The goal of this thesis is to gain numerous techniques for integrating podcasts and podcasting into teaching and learning, especially in the subject English.
This work is also written for colleagues who want to make a valuable contribution to teaching foreign languages and who have the courage to organize activities combined with innovative technology for our students. Within the pages of this paper, they will find everything they need to know to get started in podcasting.
I would be glad, if others use this work or even expand it, so that an active exchange of ideas can take place.
At the beginning of this paper I am going to explain what a podcast is and why it is becoming such a popular medium. Next, the thesis gives a short historical overview, shows directories to browse for podcasts and how to create such an audio recording (software, hardware and recording equipment). Then various techniques for publishing and distributing podcasts are explored. The paper also presents free podcast hosting sites and gives tips about copyright law and how it applies to podcasting. Practical file management strategies, including using iTunes to organize audio files, are also discussed. After building a solid technical foundation, the thesis turns to the way in which podcasting can be used at school. This chapter introduces the reader to a variety of podcasting lessons that can motivate the students.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 What is a podcast?
3 The birth of podcasting
4 Types of podcast
5 Where do I find podcasts?
6 How to subscribe to podcasts?
7 How to listen to podcasts?
8 How to create podcasts
8.1 Equipment for podcasting
8.2 Recording
8.3 Making a podcast with Audacity
8.3.1 The Audacity Toolbar
8.4 Publishing and distributing podcasts
8.4.1 Personalizing the recording with ID3 Tags
8.4.2 How to distribute a podcast
8.5 Podcasts and copyright
8.5.1 Podsafe music
8.5.2 Published literature
9 Ideas for teaching and learning with podcasting
9.1 Lesson 1 – Cement and concrete
9.1.1 Lesson plan
9.1.2 The cement and concrete audio script
9.1.3 The cement and concrete vocabulary list
9.1.4 Worksheet 1
9.1.5 Worksheet 2
9.2 Lesson 2 – Burgenland
9.2.1 Lesson plan
9.2.2 The Burgenland audio script
9.2.3 The Burgenland vocabulary list
9.2.4 Worksheet 1
9.2.5 Worksheet 2
10 Personal experiences of teaching with podcasts
11 Benefits of using podcasts in the English lesson
12 Conclusion
13 Bibliography
14 Table of figures
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this thesis is to provide educators with practical techniques for integrating podcasting into foreign language instruction, specifically targeting English lessons. The research explores the technical requirements for podcast creation, the pedagogical benefits of using authentic audio materials, and the potential for increasing student motivation through modern, accessible media.
- Technical foundations for podcasting (software, hardware, and distribution).
- Pedagogical application in vocational and general English training.
- Methods for creating and distributing educational podcast content.
- Strategies for managing copyright compliance when using media.
- Evaluation of student engagement through personal teaching experiences.
Excerpt from the Book
1 Introduction
When I started teaching English, I required some time to prepare the lessons, because my own English education at school ended 20 years ago. So a lot had slipped my mind. For this reason I searched for some opportunities to repeat some vocabulary, grammar and to improve my communication skills.
Then I read an article about podcasting in E-media, an Austrian magazine for Internet, computer and multimedia. In this article, they explained the history and technology of podcasting and they also presented several websites, where you can find interesting podcasts to listen to.
What a podcast is and why it is becoming such a popular media, I will explain in the following chapters. In a few words a podcast is a web-based broadcast of audio or video content which is distributed over the Internet for downloading to a personal computer or a mobile device such as an mp3 player.
In the magazine they also introduced some podcasts for language learning, amongst other things the “English as a Second Language Podcast” (http://www.eslpod.com). Such podcasts are for anyone who wants to improve their English speaking and listening skills. Previously I had tried different textbooks and eLearnings with only little success. So I downloaded some podcast episodes onto my mp3 player and listened to them while running or sitting in the car. I found out that such educational podcasts are by far one of the best methods to enhance English skills. The benefits of podcasts are that you have the opportunity to hear and work with authentic material and this enables you to listen to native speakers. Therefore you will hear real spoken English which is used naturally. This new technology makes it possible for you to learn how to speak and understand English quickly and easily.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Discusses the author's motivation to integrate podcasts into English lessons to improve communication skills and student engagement.
2 What is a podcast?: Provides a definition of podcasts as series of digital audio or video files and explains the basics of RSS feeds and subscription services.
3 The birth of podcasting: Offers a brief historical overview of the development of podcasting technology and the coining of the term in 2004.
4 Types of podcast: Distinguishes between the three main categories: audio podcasts, video podcasts, and enhanced podcasts.
5 Where do I find podcasts?: Introduces essential tools for discovery, highlighting directories like Apple's iTunes Store and others.
6 How to subscribe to podcasts?: Offers a step-by-step guide for using iTunes to find, subscribe to, and automatically download podcast episodes.
7 How to listen to podcasts?: Explains the playback options on computers and mobile devices, emphasizing the seamless integration with iPods.
8 How to create podcasts: Serves as a practical guide covering equipment, recording, editing with Audacity, ID3 tagging, and distribution strategies.
9 Ideas for teaching and learning with podcasting: Presents two concrete lesson examples for students: a technical lesson on cement/concrete and a cultural lesson on Burgenland.
10 Personal experiences of teaching with podcasts: Reflects on the author's real-world application of podcast lessons with apprentice bricklayers and analyzes student feedback.
11 Benefits of using podcasts in the English lesson: Summarizes the pedagogical advantages, such as increased media skills and exposure to authentic language.
12 Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings and encourages teachers to adopt podcasting as a powerful, motivating tool for language instruction.
13 Bibliography: Lists the sources and technical references consulted for this study.
14 Table of figures: Provides a list of all screenshots and figures used in the document.
Keywords
Podcast, Podcasting, English as a Foreign Language, Language Teaching, Audacity, iTunes, RSS feed, Digital Media, Authentic Material, Student Motivation, Listening Skills, Educational Technology, Technical Training, Vocational Education, Multimedia Learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
This work focuses on the integration of podcasting technology into English language teaching, providing both a theoretical background and practical, ready-to-use lesson plans.
What are the central themes covered in the paper?
The central themes include the mechanics of creating and publishing podcasts, the pedagogical benefits for language learners, and strategies for maintaining student motivation.
What is the author's primary research goal?
The primary goal is to empower teachers with techniques to integrate modern, accessible technology into their classrooms to improve students' speaking, listening, and media skills.
Which technical software is recommended by the author?
The author highly recommends using Audacity for audio editing and recording, as it is a free, open-source tool, and iTunes for managing and subscribing to podcasts.
What is contained in the main section of the work?
The main section contains a technical guide on creating, editing, and publishing podcasts, followed by two complete teaching modules—one specialized for bricklayers and one general topic lesson.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include podcasting, language teaching, student motivation, authentic materials, Audacity, and educational technology.
How does the author handle the challenge of vocational English training?
The author created specific lesson content, such as the "Cement and concrete" module, to make the English subject matter relevant and interesting for vocational students.
What specific feedback did students provide after the lesson?
Most students found the lesson engaging and motivating, although some noted that the technical vocabulary made understanding the audio report somewhat challenging.
- Quote paper
- Emil Müllner (Author), 2009, A tool for teaching English: Podcasts, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/179439
