Audio/Video/Podcast: Pros and Cons for Adult Learners

My favorite podcast is TED Talks on TED.com Here you can find speakers on video conducting short presentations on a wide range of topics. Their intended audience consists of peers and educators with the intent to share an idea, concept, or experience that led in some way to a higher learning event. The video below of Jane Goodall presenting a TED is a great example of the impact of technology, good and bad, on learning and on humans. Dr. Goodall provides a wealth of information students can pull to write and research about. Experiential examples are much more interesting than canned topics presented in textbooks, and using TED talks online provides access to subject matter experts talking engagingly about their work with passion and conviction.

Incorporating video into the classroom provides multiple advantages as listed in King and Cox including 24 hour online access, unlimited uses, can be both teacher-centered and student-centered. A video resource may incorporate multiple disciplines, have realistic applications, and address contemporary issues. Disadvantages are minimal and can easily be mitigated. They include access to a computer and the internet, and technology skills needed to operate a computer and navigate the web. these minor issues are easily addressed at any library, or through friends, family, and peers. 

King, K. P., & Cox, T. D. (2011). The professor's guide to taming technology: Leveraging digital media, Web 2.0, and more for learning. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Pub.

Goodall, J. (2002, March). Jane Goodall: What separates us from chimpanzees? | Video on TED.com [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/jane_goodall_on_what_separates_us_from_the_apes.html