Podcasting: a tool for improving listening skills

Skills of listening in learning a foreign language have been neglected in spite of being most needed ability in everyday communication. Ability to follow a speaker and respond appropriately needs to be taught like all other language skills. An innovative approach to teaching listening skills has emerged due to audio publishing online. It is known as 'podcasting' and has become very popular because it offers language learners extra listening practice both inside and outside of the classroom. Moreover, podcasting as online communication technology is a new way to inspire learning: it provides an exciting way for students and educators to explore and discover educational content. Applicability of podcasting to teaching English needs researching. [...]