THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF PODCASTS FOR LANGUAGE LEARNING

In this descriptive study we aim to discuss the potential benefits of using podcasts for language learning purposes in Turkish EFL (English as a foreign language) context. One of their key features is that they remove time and place restrictions in front of language learning enabling learners 24/7 access to audio and video files. Learners also hold the luxury to pause and resume in order to be able to listen to or watch the content for better comprehension. Websites offering professional podcasts update their databases at regular intervals and learners can get access to these new items easily with(out) (un)paid subscription. Furthermore, learners have the opportunity to broadcast and share their self-created podcasts via internet. Briefly podcasting can be employed as an effective tool to raise learner autonomy in language learning. On the other hand, there are some concerns as to the use of podcasts as a tool in English language teaching. The proper selection of the podcasts to download, for instance, is an important stage and cannot be done by every language learner. Besides, the broadcasting of self-created podcasts raises a privacy concern. All of these points that may tend to pose problems for language learners should be handled carefully in order to be able to go through a smooth learning process.