Reading Prompt # 5

Do you have an iPod or another type of .mp3 player? If so, have you used it or anything other than listening to your own music, such as downloading and listening to podcasts? Note some of the points McQuillan made about how podcasting can support second language learning. Which of the ideas from the readings would you be interested in trying out in your own classroom?

After reading McQuillan, Richardson, and Stansbury it was evident that I had so many possibilities at the tip of my hands. I have not used my iPod for any other application than listening to music.
McQuillan’s article is very informative and the iPod’s capacity to provide Audio Plus Pictures and Script makes it the most sensible application for L2 acquisition. This application is appropriate because it offers the opportunity to provide text, audio, and visual cues to support language learning. In his article, McQuillan states that research comparisons of effective language teaching showed that students who were exposed to a greater quantity of comprehensible language in and out of the classroom had higher levels of language proficiency than students that used different method. Additionally, research has shown that giving students audio recordings to listen to with accompanying text and illustrations leads to higher levels of language acquisition even when students are not speaking or interacting with others. Researcher Patsy Lightbown provided specific evidence that when students were given audio recordings to listen to, accompanied by appropriate visuals and text, they made impressive gains in acquisition. Pictures, drawings, and graphics can be attached to audio files that can be played and viewed on the iPod and in iTunes. This is particularly useful for lower-level students to provide them with needed extra-linguistic support because they can listen to while viewing the illustrations in sync with the narration, like a slideshow.