Audio

Contents

Audio is a learning approach that uses spoken words, storytelling and sound to engage learners through hearing.

Audio can be delivered as narration, interviews, discussions, podcasts, voice recordings or presentations. It may be used on its own or combined with visuals, such as videos, animations, presentations or eLearning modules, to support understanding and engagement.

Why is it important?

Some people learn more effectively by listening to information and reflecting on what they hear.

Audio can help make learning more engaging, memorable and accessible. When combined with visuals, it can reinforce key messages and support understanding of complex concepts. As a standalone format, such as a podcast, audio provides flexibility for learners who want to access content while commuting, travelling or working remotely.

Audio also supports user-centred learning by offering an additional way to engage with content and accommodate different learning preferences. When supported by captions and transcripts, audio can contribute to more accessible and inclusive learning experiences.

What are the benefits?

  • Supports learners who prefer listening as part of their learning experience.
  • Provides flexibility by allowing learning to occur while travelling, commuting or working remotely.
  • Can simplify complex topics through conversation, storytelling and expert insights.
  • Helps create engaging and memorable learning experiences.
  • Can be combined with visual content to reinforce key messages and improve understanding.
  • Is scalable and can be distributed easily across large and geographically dispersed workforces.

Suitable for 

  • APS 1 to EL 2 learners.
  • Large, geographically dispersed cohorts.
  • Learners new to a topic, process, policy or system.
  • Knowledge sharing through interviews, stories and expert discussions.
  • Reinforcing key concepts within videos, presentations and other learning resources.

General Practices
 

Good Practice
  • Consider whether the audio will be used as a standalone resource or alongside visuals.
  • Keep narration clear, concise and appropriately paced, generally around 120 to 140 spoken words per minute.
  • Match the tone, language and style to the intended audience.
  • Use storytelling and real-world examples to increase engagement and relevance.
  • Use music and sound effects purposefully to support learning rather than distract from it.
  • Ensure captions and transcripts are available to support accessibility.
  • Test audio quality to ensure speech is clear and easy to understand.

 

Practices to avoid
  • Speaking too quickly or too slowly, making content difficult to follow or remain engaged with.
  • Using audio that conflicts with or duplicates visual information.
  • Including unnecessary sound effects or music that distracts from key messages.
  • Using a monotone delivery that reduces engagement and learner attention.
  • Failing to provide transcripts, captions or alternative formats where required.
  • Recording poor-quality audio with background noise or inconsistent volume levels.
  • Using recordings without appropriate permissions, consent or agreed usage arrangements.

Hypothetical examples

 

Example

An APS learning team is developing a learning experience for staff working across multiple locations. The team uses short audio segments within videos to explain key concepts and also creates a podcast-style discussion featuring subject matter experts. Staff can engage with the content during learning activities or listen while commuting or working remotely.

Potential issue

Audio is added late in the design process without considering the learner experience. Narration may not align with visual content, key messages may be unclear, or audio may be the only way important information is communicated.

  • Participants may become distracted if the narration and visuals compete for attention.
  • Poor audio quality, pacing or structure can reduce engagement and understanding.
  • Learners who cannot access audio due to technical, accessibility or environmental reasons may miss important information.
  • Time and resources may be spent re-recording content because audio requirements were not planned from the outset.

Better approach

Audio is planned as part of the learning design from the beginning. The team determines whether audio will be used as a standalone resource, such as a podcast, or paired with visual content to reinforce learning.

  • Narration complements rather than duplicates visual information.
  • Audio is clear, concise and suited to the target audience.
  • Captions, transcripts and supporting materials are provided to support accessibility.
  • Subject matter experts can share knowledge through interviews, stories and discussions that make learning more engaging and relatable.

When designed well, audio creates a flexible and accessible learning experience. It can help explain complex concepts, reinforce key messages and support learners to engage with content in a way that suits their needs and work environment
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