Student-Produced Podcasts as a Teaching and Learning Tool

Abstract

The use of student-generated podcasts in undergraduate education is a way to promote engagement, cognition, learning, and creativity in experiential learning opportunities. Studies often focus on students using podcasts created by others as learning tools to augment textbook information. However, this study focuses on student-generated podcasts as a tool to create and disseminate culturally responsive health content to other students. Forty-five students enrolled in a Health Psychology course created 12 podcasts on health issues of interest to traditionally aged (18–24 years) college students. This exploratory case study describes the students’ process and identifies themes within their reflections on benefits, challenges, and experiences with the project. Three major themes emerged:1) challenges of learning new digital tools in adigital environment;2) the technicalities of technology; and3) active learning in the moment. The discussion includes recommendations for future studies with student-generated podcasts and the importance of culturally responsive pedagogy.