The article is devoted to the use of audio-visual media in education. The author claims that podcasting has revolutionized access to media and educational materials since this information became widespread in the whole world. Rossell-Aguilar states that the main role in the revolution played iTunes that was launched in 2003. Currently iTunes is known as the main provider of educational podcasts.
The article contains information about podcasting for language learning, arguments on which were supported by a number of learning theories that included informal, lifelong learning, mobile learning principles and constructivist approaches. I would like to pay attention to the difference between the use of podcasting and learning languages. Further, the author discusses the advantages and disadvantages of podcasting. He follows the idea of Stockwell on the matter of podcasting limitation for the language learning – access to audiovisual resources cannot afford interaction that is an essential part of language learning. Moving further on the article, we can see that the author relies on a number of the research studies analyzing the actual language skill acquisition.
Taking the above-mentioned limitations into account, the author suggests new ways to continue research on the use of iTunes U as a language teaching and learning tool. He offered the analysis of an auditory learning style as a medium for the research. Also, the author pays attention to the use of qualitative studies as well as the quantitative ones.
As a conclusion, it is worth to highlight the fact that podcasts make materials accessible for people throughout the whole world. According to the results of the study conducted by the author, a first profile of the iTunes U language learner was created. Taking into account the limitations, the author provided new ideas for the research on the topic.
References
Rosell-Aguilar, F. (2013). Podcasting for language learning through iTunes U: The learner’s view. Language Learning & Technology, 17(3), 74–93. Retrieved from http://llt.msu.edu/issues/october2013/rosellaguilar.pdf
