Week 3: Using Podcasts in the Classroom

This week we were assigned to read two different texts regarding the use of podcasts during the classroom. The first text is called Integrating CALL into the classroom and the second one is Blending Technology in ESL. What surprised me in both of these articles is how fast technology is integrating more and more into the current classrooms. I do agree with the fact of using podcasts in the classroom, it gives students the chance to practice more exercises, activities or any academic assignments, they can also access them at any time, as long as they have Internet access, a computer or an Ipod.

There are many other areas that help students when using podcasts, for example it helps improving their listening skills, pronunciation and learn a wide variety of new words. Making use of podcasts in the syllabus or course is benefitial either for students or teachers, because you can provide them with more activities or examples of what you taught during the class, that will help them reinforce what they did not understand or was not clear enough.

Another benefit of the use of podcasts is that will keep students motivated, since they will be working with new methods, and updated language tools. One of my favorite quotes from the text was  “Initial reactions of learners suggested that the use of this program was more attractive to them than combinations of books, tapes and videos. This may be due to the way in which individuals can tailor their learning or may be a case of novelty, a matter for further investigation."

On the other hand, there may be some inconveniences when blending technologies in the classroom. It will depend on the institution or school, if they have the resources available, IT support and necessary time the use of the technology will be effective; however if the institution does not count with the resources, or are limited to the tools to use technology it may be affected.

I'm looking forward to continue with the next part of the activity for this week and create the podcast exercises in order to get more involved with the technology when teaching the language.

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