Podcasts in the teaching media space

Don State Technical University, 344002, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

^* Corresponding author: julia.bass@mail.ru

Abstract

This article focuses on the podcasts in the learning media space. Modern educational technologies and the Internet resources have significantly expanded the possibilities of organizing the process of learning a foreign language. Podcasts as an innovative learning tool are an effective way of building socio-cultural and communicative skills. Podcasts are audio or video materials prepared by native speakers that are freely available on the Internet, available for download and reuse. The main difference between podcasts and television or radio is the ability to use them regardless of the specific time and place. The advantages of podcasts include their availability, variability, free choice, periodic updates, relevance, mobility.

The teaching media space offers, along with specialized educational podcasts, information, music, comedy podcasts, audiobooks, news in politics and sports, game channels. The main features of educational podcasts are: authenticity, relevance, multi functionality, multi-channel perception, mobility of the used technical means, productivity. Based on the analysis of various foreign language educational podcasts, 5 types were identified, classified by the content. Such podcasts can be recommended and successfully used not only in class, but also at home.

Using the theme “Food” as an example, the audio podcast RealLife English Podcast # 180: In the Kitchen (Cooking Expressions) aims to develop students’ auditory skills as well as communication skills using theme vocabulary in speech.

Thus, podcast technology has great potential for further development, especially in the context of the actualization of distance learning.