Using Podcast in EFL/ESL classrooms
Podcasting allows students to use their technology-based entertainment systems (iPods, MP3 players) for educational experiences. Because students are already familiar with the underlying technology, podcasting broadens educational options in a nonthreatening and easily accessible manner. For example, podcasting allows lectures or other course content to be made available to students if they miss class. Beyond missed lectures, podcasting can provide access to experts through interviews. Podcasting is not limited to content delivered to the student, however; students can create their own podcasts—as a record of activities, a way to collect notes, or a reflection on what they have learnt.
In this
reflection I will speak about Podcast and its effect on EFL/ESL classroom.
Firstly, what is a Podcast? Actually, it is a digital media file, or a series
of such files, that is distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds
for playback on portable media players and personal computers.
Firstly, I
would like to say, that for those language learners whose first language is not
English, they find it very difficult to improve their listening and speaking skills.
However, with today’s technology it becomes easier and faster to improve, and
one of this innovation is a Podcast.
Podcasting allows students to use their technology-based entertainment systems (iPods, MP3 players) for educational experiences. Because students are already familiar with the underlying technology, podcasting broadens educational options in a nonthreatening and easily accessible manner. For example, podcasting allows lectures or other course content to be made available to students if they miss class. Beyond missed lectures, podcasting can provide access to experts through interviews. Podcasting is not limited to content delivered to the student, however; students can create their own podcasts—as a record of activities, a way to collect notes, or a reflection on what they have learnt.
Secondly,
it sounds to me, that using podcast in EFL/ESL classroom is a fun, and more interesting
way compared with traditional textbooks. Students are not reluctant to do
activities and they do it with great pleasure. Furthermore, using podcast in
the EFL/ESL classroom could improve writing skills, as students can write
reflection after listening to the podcast. To sum up, it seems to me that using podcast in EFL/ESL classrooms could be very beneficial, as it can be used
creatively to encourage students to practice language outside of the classroom.
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