Using Podcasts to Support Foreign Language Learning
Posted by Eric C. on May 2, 2007 in Foreign Languages, Podcasting
I remember spending hours in language labs going over chinese dialogue tapes as I tried to learn Mandarin in college. This constant practice was very helpful but far from convenient. Now, since I spend a lot of time in my car going from school to school, I have begun to refresh my chinese by listening to dialogues I download onto my ipod. The great part is it is all free and high quality! In fact on the Internet you can find free, high quality audio files or podcasts for just about any major language. Since mp3 players like ipods have now become so widespread, using these foreign language podcasts has become quite the rage with students on college campuses as well as with casual adult learners. You too can harness this great resource for your students either by using these podcasts on computers in your school or by getting your students to download them onto their mp3 players. The easiest way to get started is to use the podcast directory in iTunes (directions below) click on education in the catagories box and then select language courses under more education.
Note: On iTunes you can get the podcasts even if the specific web sites are blocked by the District filter. The websites associated with each of the podcasts often have more material to support learning the language. (Usually these additional resources require a paid subscription.) If you run into a site that is blocked or have a comment about its use please leave a comment below.
- Voluntary standards for World Languages
- Foreign language lesson podcast collection a great site that currently lists 21 different language podcasts
- My Radio Lingua podcasts for French, German and Italian
Here are some specific sites for the major languages taught in Seattle Schools. (If you have iTunes installed the iTunes link will bring you directly to the podcast download in iTunes.)
- Chinese (Mandarin)
- Chinesepod.com website iTunes
- My favorite. Quality daily lessons at all levels. They do take on some conversations that may be a little edgy (mild swearing and relationships).
- Think and Talk Like (the) Chinese website iTunes
- Cathy Lu takes a look at the Chinese language, while introducing students to China’s history and culture.
- Chinesepod.com website iTunes
- Japanese
- Spanish
- Finally Learn Spanish website iTunes
- I would recommend this site for the Grammar tips offered. Most lessons offer instructions in English and then follow in Spanish.
- Rojass Spanish website iTunes
- There is no english spoken here. This is for intermediate /advanced Spanish learners. I was very intrigued by his approach to incoporate Music, culture, and history.
- Finally Learn Spanish website iTunes
- French
- French Pod website iTunes
- This site is designed for a beginning student. The speaker uses both english and french to explain words. It’s very informal (I was struck by his use of like - think about how teenagers use it as a filler.
- French Ecole website iTunes
- This site is also good for beginners and is a bit more formal than the French Pod site above.
- Daily French Pod website iTunes
- This site is better suited for intermediate and advanced French students. The speaker recites a short passage at full speed (typically about current events), and then breaks down the vocabulary in smaller chunks. He uses more basic french words to explain more sophisticated or specialized words rather than simply providing a direct translation to english. This was my favorite of all three.
- French Pod website iTunes
June 21st, 2007 at 10:40 pm
I am also using a video podcast to learn Chinese and mandarin. You also can learn more about Chinese culture on CLTV (http://cltv.hellomandarin.com)
September 24th, 2007 at 5:32 am
iPods are fantastic for learning languages, they are small enough to fit in your pocket and you can practice anywhere!
December 5th, 2007 at 10:23 am
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