EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Skype and Podcasting: Disruptive Technologies for Language Learning



http://llt.msu.edu/vol9num3/emerging/default.html


As we have commented in our classes, technology included to our EFL classrooms can be an advantage or a drawback. We, as prospective teachers, should be careful when choosing technology because some of them would be disruptive.

The second text that drew my attention was written by Robert Godwin-Jones. It was about two emerging technologies: Skype and Podcasting which both have become widely popular.

Skype is a software product that allows people to talk by their personal computer as it were a free telephone. It is based in peer to peer networking, but you can also make conference calls linking up to five people. Besides, you can call to land-based phone, but you have to pay a fee.

If you want to use Skype to learn, there are a lot of options to choose, for example, you can have free conversational practice with native speakers of English. However, to use Skype you will need a fast Internet connection. Currently, Skype has added video conferencing as well.

Podcasting is a program which allows people to download audio from MP3 audio files automatically to a computer or a mobile MP3 player.

Podcasting got its name from Aplle iPod.

To create a podcasting you have to:

-have something interesting to say.

-record your voice (MP3 format).

-create a snippet of XML code.

Now it is common to see Audioblogging (Audio files linked to blogs) on the Internet.

It is useful for learning, for instance, you can use it to make listening activities, so you can hear native speakers.

In spite of the fact that both, Skype and Podcasting, can be helpful for language learning, they are disruptive because both would threaten traditional industries in the process.

After reading this text I could know more about Skype and Podcasting. I had heard only a little about them, and I think they are very interesting tools to learn and to teach English.

Despite I agree with what the article says that both

are disruptive, I think that as customers we can choose the better option.

The resources given by schools are not enough, so we need to save money and buy the cheapest ones, therefore, I think if the traditional industries

does not give a better option for us we only have to use what is better regarding to our budget.