Podcasts

By Geoff Taylor -

Hi, Geoff here.

This entry is about podcasts for English language students, and teachers.
(I've recently started listening to them a lot, and am very enthusiastic about them!)

> What is a podcast?

A podcast is an audio file that can be downloaded from the Internet and listened to on a PC or Mac, or copied to a personal digital music player, such as an iPod, or - depending on the model - a mobile phone.

Generally, they are like short radio shows, produced by the BBC and other big audio content publishers, but also by thousands or tens of thousands of enthusiastic amateurs and independent publishers around the world.

> What content can we hear in podcasts?

A wide range of podcast subjects is available, including film reviews, comedy sketches, news and sports reports and current affairs discussions, to name just a few.

There are educational podcasts - tutorials - aimed at a variety of technical and non-technical subjects, including English language learning. (See below for some links to EFL podcasts)

Video podcasts are also becoming more popular, but for those you need to view them on your computer, or on a video-enabled portable media player, such as the 5th generation iPod.

> Why could podcasts be of use to my students?

1. They permit the kind of "time-shifting" with listening that TV video and DVD recorders allow us to do with our TV viewing. In particular, podcasts are perfect "commuting" fare, as they are often short, 10 or 20 or 30 minutes in length, suitable for a short bus or car journey, and so ideal for busy students.

2. Unlike one-off audio downloads on the Internet, podcasts are published serially, typically daily or every few days or weekly. This means podcasts can be subscribed to, like magazines or newspapers, and the latest 'edition' can be downloaded automatically on demand. These frequent updates keep the content fresh and novel.

3. The range of subjects available means that people can choose what kind of content to listen to, whether related to personal, academic or professional interestes.

4. Currently, podcasts are free.

> What software do I need?

The simplest thing is to use Apple's free easy-to-use iTunes application, for Windows PCs and Macs. Download it here:
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

> Where can I find suitable podcasts?

1. General podcast directories:

Apple's iTunes software links to a large database of podcasts, searchable by keyword and browsable by topic. They have a top 100 list which is a good starting place.

Podcast Alley has a large database of podcasts, and visitors vote for a Top Ten.
http://www.podcastalley.com

2. Databases of links to special EFL/ESL learner podcasts:

EFL/ESL learner podcasts are pretty variable in quality, but are worth checking out.

The Internet TESL Journal has a good set of links to special EFL/ESL learner podcasts:
http://iteslj.org/links/ESL/Listening/Podcasts/

Englishcaster.com has a good set of links, and visitors can give podcasts marks and post reviews
http://englishcaster.com/

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