Podcasts+English+Learning+and+Teaching

1 line topic summary
Written by: Lillian Dixon ** Podcasts English Learning and Teaching ** Podcast has introduced many English learners to a new way of learning. What is podcasting? Podcasting is defined as being able to deliver audio content to iPods and other portable media players on request, so that it users can listen to it at their convenience. One of the major benefits of podcasting is that English learners can sync content to their media player and take it with them to listen whenever they want to. Because podcasts are typically saved in MP3 format, they can also be listened to on nearly any computer, IPod, MP3 player, or IPhone anywhere. English learners do not need any assistant technology to listen to or view a podcast. One may ask how this benefits English learners and teachers of English learners. The population of English learners is growing and the use of podcasting has provided information that would not have been available without it. Podcast has become popular with English learners become it is available through iTunes and other popular sites. Teachers are using podcasts to download homework to English language learner. The podcast allows English language learners the opportunity to listen and focus on the English grammar and pronunciation of words. Podcasting provides a means for students to get access to authentic listening sources about almost any subjects of interest. Teachers can take advantage of podcasts as a basis for these students to listen to comprehension exercises and create a conversation based on student’s reaction to podcasts. Speed plays a key role when English language learner use podcast to deliver content. The content can be presented at a normal speed or a slower speed to help with comprehension. Despite these advantages, podcasting is still considered as an entertainment media. Many teachers find the lack of significant research to support it use for English language learners. Another disadvantage is the amount of time it takes to research and verify published data. Many English language learners are unable to get full access to large files due to the limited amount of time for each podcast.

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