AR SPELL Podcasting in the ELL Classroom
Introduction
Podcasting can be a great way to get students, parents, and community members involved with classroom activities and information. ELL students can use podcasting as a way to demonstrate the skills they are developing as well as provide a way to reach other ELL students who may be encountering similar (difficulties).
ELL students could listen to an English speaker wherever they go, pausing, stopping, rewinding and repeating conversations as needed. This provides the students with authentic listening experiences that can help increase their listening and understanding abilities. According to Justin Boyd (justingboyd.net), "This can lead to the following benefits: better English retention skills; improved comprehension; incorporation of the natural rhythms and tone of oral English; and improved speaking capabilities."[1]
There are many sources for existing Podcasts. By listening to previously produced podcasts, you can get a feel for the production quality, content ideas, and the ebb and flow of the programs. (Locate Resources)
Content Produced By Teachers for Teachers
- Helps and tips for teaching the content
- Helps and tips for using podcasting in the classroom
Content Produced By Teachers for Students
- Assignments, activities, and other content to aid in understanding
- Recordings of previous in-class assignments so students can catch up on missed days or review
Content Produced by Students for Teachers
- Completed assignments: Reading selected passages, practice with in-class assignments, homework
- Interviews/discussions with other students, family, and/or community members
Content Produced by Students for Students
- Interviews/discussions with other students, family, and/or community members
- Lessons for other students (Peer training)
Scripting and Recording
Scripting the Podcast is not required, but is highly recommended whenever possible. This will allow the reader adjust pacing, tone, and phrasing according to his or her preferences or skill level.
Recording the audio can be done with a variety of software products. Once such product is the freely available Audacity. Below, Keith Martin[2] has provided exercises to learn the program.
Distribution of the Podcasts
Once the podcasts are finished, those recordings can be shared with the designated audiences. For example, if the podcast is designed as an activity for the students to hear, the saved audio file could be stored on the local server at the school or stored online.
Local storage options will require the teacher to work with the local network administrator in setting up the necessary space and access to the files.
Some sites allow you to publish your files to the web for a wider, more public, distribution audience (for community members and/or parents, for example). Once such site is Podomatic.com, which provides free space for such projects. Users will need to create a username and password.
Audacity Application How-to/Overview
Introduction, Recording & Exporting Audio, and Exercise One