What Is Audio Learning?

Audio learning employs audio delivery of learning material to teach students. It is also known as "learning out loud," and may speed up learning time significantly. Audio learning materials are easy to find and convenient to use. Listening to the material may be done anywhere at any time, and resources are widely available online and in book and department stores.

History

The first audio learning media was introduced in the form of recordings for the blind. This came about in 1944, just after WW II. As visually impaired soldiers returned home and took advantage of G.I. Bill benefits such as education, they were met with the problem of a lack of textbooks, as most were unable to read Braille. The Women's Auxiliary of the New York Public Library took on the task of reading and recording college textbooks for the veterans. One of the organization's members was Anne T. MacDonald, who later founded the organization Recording for the Blind.

Audio Learning Media

Audio books gained popularity in the 1950s among authors and poets, who recorded their own material to Vinylite disks. In 1965 the new medium for audio learning became the reel-to-reel tape. Beginning with the introduction of the cassette tape in the early 1970s, audio learning became more portable and compact. Today's audio learning media includes mp3, iPod podcasts, CDs and thumb drive-delivered courses.

Benefits of Audio Learning

Auditory learning is particularly useful in teaching students with dyslexia and other problems that impact reading and/or writing. It is also useful for the average student, as multiple delivery methods tend to have a synergistic effect on learning. When audio learning is combined with other learning media, the effects are multiplied.

Who Uses Audio Learning?

Students of all types use it. From young children learning to pronounce letters and words, to college students listening to recorded lectures, to older learners reviewing class lessons, audio learning has become an integral part of educational culture. The anytime-anywhere convenience of audio learning makes this medium a good choice for students on the go.

Future

Audio learning has soared in popularity in recent years with the adoption of digital media. Audio files are easily transmitted to users via email or posted to a common location for download from the Internet. Expectations are that audio learning will continue to rise in use and popularity.