What is different about developing instruction with audio?

I enjoyed developing the instruction set with audio versus text and graphics. At first, I thought that creating an audio file would be easier to create than text instructions. But in reality, it was twice as much work because you still need to plan out the dialogue or text that you will be sharing in the audio file. By planning the text and writing a script, you stay on topic and ensure that you are only covering the needed information. As a learner, I appreciate any time that I can save when reviewing lesson instructions. For example, when listening and watching the Adobe lessons, many times I felt that the instructor was sharing information that was not relevant to the lesson; therefore, taking more time to complete the instruction than necessary. I caught myself hitting fast forward through many of the lessons.

The audio files could be considered more efficient for the learner. The learner can listen to the files at their convenience and repeat the instructions as often as needed. Once the audio files are made, they are efficient for the teachers because they can play the files for multiple classes and for students who missed class. The teacher can then be assisting other student needs or enriching the lesson instead of taking time away from the class by repeating the lesson or providing one-on-one attention to the few students who missed the lecture. 

How can the use of audio change the way a teacher instructs his/her students? After creating my audio instruction set, I began to consider how I could post the instructions for our new teachers to use each year. Our new teachers are inundated with staff development at the beginning of the school year. Many times, the district is covering items that will not be relevant to them for several weeks after the beginning of the year. Often, they forget the directions or procedures because they are on information overload. The audio files could allow me to post them on my website and send a link to the lesson for just-in-time training. Audio files would be good to use to deliver training when it will be useful or in the timeframe teachers need to know the information.

However, using audio does have some limitations. For example, some lessons need the visual materials along with the audio materials to ensure full comprehension of the skill or procedure. Just as I found with text-only and visual-only directions, a combination of various materials provides better strategies for learners with different learning styles.