THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF VARIABLES (Independent Variable: The Podcast Tool)

 Independent Variable: The Podcast Tool

EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

This term means to the use of technology, in this case tools or resources to improve everything related with education and get good results from learners. Jones & Paolucci (2014) mention that tools are focused on the use of applications that are useful for the teaching-learning process. On the contrary, Yusef, Faiq, & Zayd (2016) argue that educational technology, best known as “EdTech”, is an area of technology specified to the development and application of tools in order to promote education. Technology provides us some tools that teacher can use to give a class, for instance, in the educational field; these tools have a relevant impact to teach the English language. Therefore, this web tool helps to foster social and educational development through the use of technological tools.

Types of Learning in Educational Technology

Ronau, Rakes, & Niess, (2012) have mentioned that there are two types of learning: the first one is one is synchronous, where the teacher guides the learning process and the second one is asynchronous, where the learning process goes according to the students’ rhythm. Similarly, Salazar (2010) mentions that asynchronous and synchronous are implied in the educational field and as a result, these resources can have the two cited characteristics; depending on the purpose of tools. Likewise, Salazar (2010) says that educational tools; like for instance, podcasts have a significant impact in the interaction among students.

Types of Educational Tools

Technological learning tools are created in order to convey information or content and solve learning problems for other users. According to Shank (2016) computer technologies have taken place to the development of all types of resources such as the magazines, newspapers, and digitization of books. Also, they have created new forms of digital information formats such as animations, videos, and podcasts. Clarke, Flaherty, & Mottner (2001) say that technological tools have four types of uses such as educational which is really appropriate for students. Personal helps us to be better person. Business is convenient at the moment of work and professional which is related with jobs. This research work will focus only on podcast tool for educational use. Moreover, there are several types of educational tools such as social networks, translator, videos and so on. It is important to mention that each educational tool has its own purpose

BLENDED LEARNING

Communication and technology play an important role in society. Also, they have influenced fields such as education, health, economy, and so on. Due to this influence, a new way of learning appears known as ´Blended Learning’ Ramos (2019) cited by (Azamat Akbarov, Gonen & Aydogan, 2018). It is a method that includes many strategies in the classroom setting. Therefore, Blended-Learning is a combination of traditional teaching methods and technology Ramos (2019) cited by (Spring & Graham, 2017). Furthermore, Blended-Learning gives flexibility, and reflection for this concept adapts to specific needs and contexts.

Ramos (2019) cited by Watson (2008) mentioned that this methodology encompasses an essential change in instructional design. Its flexibility can mix online resources in interactive classes. In this way, personalized learning, reflective procedure, and individual instruction improve the learning process. Likewise, Blended Learning is an opportunity to redesign the way of execution of education by combining physical and virtual instruction. This is a great method which helps teacher to deliver teaching materials and provide feedback to the learning process.

                  COMPUTER-ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING (CALL)

Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is a grasp where computers take an important role at the moment of teaching and learning languages.

The growth of the Internet and proliferation of computers in school and home settings has led to a significant expansion of the use of technology in foreign anti second language instruction. Increasingly, both language teachers in training and practicing teachers will find themselves m a disadvantage if they are not adequately proficient in computer-assisted language learning (CALL). (Hubbard, Philip & Levy, Mike, 2006, p. 3)

Besides, Computer-Assisted language learning is an approach that is in charge of search for applications of the computer in the language teaching learning. Nowadays it is relevant that teacher use technology in class in order to make more attractive a lesson. Thus, students can engage in the learning process and can get good results in the educational process. In this case, students through the use of technology can develop the oral production in the study of the English language. Seljan, Berger & Dovedan (2004) mention the following:

Since students see a computer as a trendy and useful tool, which enables them to be close to the world, the Internet and WWW are very motivating, offering a wide range of authentic material and promoting development of new learning strategies. Students can also create their own web sites or projects, according to their individual needs, inside and outside the classroom; using e-mails, chatrooms, articles, class-conferencing, etc. All these allow the learner to participate in the target language culture. (p. 263)

Role of the Computer in CALL

Technology takes a significant role, especially, the computer in the learning process in order to facilitate teaching and learning. This position consists of:

•      Students bear their own rules, comments or advices because technology acts as an arbitrary factor between teacher and students (Levy, 1997).

•       The computers can provide some instruments for student’s needs. According to Levy (1997) they can be modified.

                                                                       PODCAST TOOL

Podcast tool is a variety of technological tool. This tool has been adapted to be used in the acquisition of a foreign language by teachers. Furthermore, it allows users to find different content that is useful learning through an activity. Müllner (2012) claim that:

The word “Podcast” is a combination of the words “iPod” and “broadcast”. Podcasts are digital audio or video files, which are produced in a series. Simply, podcasting allows you to download digital media files onto your computer and mp3 player. Once you know which shows you like, you do not have to look for them. (p. 3)

According to Müllner (2012) finds that some podcasts have normal content, but there are people who are updating files about different topics such as interviews or recordings of interest presentations that mean that they are sharing new and relevant content or information.

Likewise, it is necessary to say that people can find different types of podcasting such as entertainment, information, persuasion, and training. Also, there are several websites that help to create podcasts; for example, Podomatic, Soundcloud, Ardour, Podbean and so on, they are advantageous to use in the teaching and learning process.