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Professor finds podcasting boosts learning and grades

Scores went up last week in Dan Fleisch's astronomy class, and the Wittenberg professor can point to one thing — podcasting.

"It is the only thing I've done differently," the professor of physics said.

Fleisch has joined other professors taking advantage of technological innovation to reinforce classroom learning.

Podcasting, unlike streaming video and audio, allows the listener to download a file for repeated listening.

For Fleisch, podcasting "gives me a new way to get into their heads."

Last week, Fleisch and Wittenberg senior Sean McKinniss recorded a question-and-answer session about a chapter on the sun. With textbooks opened on their laps, the two went over each concept. Fleisch quizzed McKinniss on key points and McKinniss in turn asked Fleisch to explain the more complicated portions of the chapter.

Podcasting is not like tape recording a lecture, said McKinniss, a political science major.

"It's more dynamic — more interactive," he said.

McKinniss said other students have recommended questions to ask Fleisch during the podcasts.

The service is free, and if downloaded, it frees the student from being tethered to their computer while studying, Fleisch said.

Students without an iPod or other MP3 devices can still listen to the podcast on any computer.

Since word has gotten out, students are almost demanding podcasts from their professors, Fleisch said.

"This is just going gangbusters here at Wittenberg," he said. "I have other faculty members asking me how to do it."

Online learning is not new concept for Clark State Community College, which has offered distance learning for 10 years. Podcasting is the natural extension of that, said Andrew Runyan vice president of academics and student affairs.

"We are just starting to get into it," he said.

The first two podcasts are being offered in the medical laboratory distance learning course.

After students subscribe to the podcasts, they automatically get the latest update each time they sync their players, a feature even Fleisch was not aware of until he found himself listening to his last podcast.

"One minute I'm listening to Coldplay; the next minute I hear 'Hello, this is Dan Fleisch,' " Fleisch said with a laugh.

Reach Kelly Baker at

kbaker@coxohio.com