- Digital Audio Learning Objects
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The Digital Audio Learning Object (DALO) concept was devised at Sheffield Hallam University [1] in the UK as a simple design methodology for non-technical staff and students. The concept embodies reusable learning object theory alongside theory pertaining to the effective and creative use of digital audio to enhance learning.
A DALO is a digital audio file, designed collaboratively by students or academic staff through a process facilitated by design tools. As with other learning objects, the DALO can be used, and reused, in various learning situations. The design process offers a Communal Constructivist and Constructionist learning opportunity in the first instance, with the resulting product then becoming a valuable resource for fellow learners.
The finished DALOs are intended to be used as short 'media interventions' that lead into other learning activity. They are not intended to transmit substantial learning content, being more associated more with active learning philosophies.
Tools to facilitate a creative design process, especially where media design is not central to practice, have been devised. These include a design specification proforma and an associated taxonomy of professional voices.
Contents
Key Concepts
Simple to use
A single, easy to produce and manage audio file in a common format (MP3).
Simple to produce
The DALO has a well-defined and limited scope. This ensures that these useful resources can be easily designed and produced with little technical knowledge. Ambitious ideas, such as well developed 'programmes', are not likely to be DALOs because their increased sophistication will undoubtedly limit reusability and depend upon technical expertise in their production and distribution.
Immediate
DALOs are cheap to make and can be available quickly. Imagine one or two people speaking into a tape recorder and this recording being available from Blackboard within minutes for students to take away. This is what is possible.
Educationally focussed
Designing to support a distinct learning objective ensures that the DALO will satisfy its original, primary purpose. Reusability of learning content is desirable for economic reasons as long as educational integrity is not undermined.
However, DALOs may have a purpose beyond the original intention. For example, it may become useful in another subject area, with another cohort, or to reinforce understanding at a later stage.
Reusable
'The voice of the teacher' (also known as interpretation or mediation) happens outside of the DALO in the VLE, the lecture theatre or elsewhere. This means the DALO can be interpreted according to the needs of any learning context. In this way a particular DALO could be used in introducing an idea and again in an assessment, for example.
Engaging
Digital audio must be engaging to be useful.
It is difficult to keep an audience's attention for prolonged periods of time by audio alone. Also we need to accept that we are not professional actors and script writers.
Therefore that digital audio is best used selectively to capture attention, to deliver points succinctly (e.g. to summarise) and to illustrate and 'add colour' to the learning experience.
Further References
- Lee, M.J., McLoughlin, C., and Chan, A. (2007) Talk the talk: Learner-generated podcasts as catalysts for knowledge creation. British Journal of Educational Technology.
- Middleton, A. & McCarter, R. (2005). Engaging solutions: a collaborative approach to digital audio learning object (DALO) production. Workshop presented at ALT-C 2005, Manchester, UK, September 6–8, 2005.
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