The student explored different technologies for learning, including podcasts, screencasts, and multimedia. Podcasts were found to be most useful as they fit well into the student's schedule and auditory learning preference. Screencasts were surprising but did not help the student's learning as they took too long to create. Multimedia showed potential for interactive learning. Going forward, the student plans to continue using podcasts and active/verbal learning strategies that have proven effective, as well as exploring multimedia further for personal use. Screencasts will be avoided due to past frustration.

1. Olivia Frick
12/17/12
ITEC 299
Exploration of technologies for learning: Podcasts
I used podcasts in collaboration with iPods because they were meant for each
other. I wanted to explore podcasts because they appealed to me through my
auditory learning preference and I thought I could use it this semester when I had to
read so much, podcasts would give me a break from reading and allow me to listen
to information rather then read it. I think this technology worked well for me
because I used it at times when I didn’t need to be working on my paper, like sitting
and eating dinner while taking a break from homework. It allowed me to still use
podcasts to enhance my learning but they didn’t get in the way of it.
Exploration of technologies for learning: Screencasts
I wanted to explore this technology because I didn’t know anything about it
and wanted to know how it could be applied to learning. I found it interesting that
professors could use screencasts to replace powerpoints, making classes so much
more entertaining and fun. I don’t think this technology really helped me to
learning because it was confusing for me to figure out and when I attempted to
make one for a presentation, it took too long and didn’t turn out well and I had ot
resort back to powerpoint. I thought it would be good at accommodating my active
and visual learning preferences because I was actively making it and putting visuals
that would be most helpful in learning later.
Exploration of technologies for learning: Multimedia
I explored multimedia so I could learn how to use this technology because I
didn’t know anything about it. I was surprised to learn how useful it can be in
incorporating different technologies together like social media and online learning
tools. I think multimedia is a good way to get students to interact with a subject if a
teacher were to provide tools for them; the more interactive a class can be the more
students are going to enjoy it and remember more from the class. I think the
technology is okay at accommodating my learning preferences because it can use
utilize my active learning strategy and visual through the different activities.
Synthesize your experience:
The technology that interested me most as a learning tool was the podcasts
because I have an iPod and I am always listening to it when I go to class, or have
iTunes playing in my room at home. Podcasts worked well into my everyday
schedule and I think that is why I liked them so much. Screencasts surprised me the
most as a learning technology because I didn’t know anything about them and didn’t
even know there was such a thing. They further surprised me because they could
replace powerpoint presentations and make lectures less boring. I think it would be
fun to have a lecture done completing through a screencast, and not have to listen to
a teach drone on for an hour and half. I want to explore multimedia further so I can
gain a better understanding on it for a learning tool and how it can be used outside
of learning.
The technologies that worked best were podcasts. They worked so well
because they fit into my daily life without a lot of extra time or effort required.

2. When I tried to use screencasts they frustrated me and didn’t provide additional
support for my learning. I think podcasts worked so well because I am a verbal
learner and rely a lot on what I hear, and being able to listen to information and not
have to read it is very useful. I think it worked so well because I usually listened to
podcasts when I was taking short breaks from studying, and the change in
information from my paper to the podcasts was so different it really made me think
about it and remember it.
Describe how you will use what you learned:
I will continue to use active and verbal learning after this class because they
have both been really useful this semester and will be useful after college. I will
always be able to use active and verbal learning outside of college because all
employers want someone who can take direction and go with it and be able to
problem solve on their own. I will be able to rely on my verbal learning strategy to
gain a strong understanding of directions the first time and then actively do them so
they stick long after my assigned task. When it comes to active learning it is
essential that I rely on what I am doing to remember later so I can be self-sufficient
in a new work environment.
I will continue to use podcasts because I find them really interesting and they
are free and easy to access. I can put them on my iPod and hook it up to my car and
listen to them when I am driving or when I am working out. I think they are a great
way to get a more rounded understanding of the world by way of what individuals
are thinking and putting out there. Podcasts will keep me up to date on current
events, which will be essential when applying for internships or jobs for
international relations. I will continue to use multimedia for non-learning purposed
because I think they are interesting and fun and would love to gain a better
understanding of how they work. I will avoid using screencasts because they did
not work for me and were very stressful and irritating.