On podcasts

3. Advantages and disadvantages of podcasting in education

Benefits of podcasting include:

• Students like flexibility, they can study when and where they want (Evans, 2009)
• They feel better prepared for class (Andersen & Dau, 2021)
• Many students enjoy listening to podcasts
• By using podcasts, they come into contact with professional language and terms from their field, which helps them better understand the material and discuss the topic more effectively
• They have the impression that they are in more frequent contact with the teacher, which increases their motivation
• Well-designed tasks associated with podcasts can have a positive effect on motivation and academic performance.

However, it is also worth highlighting the challenges: insufficient technical literacy of teachers, lack of academically verified content, technical limitations of integration with existing systems and, above all, the risk of passive reception of content without cognitive activation.

Teachers should use the podcast as a complementary tool, not a substitute for didactic interaction, with the possibility of involving students in content creation as a form of active and participatory learning.

The advantages of podcasts in popularizing science

• Podcasts provide an accessible and flexible way of learning, as they can be listened to at any time and on different devices.
• They use a conversational and informal style to bring complex scientific topics closer to a wider audience.
• They provide a deeper understanding of topics through interviews, narratives, and practical examples.
• They encourage critical thinking and interest in science, especially among younger generations who prefer digital media.

The disadvantages of podcasts in popularizing science are the lack of visual elements can make it difficult to explain complex concepts or data that would be clearer with a graphic presentation; the quality of a podcast depends on the expertise of the interlocutor and the accuracy of the information, so there is a risk of superficial or inaccurate presentation of scientific topics; podcasts require time to plan, record and edit, which can be challenging for individuals without technical experience or support.

Scientists should use podcasts as a tool to communicate their research in a clear, engaging, and accessible way to the general public. This can increase the visibility of their work, stimulate interest in science, and contribute to a greater understanding of scientific topics in society.