share, and listeners don't need an iPod to listen to them. Podcasts are typically in the form of mp3 files, making them accessible to all learners.

What are the criteria for a good podcast? Topics depend on the learning content of your course or the functions you've assigned to the podcasts within your learning management system.

Especially if the content is more technical or number-oriented, keep the podcast at 5 to 10 minutes. Many listeners who don't have an excessive amount of time to spare generally avoid long texts, courses, etc. Small installments of learning content are ideal.

Providing intriguing material that piques listeners' interest is essential to the success of any podcast. Otherwise, your listeners' attention will begin to slip. True, choosing material that's interesting is a matter of taste and opinion, but the way in which you present the information can make or break your podcast's effectiveness in a learning management system.

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