Today's Website~
● CNN Audio/Video Podcasts-Learning English with Podcasts
What is it about?
Why is the content good for language learning?
How might you use it in a language teaching context?
● Take CNN Student News for example, it is best for intermediate or advanced learners.
First, before the teachers has students watch the video, the teacher could have students
discuss some questions about the topic they will watch from the video later.
● The teacher chooses one clip of the video, and introduces some vocabulary or phrases
that students might not know (from the transcripts provided).
● After students are familiar with the topic and the related vocabulary, have students "listen
to" the video, and take notes.
● Have students compare their notes in groups and then watch the video together.
● Give students transcripts, and discuss the follow-up questions by searching for the
related news online (work in group of 5). The teacher should provide links of related
topics in case that students can not find the information.
● Students write down their answers to the follow-up questions, and then share with
other groups.
● The teachers can have students have a reflective writing (200-300 words) about the topic.
● Students can download the podcast and watch the video.
Limitations~
● This website provides the video and transcripts of the news on Feb. 25, 2011. Maps
of Libya, Wisconsin and Atlanta are provided, too. On the left hand side, you can see
"STORY HIGHLIGHTS" and "RELATED TOPICS". The teacher can add some sources
according to their learning context.
● CNN Podcasting also provides audio files. Teachers can encourage students to
download the programs they are interested in, e.g. the one below is about Oscar
Academy Awards that students might be interested in.
● CNN Audio/Video Podcasts-Learning English with Podcasts
What is it about?
● CNN Audio & Video Podcasts provides audio or video podcasts of the latest news,
ranging from Business, Sports, Technology, Entertainment, Health and so on.
ranging from Business, Sports, Technology, Entertainment, Health and so on.
● You can subscribe the topics you like, and it will automatically syndicate the content
when the website updates the news. You can also watch the news or listen to the audio
online. If you have iTunes, you can subscribe the news, too.
when the website updates the news. You can also watch the news or listen to the audio
online. If you have iTunes, you can subscribe the news, too.
Why is the content good for language learning?
● CNN provides the latest news with a wide variety of topics.
● It also provides daily, authentic English for learners to practice listening.
● The wide variety of topics can broaden learners vocabulary, their mind and the view
of the world. Throughout in-depth discussion activities, It help promote learners
critical thinking.
● Learners can select the subjects they like, and play back as many times as they want.
● Learners can add the news to their iPod, iTunes, or just play it by click on the button.
The latest news is portable, and they can listen or watch the news as many times as
they like.
● Through watching the videos, learners can easily relate the visual images to the events,
words, and the meanings. They can learn from the pronunciation from the broadcasters
and try to make their own pronunciation as clear as they can.
● It also provides daily, authentic English for learners to practice listening.
● The wide variety of topics can broaden learners vocabulary, their mind and the view
of the world. Throughout in-depth discussion activities, It help promote learners
critical thinking.
● Learners can select the subjects they like, and play back as many times as they want.
● Learners can add the news to their iPod, iTunes, or just play it by click on the button.
The latest news is portable, and they can listen or watch the news as many times as
they like.
● Through watching the videos, learners can easily relate the visual images to the events,
words, and the meanings. They can learn from the pronunciation from the broadcasters
and try to make their own pronunciation as clear as they can.
How might you use it in a language teaching context?
● Take CNN Student News for example, it is best for intermediate or advanced learners.
First, before the teachers has students watch the video, the teacher could have students
discuss some questions about the topic they will watch from the video later.
● The teacher chooses one clip of the video, and introduces some vocabulary or phrases
that students might not know (from the transcripts provided).
● After students are familiar with the topic and the related vocabulary, have students "listen
to" the video, and take notes.
● Have students compare their notes in groups and then watch the video together.
● Give students transcripts, and discuss the follow-up questions by searching for the
related news online (work in group of 5). The teacher should provide links of related
topics in case that students can not find the information.
● Students write down their answers to the follow-up questions, and then share with
other groups.
● The teachers can have students have a reflective writing (200-300 words) about the topic.
● Students can download the podcast and watch the video.
Limitations~
● Need sufficient computers and Internet with sufficient broadband.
● The teacher should select appropriate vidoes according to students' need.
● The teacher should also give students clear instructions and provides them the sources
of the videos so that students won't find it difficult to access to the videos.
● Even though CNN Student New website provides some teaching materials, the teachers
should adapt the materials according to students' level.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------● The teacher should select appropriate vidoes according to students' need.
● The teacher should also give students clear instructions and provides them the sources
of the videos so that students won't find it difficult to access to the videos.
● Even though CNN Student New website provides some teaching materials, the teachers
should adapt the materials according to students' level.
Example~
of Libya, Wisconsin and Atlanta are provided, too. On the left hand side, you can see
"STORY HIGHLIGHTS" and "RELATED TOPICS". The teacher can add some sources
according to their learning context.
● CNN Podcasting also provides audio files. Teachers can encourage students to
download the programs they are interested in, e.g. the one below is about Oscar
Academy Awards that students might be interested in.
