A United Kingdom university is introducing the use of education-based MP3 audio files into its program to help modernize education.

The concept is based on the idea that people learn best when they want to learn. So at the University of Leicester, the podcasting makes lessons available to students at all times, said Richard Mobbs, head of learning technology at the school.

"The teaching and learning process is very complicated," said Hobbs, "but we know that we learn best of all when we want to learn and that requires having easy access to the learning materials."

Preliminary interviews showed that most students approved of the concept and used it as a studying tool.

"It's different," said one student. "Not so serious like sitting down with pen and paper. I don't miss anything on the podcasts."

Copyright 2006 by United Press International