Podcasts in Class...

I ran across Notes From Spain a few weeks ago, when looking for information for another class. It's an interesting site made up of blog, podcasts and vidcasts from Ben Curtis, an Englishman living in Madrid with his Spanish wife, Marina. You may also notice on the site that they have a program for learning Spanish. However, I'm interested in the -casts.

While nosing around thinking about this assignment I ran across this podcast from May 2007 discussing the Feria de Caballos in Jerez, Andalucia, España. I think it could be an interesting piece to play for a class while learning about some of the lesser known fairs and festivals, or it could be used on a day when fieldtrips, ASVAB's or widespread illness has halved the class list and it just isn't worth moving ahead. I actually saw a clip on this feria in college and was psyched, but I love horses.

The podcast is in English, which would more or less ensure comprehension at any level of high school Spanish. There is a short video (1.25 minutes) of the sights and sounds as well as a link to the pics from the feria on Flickr. The podcast features information about the feria the town of Jerez and the products of the area, the people, just everything possibly connected to the feria. The podcast is hosted not just by Ben, but his wife Marina as well, giving it an additional measure of authenticity - though the ambient noise is authentic already. The only drawback - the whole thing is about 18 minutes long and I'm not sure high school students would be able to pay attention to all of it at once. However, a well prepared teacher could download it - which is actually an option!!! - note the time stamp of sections she'd like to cover with her class and then arrange discussion as appropriate around the segments.

Additionally, there is a vidcast in Spanish! Ben is behind the camera and Marina is describing the "claves" of the feria. This would be more appropriate for a level 3 or post regents class, but still a lot of fun. Only 2 min 8 sec too, so could possibly even be used as a listening comprehension exercise...?

I really like Ben's blog and -casts. They're relevant, fun and have amazing potential for application in the classroom. I think I'll hold on to the feed and make sure I have it tagged on delicious too!