Educational Technology Innovation and Impact/Multimedia Courseware/audio/media

Can audio media player technology when used in an education context actually widen participation and provide equality of opportunity to a broad range of students. In my view this is a resounding yes. The new generation of audio media players have an increasing role to play in providing enhanced learning opportunities to learners not in traditional learning environments. A very good example of this is in the area of Work Based Learning. Work based Learning is mainly a programme of study in the work place and includes a significant amount of work based assessment. Although it may include attendance at further education institutions, it is typically for people in paid employment. This can present significant barriers to achievement and in particular, progression to further and higher education and progression routes are an even greater than ever priority for increasing participation. Foundation Degrees are a good example of the sector’s response to this issue and are designed to offer the flexibility of study to attract employed students. With this work based element in mind audio media player technology can play a major part in bringing the classroom into the work place and make studying and revision more accessible. Many education and training institutions are now utilising the use of IPOD technology to enable students to learn in the workplace. Students can be issued with MP3 players onto which they can down load lecture notes, handouts and training materials which can be viewed multiple times in the workplace without the need for attendance in a formal classroom setting. The benefits are not just confined to presenting lecture notes but have direct benefits in the workplace environment. For example the NHS Greater Hospital Glasgow issue staff with this technology to deliver audio induction to the workplace which is followed by a computer-based knowledge test. They are then used to train staff about issues like workplace safety, infection control and coping with violence. New hand held technology such as Smartphones can be easily and efficiently used to undertake learning in the work place. Examples of software applications include Letterdraw which teaches students literacy skills which may be particularly beneficial to a student reluctant to attend formal literacy classes but needs to improve these skills in order to progress both on their programme of study and to progress within the workplace. Pod casting technology is also a significant development in supporting work based learners. Students can listen to broadcast lectures and view materials multiple times with out the need for classroom attendance and have the opportunity to multitask whilst listening to lectures. Obviously this is a major benefit to a student that is primarily based in the workplace. http://www.f-a-c-e.org.uk/workbased.htm (accessed 05/04/06) http://www.personneltoday.com/Articles/2006/03/30/34697/Hospitals+use+iPods+to+assist+induction+training.htm (accessed 05/04/06) Handheld Computers and Smartphones in Secondary Schools: A Guide to Hands-on Learning by Dr. Bard Williams found on http://www.iste.org/eseries/source/orders/excerpts/handco.pdf (accessed 30/03/06)