Examining University Student Podcasts and Evaluating Apps Using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS)

https://doi.org/10.9743/JEO.2023.20.4.12

Abstract

Podcasts can have a positive impact on students’ online experiences in higher education. University students in groups of 5–7 created podcasts for an online Survey of Diseases and Disabilities course. To facilitate quality podcast creation, we identified the best mobile application tools using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). MARS is an easy-to-use multidimensional app quality rating scale requiring minimal training useful for selecting the highest performing podcast software to aid students in generating high-quality podcasts. After creating their podcasts, the students completed a survey about their experience to determine their perspectives of audio podcasts in relation to course content review and to identify the locations where students primarily listened to the podcasts. Most students felt that the summarization components of the podcast assignment improved their understanding of class content and listened to the podcasts at home or on a walk. Students with competing demands appreciated the flexibility podcasts provided, particularly if they were auditory learners. When implementing new technology, we recommend investing time upfront to evaluate digital technology to maximize student learning.

Keywords: audio podcasts, online learning, MARS, COVID-19, mobile technology, digital technology