Prompt 5

Podcasting and ESL Students


iPod has hugely spread among different age groups of people; children teenagers and adults. Some people may consider it weird if I say that I do not have iPod or even mp3 player. I used to download some video clips and listen to multiple podcasts from websites whether for personal or educational purposes.

McQuillan raised the significance of podcasting as a teaching aid to enhance ESL learners through some points. He elaborated the use of podcast digital media program in iPod devices, which delivers audio and video content to users. They provide unbelievable opportunities for ESL students to comprehend certain downloaded parts of their texts easily. To illustrate, they can move smoothly across chapter’s sections – audio and/ or video files, slow the rate of file input, and replay the file to listen repeatedly to specific information, and take iPods and use it everywhere (portable).

iPod can show texts with pictures and synchronized audio listening recordings and that absolutely boosts the level of language acquisition of learners and doesn’t necessitate students interaction inside the classroom. Teachers benefit from this technology in recording and, then, evaluating individuals performance in e.g. slideshow presentations. In addition, they can create their own materials to support the texts.

According to the last part of the question, I would prefer to try audio/ video plus script because as much senses involved as much learning achieved. With lyrics tag students are able to put additional information and access texts, audio and video simultaneously.