Using audio to enhance learner feedback

This paper describes a comparative study into the use of audio versus text as a form of feedback on student assignments. Many educational institutions currently use typewritten feedback, but developments in technology now make the provision of feedback in audio form a feasible proposition. The study considers two experiments to investigate the hypothesis that the use of audio feedback enhances the feedback process for both tutors and learners. The results indicate that recording feedback in audio form can decrease the time it takes by 40-50%. Moreover, learners report that audio feedback is richer and more authentic.