Using Podcasts in Tertiary Education – Exploring ‘the Social Licence to Operate’ in Agriculture

Abstract

A decentralised model of tertiary education delivery via online resources has many benefits for student accessibility and inclusion, particularly for rural and remote students. However, it also presents many challenges, including for small cohorts of students, some of whom may access these online resources asynchronously. CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Agriculture is delivered on campus and online. Here, creative approaches are required to cater for the learning needs and preferences of a geographically dispersed student cohort, with many students balancing their learning commitments with part-time work in the agricultural industry. Such approaches include the use of alternative modes of lecture delivery, where appropriate. This paper will outline the use of podcasts to replace lecture content in Social Licence to Operate, a third year Bachelor of Agriculture unit at CQUniversity. It outlines how a number of factors, including characteristics of the student cohort, challenges in arranging guest lectures, and strategies for student engagement led to the decision to implement podcasts. The paper discusses the advantages and limitations of podcasts and some logistical recommendations for others wishing to adopt a similar strategy to teaching.