Smartphone feedback : using an iPhone to improve the distribution of audio feedback

The advent of accessible digital recording devices has made the production of audio feedback on students’ work more viable, Ref. 1. Previous research into audio feedback has concentrated on using PC recording software such as Audacity and mobile MP3 recording devices. However, effective use of these methods can be undermined by unsuitable technical infrastructure and the demand for special ICT skills, especially when distributing the finished feedback to students. Smartphones, on the other hand, combine the flexibility of MP3 recorders and the connectivity of a PC in a discrete handheld device, thereby suggesting their application as a user friendly tool for giving recorded audio feedback efficiently. This paper describes a smartphone feedback methodology and presents findings from research on its use with 130 Level 5 Engineering and Computing students. The study found that the smartphone was more suitable than other technologies to the various demands of feedback production and distribution, and that this helped the tutor to manage the exceptionally stressful time associated with marking and giving feedback on top of an ongoing teaching load. Its pedagogic integration also resulted in a good dialogical experience as evidenced through student testimony.