using podcasts in language teaching

Joan O'Sullivan 2009

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Language TeachingLanguage Teaching

Joan O'Sullivan 2009

What is a podcast?A podcast is an• audio and/or video file• ‘broadcast’ via the Internet • Can be downloaded to a computer or

mobile device ( e.g. MP3 player)• Term ‘podcast’ comes from iPod (Apple

portable MP3 player) and ‘broadcast’

Joan O'Sullivan 2009

How can we use podcasting in language teaching?

2 main usesStudents can listen to existing

podcastsStudents can create their own

podcasts

Joan O'Sullivan 2009

Using existing podcasts• Self study• Listening in class• Encourage students to find a podcast

that interests them and to listen regularly (subscribe to podcast using e.g. iTunes ‘podcatcher’)

• Variety of levels• Variety of topics

Joan O'Sullivan 2009

How do I download a podcast to my computer or

MP3 player• The easiest way to is to subscribe to the podcast with free

software such as iTunes.Download iTunes at:

http://www.apple.com/itunes/overview/?ref=http://itunes.com

• You can also download the individual files from a website:1. RIGHT-click on the Download button. (for Mac: CTRL-click).2. For Internet Explorer: Select Save Target As… (for Firefox: Save

Link As).3. When you see the Save box, note where you are saving it and

click Save.4. Find the downloaded file and double-click it or import it into your

computer’s audio player.

From: http://www.eslpod.com/eslpod_blog/what-is-esl-podcast/

Joan O'Sullivan 2009

Using iPods in Language Teaching

Video

Click to watch video!

Joan O'Sullivan 2009

Some examples:

General: Language Learning podcastsPodcasts for teachers and learnersEnglish:

ESL Directory from LearnOutLoudBetter EnglishFun English LessonsEnglish as a Second Language PodcastGenki EnglishEnglishcaster

Joan O'Sullivan 2009

For children• World News for children• The Audio Lab• Learn out Loud

Joan O'Sullivan 2009

Students create podcasts

• Individual• Group

Topic ideas:Personal informationOpinionsStory-tellingBook/Film Reviews

Joan O'Sullivan 2009

Students produce regular podcasts on topics covered in class

Upload to website/online community – comment on each other’s review

Students listen to each other’s podcasts

- take notes - discuss

Joan O'Sullivan 2009

• Link to Kickapps Online Community

• Link to Google sites class webpage

Joan O'Sullivan 2009

References

• Dudeney, G. & N. Hockly. How to teach English with Technology . Pearson Education 2007