The podcast as an innovative tool in contemporary university education
Keywords:
Higher education, podcast, active learning, educational innovation, inclusion, digital skills, flipped classroom, student motivationAbstract
Higher education is undergoing a constant transformation, driven by digitalization, the globalization of knowledge, and the diversity of student profiles, which demands more flexible and inclusive pedagogical strategies. In this context, podcasts are emerging as an innovative resource with great potential to complement and enrich university teaching and learning processes. Their asynchronous, audio format allows students to access content at different times and places, adapting to different learning paces and fostering autonomy, self-regulation, and active participation. This article employs a methodology of documentary review and bibliographic analysis of international research, integrating empirical studies, systematic reviews, and theoretical contributions, which allows for the synthesis of evidence on their impact on content comprehension, academic performance, student interaction, and teacher training. The results show that podcasts promote active and meaningful learning, especially when used in strategies such as flipped classrooms or student-led content creation. They facilitate the repetition and in-depth exploration of complex topics, strengthen collaboration, and develop digital and communication skills. Furthermore, their planned integration into the curriculum enhances pedagogical effectiveness, preventing improvised or merely instrumental use. In conclusion, podcasts represent a strategic educational tool that fosters pedagogical innovation, improves student participation, strengthens the teacher-student relationship, and contributes to improving the quality of learning in higher education.
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