Exploration has begun into a new and rapidly growing broadcasting medium for its potential educational uses. Paul DiBara, a Senior Lecturer in the department, has begun converting his lectures in the Cultural Impact of Information Technology course into podcasts which he posts to Blackboard for later review by students. The podcasts are recorded in a universal format that can be played on any computer or portable device.
According to Paul, this technique serves the interests of both students and instructor. The instructor is able to fine tune the content included in the presentation making for a more comprehensive presentation. Students benefit from having access to the lecture on demand. Students vary in note taking ability and this allows them to complete or correct their classroom work.
In addition to podcasts, Paul has brought some of the benefits of the Open Courseware Initiative into the curriculum. MIT is a leading force behind the program and is building a library of lectures and talks on various topics and subjects. These are open to the public as regular podcasts or streaming video. Having this kind of access to leading authorities is adding a valuable and captivating component to this interdisciplinary course. Stay tuned for further developments.