Schedule: 2009-09-12 (12:00 - 12:45)
Parallel Session 5 (Room A-35)

Title: Podcasting for language learning: re-evaluating the potential
Authors: Fernando Rosell-Aguilar
Abstract: The popularity of portable media players and podcasting has increased in the last few years. The word ‘podcast’ has made the transition from technical term to commonplace use in a very short time. The impact and penetration of podcasting has been wide-ranging, far-reaching and arguably much faster than that of the World Wide Web. Some researchers were quick to identify the potential uses and benefits of podcasting for language learning (Belanger, 2005; Clark & Walsh, 2005; Kaplan-Leiserson, 2005; Manning, 2006; Meng, 2005; Moody, 2006; Scinicariello, 2006; Sloan, 2005; Stanley, 2006; Thorne and Payne, 2005). However, “research into students’ experience of podcasting is in its very early stages” (Edirisingha, Rizzi, Nie and Rothwell, 2007, p. 88).

This paper presents a review of how podcasting fits with language learning theories, what features were identified as potential benefits of podcasting for language learning and what evidence we have now to support those claims. It focuses on the learning experience of the end users by examining a number of reports into students’ use of podcasting resources. Despite the potential benefits of podcasting that have been identified, “there is little empirical data confirming that these benefits are real” (Lord, 2008, p. 367).The results show a varied picture of approaches, contexts, uses and resources as well as some indications that student use in certain contexts is not what was expected.

The paper will also discuss the new affordances that recent developments in mobile technology can provide for language learning and present the experience of the first year of delivery of podcasts through iTunes U, where in one particular context, over 50% of the downloads among all the subjects offered were of language learning podcasts.
Keywords: Podcasting, Mobile learning, SLA

Main topic: Innovative e-learning solutions for languages

Biodata: Fernando Rosell-Aguilar is a lecturer in Spanish at the Open University (UK). His research focuses on online language learning, mainly CMC learning environments (such as audio-graphic conferencing); Online Information Literacy; Online, Open and Distance Learning design; and podcasting for language learning.
Type of presentation Paper presentation

Paper category Research

Target educational sector Higher education

Language of delivery English

EU-funded project No

Schedule:	2009-09-12 (12:00 - 12:45) Parallel Session 5 (Room A-35)
Title:	Podcasting for language learning: re-evaluating the potential
Authors:	Fernando Rosell-Aguilar
Abstract:	The popularity of portable media players and podcasting has increased in the last few years. The word ‘podcast’ has made the transition from technical term to commonplace use in a very short time. The impact and penetration of podcasting has been wide-ranging, far-reaching and arguably much faster than that of the World Wide Web. Some researchers were quick to identify the potential uses and benefits of podcasting for language learning (Belanger, 2005; Clark & Walsh, 2005; Kaplan-Leiserson, 2005; Manning, 2006; Meng, 2005; Moody, 2006; Scinicariello, 2006; Sloan, 2005; Stanley, 2006; Thorne and Payne, 2005). However, “research into students’ experience of podcasting is in its very early stages” (Edirisingha, Rizzi, Nie and Rothwell, 2007, p. 88). This paper presents a review of how podcasting fits with language learning theories, what features were identified as potential benefits of podcasting for language learning and what evidence we have now to support those claims. It focuses on the learning experience of the end users by examining a number of reports into students’ use of podcasting resources. Despite the potential benefits of podcasting that have been identified, “there is little empirical data confirming that these benefits are real” (Lord, 2008, p. 367).The results show a varied picture of approaches, contexts, uses and resources as well as some indications that student use in certain contexts is not what was expected. The paper will also discuss the new affordances that recent developments in mobile technology can provide for language learning and present the experience of the first year of delivery of podcasts through iTunes U, where in one particular context, over 50% of the downloads among all the subjects offered were of language learning podcasts.
Keywords:	Podcasting, Mobile learning, SLA
Main topic:	Innovative e-learning solutions for languages
Biodata:	Fernando Rosell-Aguilar is a lecturer in Spanish at the Open University (UK). His research focuses on online language learning, mainly CMC learning environments (such as audio-graphic conferencing); Online Information Literacy; Online, Open and Distance Learning design; and podcasting for language learning.
Type of presentation	Paper presentation
Paper category	Research
Target educational sector	Higher education
Language of delivery	English
EU-funded project	No