Two main advantages of voicemail are that nearly everyone has easy access to a telephone and voicemail messages can be picked up at any time of the day or night. There are disadvantages of voicemail also. For example, the length of the messages is generally limited, and a toll-free number must be provided for students who may be calling from out of the local area. They can be used to deliver lectures, panel discussions, or instructions for the distant learner. Audio is especially useful in courses that require the nuances of inflection, such as foreign languages, or those that are designed for non-readers.
Audiotapes have several advantages for the delivery of distance learning courses.
First, they are very inexpensive and readily accessible. Almost all students have access to a cassette player in their home, school, or car. Audiotapes are also easy to create, easy to duplicate, and easy to use. Disadvantages of audiotapes include the fact that they are not interactive, and they do not provide the visual elements that many students desire. When using audiotapes for instruction, be sure to record them using the best equipment possible.