So say many professors, who are eagerly employing the 'latest trend' in online education: iPod lectures.

Professors urge their colleagues to change their lecture styles to ensure a more 'intimate' relationship with viewing students. Rather than the normal methods employed to address an entire room full of students, professors are advised to think of each iPod lecture as a one-on-one session with a student.

It is interesting to see how online education advancements are causing changes in traditional lecture methods, though the 'close, personal relationship' is debatable, as it truly only goes one way. The lecture may feel 'intimate,' but only until the student needs to contact the professor, and then finds no bonds of relationship established.

From Mac News:

Jennifer Sparrow, an English professor at CUNY's Medgar Evers College, is creating a museum-tour podcast to complement her teaching of Homer's Odyssey. "Students are so busy and overscheduled that it's just not possible to tell them to meet you at the Met (art museum) for a class," Sparrow said.

George Otte, director of instructional technology for CUNY, said good podcasts should "guide and shape" a study topic.

"Podcasts can offer students an experience where the professor can't be there, but is there," Otte said.

Maurice Matiz, director of Columbia University's Center for New Media Teaching and Learning, said podcasting teachers should imagine they're instructing one student.

"There is a close, personal relationship between the podcaster and the person who is listening," Matiz said.

"People tune out everything [else] with an iPod."


What do you think? Have you taken, or have you taught, an iPod centered course? Do you think it can compare to traditional classroom lectures? Where do you see the future of online classes heading?