Using podcasts to enhance teaching - research linkages

Abstract

A podcasting site was developed to complement the module content for the Research and Evidence Based Practice module within the SNMSC. The module is accessed by undergraduate pre- and post- registration nursing students as well as undergraduates from allied health professions. It is delivered using a blended learning approach using WebCT as the platform for the online content. The aim of the podcasts was to promote research teaching linkages, which is one of the enhancements themes (SHEEC 2010a). Podcasting had been used successfully within the University in other modules and programmes as well as the Edinburgh Napier Podcasting Project, and recent pedagogical research also suggested it was a useful technology to promote active engagement in learning (Vogt et al. 2010). The aim was to provide students with access to staff within the University who were active researchers but had limited contact with undergraduate nursing students as guest speakers. Some staff have conducted research which is influencing the way in which nurses and other health and social care practitioners are practicing in Scotland; we therefore wanted to bridge the gap between research and practice by interviewing the researchers and delivering this via podcast in the module. Key research active staff were invited to be interviewed or provide a narrative about their research studies for the module and a series of five podcasts were made. These were made available through links to the podcasting host service at appropriate times within the module content in WebCT.