Podcast
Description:
Before class, students read an article and/or conduct research on a current social/cultural issue (social change, poverty, current events) of interest in the target culture. In the lab, the instructor puts the students in groups of 3 or more using the conference tool in Virtuoso. They work to develop an oral recording that introduces/explains/comments on/summarizes their issue. Students create the podcast recording, and can post it to their class Wordpress site or for review by the instructor.
Modifications:
Different groups can be assigned (or choose) different topics, in order to create multiple episodes of a “current events in X Country” podcast series. This activity is meant for intermediate levels +. At lower proficiency levels, topics might be closer to students’ own knowledge and interests, or relate to daily life.