Series of Podcasts soon to be piloted...

Like Rebecca mentioned in our last posting, we have created a 4 podcast series (planning, delivery, follow-up, and evaluation) of learning communities based on an interview with Terry Campanella. The creators of the podcasts included Rebecca, Bill (also a member of out LC), and me. I think our iPod LC should be the first group we could try the series out on, and then collect data based on your feedback. As soon as we have them 100% ready, we will be asking for your help. We look forward to your feedback, as this will be the first time that we will actually be evaluating the use of the podcasts we created on end users.

Update

Anamarie and I would like to update everyone regarding the process of podcast evaluation. We have created podcasts for SBBC employees, specifically those involved in Learning Communities at the School Level. The Learning Community podcasts focus on the Planning, Follow-up and Evaluation processes as communicated by Terry Campanella. Another member of our iPod LC will be completing the Delivery podcast.

Following the editing and approval process, these will be uploaded to the HRD website. Therefore, formative evaluation on the use of these podcasts is not possible at this time.

We will be asking selected participants who view the podcasts to complete a survey to gather information regarding: 1) the ease of use of the podcasts in the particpants' workplace, and 2) whether the content of the podcast was informative and/or applicable to their work.

What research is suggesting about podcasts and evaluation...

One study conducted at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry showed that podcasting audio recordings of lectures provided a better technology solution for the students' needs than the originally student-requested video recordings. What is relevant to our iPod LC is that formative evaluation was used throughout the study to rule out other less beneficial, more costly, and time-consuming alternative methods of delivery. I think as we continue to delve into the world of podcasting within professional development, a huge emphasis will need to be placed on the formative evaluation of the podcasts in relation to their utilization by our end users. This will allow us to determine the changes and improvements needed before we invest alot of time and energy into something that may not meet the needs of our clients. The University of Michigan shared 2 important lessons that can be applied to most learning technology projects such as ours: 1) the importance of actively involving the client, and 2) the importance of using proven instructional design and formative evaluation techniques.

Podcasting

After attending a podcasting workshop, we should now consider doing the Enhanced Podcast (audio with keynote slides) to provide more information to PDS producers and designers regarding (Guskey's 5) levels of evaluation. We should also think about using GarageBand, since we won't be utilizing the video aspect.
On a side note, I (Rebecca) will also be creating a podcast with Caroline, Tanya and Denise regarding Learning Communities, featuring Terry Campenella.

Background

Anamarie and Rebecca created blogs regarding evaluation and decided to collaborate and combine research to create questions that are meaningful and relevant for evaluation purposes.

Rebecca's previous focus was to find an evaluation tool for systematic measurement of podcasts to ensure they are timely and effective for the end users?

Anamarie's previous question was How do we know that podcasts contribute quality to professional development? Anamarie also considered: How are podcasts intended to be used as part of quality professional development? How do we know that podcasts are being utilized the way they were intended in quality professional development? and How do we know that podcasts contribute quality to professional development?

Essential Questions

1. What are some benefits to using, or learning to use, this technology . . . for yourself? . . . for the end user?

2. How will you and how could you know if the end user has or hasn't benefitted from what you are trying to do with the Podcast?