05/11/10
Welsh language podcasts take top spot on iTunesU
Welsh language podcasts produced by the Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre are top of the iTunesU charts as learners embrace mobile learning.
Listening to learners is a priority for the Centre and following feedback, the Welsh Assembly Government-funded Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre has produced a series of podcasts for Entry and Foundation level learners, becoming the first university in Wales to put podcasts online. The podcasts enable students to practise Welsh wherever they are and whenever they like by downloading content onto their Mp3 player or mobile phone.
Available to download for free from iTunes U, the education hub of iTunes, the Welsh language podcasts are already a big hit. They are regularly in the top five downloads on the language section of the University of Glamorgan area on iTunesU.
The podcasts enable learners to integrate language learning into their everyday lives and practice their Welsh on the commute to work, standing in line for a coffee or walking to the local shop, essentially turning dead time into time for interactive learning. Learners can dip in and out of each podcast listening to as much, or as little as they like.
The podcasts, written and recorded by tutors from the Welsh for Adults centre, are made up of spoken revision exercises for courses which comply with the national framework for Welsh for Adults in line with Entry and Foundation level learners. The series currently contains 21 podcasts – 12 for Entry level and nine for Foundation with a series of intermediate level podcasts due out in 2011.
Maldwyn Pate, a tutor at the Welsh for Adults Centre, co-ordinates the podcasts: “Many of our learners are trying to fit their Welsh revision and practice into already busy lives and they often don’t have time to sit down in front of a computer or stereo to practice their Welsh. Our podcasts enable language learners to take their studying with them and to practice at their own convenience, making good use of spare time. The majority of learners on our Intensive Welsh course are now using the podcasts. In fact uptake has been so good we’re continually adding new material to iTunes U.”
The Welsh for Adults Centre hopes to further develop its range of podcasts as well as a series of digital flashcards also available through iTunes U, allowing those with video Mp3 players to review vocabulary.
To download the podcasts please visit: http://itunes.glam.ac.uk, Click on ‘Subjects at Glam’, then ‘Languages’ and you will see ‘Dialogues for Welsh Beginners’.
There are six Welsh Assembly Government-funded Welsh for Adults Centres in Wales. Courses cater for people who want to learn from scratch to those who are fluent and just want to brush up.
The Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre covers Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend. To find out more about learning Welsh in your area call 01443 483600 or go to http://www.welshlearners.org.uk/
