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.
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