Unlocking Informal Education Through Podcasting

Abstract

Informal education—learning that occurs outside formal settings—is increasingly recognized for its potential to foster lifelong, learner-driven growth (Rogoff et al., 2016). Among digital media facilitating self-directed learning, podcasting stands out for its accessibility, flexibility, and learner autonomy. This study reviews empirical scholarship and theoretical perspectives to examine how podcasting empowers informal learning across domains such as adult education, language acquisition, STEM, and community building.

First, podcasts enhance accessibility and flexibility, allowing learners to engage while commuting, exercising, or completing chores, with features like pausing and rewinding promoting iterative comprehension (Stonkienė & Janiunienė, 2020; Drew, 2017). Shamburg et al. (2023) found that episodic podcast listening supports personal and cognitive growth among adults, who reported shifts in perspectives and behaviors. Podcasting also reduces social isolation in distance learning by increasing immediacy and presence (Cox et al., 2010).

Second, podcast use boosts motivation and engagement. MDPI (2022) noted that 46% of listeners consume podcasts to stay informed and 39% for knowledge gains, with older adults especially appreciative of content depth and relevance. Similarly, Hennig (2017, as cited in Popova et al., 2023) observed increased motivation due to the fun and repetition inherent in podcast listening.

Third, producing podcasts cultivates skills and agency. In classroom and non-formal workshop settings—such as social work courses and STEM camps—students develop scriptwriting, audio editing, critical thinking, and collaboration during podcast creation (Hitchcock et al., 2021; Aristizabal, 2009; Jackson et al., 2021). Guerin et al. (2021) reported that podcast-based discussions fostered community and deeper ecological learning among adult participants.

Fourth, podcasting promotes constructivist and social learning. Discussion forums based around podcast content—like nature-themed groups—help create social economies of respect, trust, and shared meaning (Guertin et al., 2021). Educational podcasts also facilitate communities of practice by connecting practitioners, scholars, and learners across boundaries (Drew, 2017; Popova et al., 2023).

Finally, podcasting enhances equity and inclusion. As a low-cost, mobile-friendly medium, it empowers underrepresented learners to access content anytime, anywhere (Popova et al., 2023; Stonkienė & Janiunienė, 2020). This format supports oral proficiency development for non-native speakers and students with limited traditional resources (Collier-Reed et al., 2013; Jackson et al., 2021; Popova et al., 2023).

Despite these advantages, challenges remain. Issues such as variable production quality, limited multimodal support, technical barriers, and inconsistent pedagogical integration require attention (Cox et al., 2010; Drew, 2017; Popova et al., 2023). More robust evaluation of learning outcomes and affinity for visual learners is needed.