The Linguacast Project is a research project being coordinated by Andrew Grenfell and David Lowe from The Language Centre of The University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Its aim is to explore how FL podcasts or Linguacasts can facilitate language learning and internationalism. The demonstration site Linguacast@Newcastle University which hosts Linguacasts in Dutch, Indonesian, Italian, Norwegian, English, Spanish, Swahili and Thai is divided into four clear sections:
The Linguacasts are designed to be either listened to online or downloaded. You can also fill out a questionnaire on the site describing how podcasts help you learn.
Andrew Grenfell, the Open Learning Resources Manager from the Open Access Centre spoke about the project at the LLAL and CILT organised conference Crossing frontiers: languages and the international dimension at Cardiff University in July.
Following Andrew's introductory workshop, Ruth O'Rourke, the president of the Modern Language Society at Newcastle University an impressive Linguacast project Schools Enterprise Euromarché organised by Newcastle City Council in partnership with The National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth. The interschools podcasting project took place on July 12th and 13th at Grainger Market in Newcastle and involved pupils from schools across the region who ran stalls and put on performances following a European theme. In addition, language undergraduates at the university created podcasts for the pupils so they could listen to conversations in French, German and Spanish and learn at their own pace while at the market. Ruth O'Rourke also developed a languages teaching pack, containing lessons, activities, CDs and computer software for participating schools.
Dr Lid King, National Director for Languages at the Department for Education and Skills launched the event before visiting some local primary schools who were also running language workshops.
Gair Hedley, Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator at Newcastle City Council, said: "Pupils have been preparing for this event at the Grainger Market for several weeks and everyone is really looking forward to it ... It will give pupils the chance to practice their language skills in a fun and interesting setting".
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