Did I hear you right: Results from Kineo’s survey on Audio Learning

Kineo’s first online survey focused on one of our main topics of the moment – what experience people have of audio learning.

We wanted to take a brief temperature check of whether people use audio for learning, and if so how. We also wanted to see where it fitted into the overall scheme of learning for individuals.

The key findings are below. However,  If you're already audio learning inclined, you can listen to Matt Fox talk through the findings by clicking here. The file will open in your default media player and take about 15 seconds to open on a broadband connection.

• While audio still isn’t mainstream for most people, it’s increasingly being used for both informal and formal learning needs.
• Inline with music and podcast listening trends, most people who undertake audio learning use an MP3 player, although the CD still has a place in people’s audio playing affections.
• Where people have not used audio learning, predominantly it’s because they feel it hasn’t been relevant to them or they have simply have not had the right equipment to do so.
• Audio learning is considered suitable for a wide range of subject matters, with leadership and management coming out in front, followed closely by sales and then product knowledge.
• Respondents also highlighted its potential for language learning, initial training and, unusually, for training vets and medics in mathematics.
• It’s no great surprise that 60% of our technology-friendly respondents would choose e-learning as their preferred way of learning, followed by face to face training and good old books.
• And a best practice tip? Make sure audio learning is sufficiently and suitably chunked for non-linear usage – it makes for a flexible and learner-centered model.

The questions and results in full

How often do you use audio for learning formally (e.g. Internet site, CD or Tapes as part of a course)?

Never 27.3%
Occasionally 54.5%
Often 18.2%

How often do you use audio for informal learning (e.g. radio, internet, podcasts to meet a personal need)?

Never 9.1%
Occasionally 54.5%
Often 36.4%

If do use or were to use audio for learning, what would be your preferred way of accessing it? (Select one option only.)

CD 20%
MP3 50%
Other 30%

If you haven’t used audio for learning before or only infrequently, which of these reasons is the closest to yours for not doing so? (You can choose more than one option.)

Didn’t know about it 12.5%
Lack of time 12.5%
Wrong or no equipment 37.5%
Not relevant for me 50%

Which subjects do you feel audio learning is most relevant for? (You can select one or more options.)
Induction 12.5%
Management and leadership 62.5%
Customer service 12.5%
Sales 50%
Technical 12.5%
Compliance
Product 37.5%
Other 25%

Which is your preferred medium for learning?
Face to face 20%
E-learning 60%
Book 10%
Other 10%