Research Information System
AAOU 36. Annual Conference, İstanbul, Turkey, 28 - 30 September 2023, pp.771-780
Open and distance education technologies have gained a new dimension with the development of communication tools such as podcasts. Listening to digital sound files asynchronously and/or offline are the main differences from radio broadcasts. Podcasts offer learners the opportunity to listen to educational materials at their own pace, regardless of time and location, thereby enhancing the flexibility of the learning process. In this study, the main features of podcast technology in the context of open and distance learning are examined and the studies conducted in this field are investigated using the literature review method. In addition to notification, replaying, adjusting listening speed, RSS tracking, streaming/downloading and online/offline usage, podcast technology can be used anywhere, anytime with simple devices. Thanks to the new music platforms (Spotify, Youtube Music, etc.) offering podcasts that use mobile devices, seamless learning, personalization and omnichannel access have become possible. Through podcasts, learners can access lecture notes, presentations, or expert opinions to acquire knowledge. Additionally, podcasts serve as a communication and sharing platform among learners. The literature review shows that podcast technology can be used to motivate learners, produce understandable and accessible content, and enrich students’ learning experiences. This technology is also helpful for disabled students and language learners. It has been observed that issues such as educational podcast
formats, field-format relationship, recording length and storyboarding have not been researched precisely. In addition, it is thought that the development of technologies such as searching, highlighting and note-taking will make podcasting a much more effective environment in open and distance learning.