Using lecture podcasts in the COVID-19 transition to virtual post-secondary education in agriculture

In the spring of 2020, Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) in Nacogdoches, Texas, shifted its face-to-face classes to online instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the region faced challenges with limited internet access, making it difficult for students to stream lectures or download large files. To address this issue, the university decided to create lecture podcasts, which are small audio files that can be easily downloaded for learning purposes.

Research has shown that using lecture podcasts offers several advantages for both faculty and students. These podcasts provide students with compact file sizes for easy downloading and asynchronous engagement with course materials. Consequently, lecture podcasts were recorded for courses like Cultivating Plants, Plant Propagation, and Plant Breeding to deliver educational content effectively.

An end-of-semester survey conducted by SFASU's Agriculture Department revealed that 59% of students who engaged with this form of learning found it extremely effective. Additionally, student comments and semester reflections provided valuable feedback. This experience underscores the utility of lecture podcasts as a valuable tool for educators, particularly in a rapidly changing educational landscape.