Authentic input to motivate learners to develop listening skill: benefits, drawbacks of using podcast

Abstract

In Bangladesh, mobile devices are distinctly gaining the importance in education section. While CD-ROMs, multimedia computer labs, the World Wide Web, e-mail, and SMS still play an important part in language learning, research into the use of Web 2.0 technologies and Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) have become increasingly common (Fitzgerald et al., 2009 p. 19 ). As the curriculum does not provide a lot of opportunities to develop listening skill to the learners in their secondary and higher secondary level of education, in their higher education they have to face so many difficulties. As classrooms are mainly conducted in Bangla and students do not have much opportunities to communicate with native speakers of their target language, podcast can fulfill this gap with a very low cost. The popularization of portable devices in language teaching means that there is a wealth of language learning resources like podcasts are freely available to learners who may download them and use them anywhere at any time. However, before effectively integration of podcast in listening skill development, it is important to concern about necessary authentic input for motivation, benefits and drawbacks of using podcasts. This study conducted among 40 students of different colleges of Bangladesh to find out motivational factor, benefits and drawbacks of using podcasts. The data gathered from the learners showed that the podcast can motivate learners to develop their listening skill and podcasts can provide huge opportunities to develop listening skill and other skills simultaneously.