Downloadable lectures: Are they really the answer to every hungover student’s prayers?
This newspaper article discusses the use of iTunes U in the UK from a former student’s perspective. The columnist makes a good point about how learning through listening can be done at times when students are ready to learn rather than when a lecture is scheduled. She also points out that students who skip class will probably not be the ones listening to these lectures, thus agreeing with the findings of Dr. Cara Lane from the University of Washington. Lane surveyed students and found that only 16% felt that the availability of a podcast for a lecture would make them less likely to attend class. My guess is that these same students are looking for a reason to skip.
