This document discusses research into using audio feedback to provide formative assessment to students. It notes that audio feedback may allow for more detailed feedback to be given more quickly than written feedback. Previous research on audio feedback has been inconclusive about whether it enhances the learning experience. The authors conducted an exploratory study of audio email feedback to evaluate its impact on the formative learning experience. They found that students generally found the audio feedback clear and helpful. It allowed feedback to feel more personalized compared to written feedback. However, audio feedback also has some limitations such as not being searchable and potentially issues with accessibility.

1. Audio Feedback

2. Overview of Audio FeedbackEnrol on PGCERT Community SiteRecord your Good Learning ExperienceMacgregor, G., Spiers, A. & Taylor, C. (2011), Exploratory evaluation of audio email technology informative assessment feedback, ALT-J, Research in Learning Technology

3. Why?http://www.flickr.com/photos/debord/4932655275/

4. Feedback on student learningImproving and accelerating student learningImportance in learning indisputable [1]Few formative assessment opportunities for studentsSemester based systems [2, 3]Formative feedback: timely, relevant and delivered to students prior to summative assessment [1]Audio provides scope for greater feedback detail, quicker delivery, etc. thus holding potential for learningPrincipal motivation of work – Sounds Good Project

6. Barriers of AudioUnlike text, an audio file cannot be searched.

7. Length of recordings vs engagement.

8. Could have accessibility issues for some learnersFactors combine to motivate researchRecent research: Merry & Orsmond [3], Rotheram [4], Ice et al. [5], Sipple [6]Relevant questions:Audio feedback enhance formative learning experience?Conform to models of ‘good’ formative feedback? e.g. [1, 2]Improvements in students’ learning

9. Staff time commitmenthttp://www.flickr.com/photos/helloturkeytoe/4581002553/

10. Structural constraints precluding formative assessmentExtant research inconclusive [4, 5]Time requirements of voice emails smaller40% quicker; less variability per submission‘Voice email’ time efficiencies

11. Data themeshttp://www.flickr.com/photos/ableman/4673424141/

14. “Definitely. It was short, concise and very much to the point – giving me options to choose from as well [...] It was good feedback telling me what I did wrong. I think a lot of teachers just don’t really tell you what you did wrong; they just tell you ‘that wasn’t right’. Then they don’t really give you a proper answer about what to change. Whereas here, I really did get a good idea about how to do it differently in order to up my mark.” [Student 18]

15. Other themeshttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sroown/2247858939/

16. Feedback clear and understandableEmulated face-to-face meeting with tutorPersonalised and informalVoice intonation was motivatingSome found they re-used the feedback more than writtenFeedback use behaviourPreference for streamingIssues…

17. Gibbs, G. & Simpson, C. (2004). Conditions under which assessment supports learning. Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. 1, 3-31.Nicol, D. J. & Macfarlane-Dick, D. (2006). Formative Assessment and Self-Regulated Learning: A Model and Seven Principles of Good Feedback Practice. Studies in Higher Education. 31 (2), 199-218.Merry, S. & and Orsmond, P. (2008). Students’ attitudes to and usage of academic feedback provided via audio files, Bioscience Education, 11 (3), http://www.bioscience.heacademy.ac.uk/journal/vol11/beej-11-3.pdfRotheram, B. (2009). Sounds Good: Quicker, better assessment using audio feedback (Final Report – JISC Project), Joint Information Systems Committee, London. http://www.jisc.ac.uk/whatwedo/programmes/usersandinnovation/soundsgood.aspxIce, P., Reagan, C., Perry, P. & Wells, J. (2007). Using synchronous audio feedback to enhance teaching presence and students’ sense of community, Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 11 (2), pp 3-25.Sipple, S. (2007). Ideas in practice: development writers‟ attitudes towards audio and written feedback, Journal of Developmental Education, 30 (3), pp 22-31.