OERlabs Openbook/Lessons lOERned (Podcast)

Projektshaker

As already assumed by the project team in the run-up to production, the flexibility of podcast recordings as project documentation tools was confirmed. In many cases, documentation and reflection of important project events could be recorded promptly and guests could be more easily integrated.

Compared to the written project documentation, which was also carried out in blog format, a joint reflection on the basis of discussion is to be regarded as a more open format. Written feedback can also be given synchronously (but mostly asynchronously), but the written level limits the exchange about any open and unclear formulations or trains of thought that can be dealt with directly in a conversation. Audio recordings can also be edited, but as long as it does not hinder the course of the conversation, our podcasts could always be recorded as a continuous conversation.

Through this "live" conversation one also had to go to a somewhat different level of reflection than if one could edit one's own thoughts several times purely in writing, with a certain distance. A linguistic formulation in a conversation makes it possible to formulate a thought openly or to describe experiences openly. This would also be limited in a certain way by the written level, since one can write and work on one's texts in peace, and thus possibly formulate them somewhat more cautiously. Likewise, emphasis was placed on openly addressing problematic situations in the planning or implementation phase, which is not always usual in written project documentation.

However, linguistic documentation and reflection also presents some challenges. The written format offers a familiar way of working, especially when describing planning projects or methods and events. However, as soon as you talk about a method or event in a voice recording, you must always keep in mind that people may not have the same background information in front of them, so it takes practice for listeners to explain certain project events accordingly before you discuss thoughts and reflections on them.

Finally, however, it is important to note that as an external or interested person, you cannot obtain information about a project solely through a project podcast. A podcast offers an excellent opportunity to cover the level of reflection of the project work and to let stakeholders have their say. However, a podcast only unfolds its full effect with supporting written accompaniment, such as a project blog, scientific publications and other used material.