A tool for teaching English: Podcasts

Seminar paper from the year 2009 in the subject Didactics for the subject English - Pedagogy, Literature Studies, grade: Sehr gut, Educational academy of the federation Steiermarks, course: Akademielehrgang Englisch, language: English, abstract: 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.