One of the best and most amazing things about podcasts is how they can improve language learning. When reading Hargis and
Wilson’s article, I saw their link to a Spanish learning site (under real life examples). http://tryingtolearnspanish.blogspot.com/
This site is run by a man named Rich who gives tips on learning Spanish. However, the really interesting part is the questions and comments that have evolved into an engaging conversation about learning styles (what works and what doesn’t). People suggest mnemonic devices, ways to use flash cards, and other tricks for remembering vocabulary.
Learning a new language is now less confined to what a teacher or text tells you to do. If you have internet access, you can view podcasts that show you a range of options from authentic materials (news bits, slice of life, etc.) to formally structured lessons.
I enjoyed Hargis and Wilson’s comments on “the connection between podcast and conceptual learning” as being multifaceted which “allows the learner to encapsulate ideas into packets of concepts.” In this way, ideas are shared more readily and quickly than ever and the possibilities for students seem to be endless.
As Richardson (2006) explains, podacsts also create an open window into the world from the vantage point of a 13-year old to the news of NPR. I appreciate this method of getting the media and people’s responses to it in so many different forms. It seems that it may become more challenging for the mainstream media to misrepresent the truth (particularly in
America) as the average person listens to more and more podcasts. It will be exciting to see what the future holds!
1 response so far ↓
1
readingonline
// Feb 27, 2007 at 4:23 pm
I had a hard time wrapping my mind around the connection between podcasts and conceptual learning. I thought that they really were not able to elaborate on the theoretical contributions of podcasts to learning. For an example, take a look at what they say “this process reinforces and at times can facilitate self-correcting of ideas when learners hear themselves stating ideas incorrectly.” I understand that podcasters listen to their podcasts, but most of what they put into the cast is just blabber. The connections between previous casts or from others’ casts do not arise haphazardly; it certainly follows a strong meaning constructing process.
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