Using Podcasts as an Innovative Method of Environmental Education

Abstract

Modern environmental education requires innovative approaches to teaching for several reasons. First, environmental issues are becoming increasingly complex and multifaceted. Traditional methods that focus only on the transfer of knowledge may not be sufficient to understand these problems and develop skills to solve them. Second, today’s youth are more inclined to visual and digital learning formats. Innovative interactive methods based on multimedia technologies may be more effective for this generation. Third, such methods help make environmental education more relevant and meaningful. They allow us to demonstrate the impact of environmental issues on the lives of students and the possibilities of personal contribution to their solution. The use of podcasts as part of modern educational technologies in the field of ecology complements traditional teaching methods, offering flexibility and accessibility to education, and can play a key role in expanding knowledge and building an informed public on environmental issues. However, despite the growing popularity of podcasts in the educational process, there is still limited evidence on their effectiveness in improving environmental learning. In our study, we focused on analysing the comparative perception of information by students in different formats – podcasts, presentations and text documents – using such methods as experimental research and surveys. The analysis included an assessment of the quality of learning, retention, usability, student preferences, flexibility of learning and suitability for practical application. Our experimental study with students revealed that podcast users achieved the highest test score (84.7%) compared with presentation (82.5%) and text document groups (81.2%). Survey results showed that 97% of students valued learning flexibility with podcasts, 87% reported increased engagement, and 80% considered podcasts effective learning tools. Additionally, 99% of students agreed that podcasts improved their understanding of lectures. The findings help to develop recommendations for integrating different learning formats into the educational process and adapting teaching methods to the needs of students. As an innovative teaching tool, eco-podcasts offer considerable flexibility in disseminating science-based information, ease of use, and the ability to reach a wider audience, contributing to the development of communication skills in the environmental community.