This is an example of on-the-go microlearning.
Designed as an audio podcast first, the focus was on one specific aspect of communication (noise). The episode and article explained how four types of noise can disrupt communication.
Noise is a common topic in podcasting groups that usually focuses on background noise, microphone hiss, or buzzing in the final recording.
This project did mention some of that, but the purpose was to go beyond the technical and address problems with communication in general:
- Physical noise
- Physiological noise
- Psychological noise
- Semantic noise
These “podcaster problems” actually affect all types of communication—including education in the classroom and in online courses.
Background
I wrote the episode and article based on a chapter in a textbook about interpersonal communication. I included illustrations that would be relevant to the target audience (podcasters).
However, the broader application of the concept made this the most popular post I have ever written or published as a podcast. Even now, hundreds of people visit the site every day, and the article has been cited by students around the world in numerous academic papers and journals.
This podcast has been updated at different times.
- March 14, 2016: First published as an episode of the Metapodcast podcast.
- October 16, 2016: Published as a written article.
- August 5, 2019: Rerecorded and published as episode 114 of the OnTheGo.FM podcast.
Subject Matter Source:
Understanding Interpersonal Communication: Making Choices in Changing Times
Richard West, Lynn H. Turner
Cengage Learning, Apr 22, 2008
