Why is podcast useful in language learning?

The are many benefits in utilizing podcasts as a language learning tool. With so many different podcasts out there, learners can listen and choose the ones that they like before downloading them into their portable listening devices. Additionally, many of the podcast websites provide free language lessons for learners on a daily basis. With podcasts, learners can have exposure to authentic English lessons/conversations while they're on the go.

One of the podcast directories that I like is called ESL Podcast. It is hosted by Dr. Jeff McQuillan, a university professor in California and Arizona. He has taught English as a Second Language for many years both in the United States as well as in other countries. I particularly value the fact that all of the podcasts are recorded using native speakers. Furthermore, ESL Podcast divide each podcast into 2 sections. The first section contains a brief discussion or dialogues of the topic and the second section includes an explanation of the vocabulary and expressions used by the speakers.

Since ESL Podcast is developed with intermediate or advanced speakers of English in mind, I plan to utilize it as form of extensive listening tool. To me, extensive listening focuses on exposing students with numerous amount of resources so that they can develop a habit of becoming active listener or in this case, active language learner once they're outside of the classroom. Podcasts will not only provide my students with plenty of exposure to authentic American English conversations/lessons, they will also be learning about current events/issues that are happening in America. For example, one of the topics that I found in ESL Podcast was on internet dating. This type of topic will surely appeal to my future students since I plan to teach adult ESL learners. There are also other interesting topics such as playing a practical joke or dining in a restaurant. In order to maximize learning, I will also ask my students to jot down questions, comments or feelings on their 'listening journal' during or after listening to a podcast.

Until next time...

What is Global Cooperation?

I think one can assume from the term 'Global Cooperation' that it's probably referring to the idea of working collaboratively on projects. I've experienced working with others through wiki so I wasn't sure if global cooperation would be something different. In order to find out more about global cooperation websites, I've decided to focus on two sites in particular, The Global Schoolhouse and KidLink. My goal in exploring these two sites is 1) find out how they can benefit my students and 2) compare and contrast their features.

The Global Schoolhouse (GSN)

• Doors to Diplomacy - a program sponsored by U.S. Department of State to help encourage middle and high schoolers to submit web-based projects that can help promote and educate students from other countries about U.S. international affairs and diplomacy.
• International CyberFair- is a White House-endorsed, award winning and authentic learning program available to schools and youth organizations all around the world. Students and youth groups are encouraged to become community ambassadors by conducting their own research and publish their findings online. Through a unique evaluation tool, students will choose the best projects in each of the eight categories.
  
• Online Expeditions - gives students an opportunity to interact and learn about exciting adventures by asking questions, doing research or look for facts. The expeditions connect students to various subjects such as geography, mathematics, history or language arts.


• Competitions - aside from International CyberFair and Doors to Diplomacy, GSN also offers competition such as ThinkQuest sponsored by Oracle Education Foundation for students and teachers to produce unique project-based for fellow others across the globe. Teachers can compete in Online Learning Award (OLA) sponsored by International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). OLA is designed to recognize teachers from worldwide who have provided innovative ways of incorporating online networks to provide exciting learning experiences to students from K-16.


• Membership - no fee sign-up for teachers or anyone interested in joining. Members can also choose to pledge their support to GSN and enjoy extra benefits by contributing a $45.00 fee.


• Layout - very easy to understand and simple layout. Take a Tour is really helpful in providing step-by-step instruction for newcomers or anyone looking for more information.


• Privacy - GNS requires email verification when signing up in order to prevent spammers. A staff member is responsible for reviewing all registrations and GNS is committed to never share or reveal any of their members' information.

KidLink

• Layout- very colorful and captivating especially for younger learners. KidLink is also translated into more than 19 languages.

• Workshop - KidLink offers workshop for teachers who might be unfamiliar with using internet as part of their classroom activities. It also include hands-on training curriculum ideas for teachers.
• Membership - free and all students are required to register (regardless of age) in order to participate or join KidLink.
• Projects - KidLink includes a Kidproj Multi section that invite participation in all languages. All of the students' work can be read in English and in other languages as well. Students can choose to participate in any topics by submitting their ideas. Students can also invite each other to chat in a room.
• Privacy - KidLink divided the registration into 2 parts, registration for children under the age of 16 or as a student and registration for adults. All registrations will be reviewed by staffs.

GNS vs. KidLink


I think both sites contain valuable information for teachers, students and parents. GNS' target audience is for middle to high schooler and KidLink is more user-friendly for younger age groups. Unlike KidLink, GNS offers a lot more projects and competitions for students, youth groups and teachers. However, GNS is only available in English whereas KidLink can be translated into more than 19 languages. KidLink's layout includes a lot of children's artwork from all over the globe. As for GNS, their layout include a lot of information and is designed in a very organized manner.

In my future classroom, I would like to try and incorporate both websites when working on a global cooperation project. Because KidLink is designed with younger learners in mind, I will use it as an introductory tool for my future ESL students. Once I have familiarize my students with the concept of global cooperation, I will transition the class into using GNS. Based on the theme of our lesson, I will encourage my students to either start or join a project. Then, students will invite or collaborate with students from all across the globe. Finally, the end product will be published on the web for others to see.


WiZiQ

Another tool that I would like to utilize as part of a global cooperation project is WiZiQ. Because WiZiQ is a virtual classroom, I can also promote participation from teachers in different parts of the world. What better way to learn about India than having an actual teacher from India to teach a 'virtual' lesson through WiZiQ? WiZiQ also include a video and audio option that will come in handy for students to practice their listening and speaking skills when communicating with each other. What's more, all of the lessons done on WiZiQ can be recorded for future use. These lessons can be combined into a presentation that can be published on WiZiQ (or other global cooperation websites) for others to see.

Until next time...