An investigation of the usability and production process of Podcasts as learning materials in open and distance learning: A Delphi study

Podcast content offers an important opportunity for open and distance learning by providing learners with the opportunity to listen to educational materials independent of time and space. With the ease and economy of production and broadcasting, the increase in music platforms and the development of mobile technologies, the publication and use of Podcast content has reached a different level. Although Podcasts can be produced in many different features and types with simple modifications, audio materials in open and distance learning are generally obtained by direct vocalization of texts. When the literature and technical examples are examined, there is no study or framework on how this format can be produced in a way to ensure effective learning and in which formats it can be presented. For this reason, the research aimed to reveal the basic features of podcast technology and the production and broadcasting process. For this purpose, Delphi technique was used to collect opinions from experts involved in the production of podcast content published on the websites of universities in Turkey. These opinions were evaluated by the relevant experts in 2 rounds and a total of 59 items in 14 categories were obtained. Within the scope of these results, a framework is presented about the basic features, usage patterns, formats, structure, production and publication process of Podcast contents in the context of open and distance learning.