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Archive for the ‘Development’ Category

Since the early days of audio cassettes (yes, I remember those) then CDs, through to online streaming such as audioacrobat and downloadable MP3, recorded audio has continued to be one of the most popular and effective means of disseminating information.  In today’s modern and connected world we have access to video streaming, DVDs, email, websites and other  online presentations as methods of delivering training and development content.  So with the availability of these newer, shiny, bells and whistles techniques, why is audio still my favourite?

The answer is as simple as why people still listen to the radio.  It’s about accessibility and convenience.  Audio is totally portable, especially today with the proliferation of devices such as the ubiquitous iPod.  Audio doesn’t stop you from going about whatever else it is you are doing, eg driving, running or sitting on the beach.  Audio needs no screen, desk or armchair.  Audio can easily be paused, rewound, replayed or skipped.  For me, audio training is something I can easily fit into otherwise “downtime”, such as the half-hour each-way commute to work five days a week.  A pair of earphones and I can attend a training call, recorded on the other side of the world while I was asleep, without disturbing anyone around me – regardless of where I am or what I’m doing.

Now don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy attending webinars, watching videos, reading books and emails, each of these have their place.  For pure simplicity and effectiveness however I still can’t go past the good old recorded audio.