Tuning into Learning: Student Narratives from an Augmented Podcasts Intervention

This study explores learner experiences with augmented podcasts (APs), an innovative multimodal learning format that uses two formats in this case: MP3 file + PDF file of the screenshots used in the lecture. Situated within a larger mixed method study, this qualitative analysis is an extension of the earlier quantitative findings that evaluated effectiveness of APs through test scores. The present study delves into the uncaptured nuances of learner engagement—examining how students interact with, experience, and make meaning from this novel format. Using purposive sampling from Tier 2 and Tier 3 Indian cities, the study makes use of interviews conducted with 20 students to identify perceived facilitators and barriers to AP use. Findings of this study reveal that this experience of learning using APs which encourage learner autonomy, fostered enhanced cognitive engagement, multisensory integration, and deeper involvement. It was noted that students valued the format's integrated cues and layered delivery, which encouraged focused learning and sustained attention. However, issues with pacing, language accessibility, and digital fatigue were mentioned by some students. This study adds to the growing discourse about inclusive, scalable, and learner-informed digital innovations in education by elevating the voices of students while confirming the pedagogical value of APs. Received: 12 May 2025 | Revised: 23 June 2025 | Accepted: 24 July 2025 Conflicts of Interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work. Data Availability Statement The data that support this work are available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author. Author Contribution Statement Ajita Deshmukh: Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation, Formal analysis, Data curation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. Dhairya Pandya: Methodology, Formal analysis, Investigation, Data curation, Writing – original draft, Visualization, Project administration. Sameer Sahasrabudhe: Conceptualization, Writing – review & editing, Supervision, Project administration, Funding acquisition.