The Innovative Use of Podcasting to Support Under-Represented Groups

Abstract

The changes in the type of student accessing Higher Education (HE) and the Governments desire to widen participation for non-traditional students, presents new challenges for staff. This paper examines the benefits of using podcasts to support teaching and learning. There is a clear recognition for the need to develop the ability to ‘design, plan and orchestrate’ learning activities that involve the use of podcasting as part of a learning session. This paper examines podcasting within a framework based on the concepts of Widening Participation in Higher Education. This paper also examines factors concerning the need to transform HE to meet the needs of diverse students. The author outlines some innovative ways of re-establishing widening access and the concept of the ‘new student’.