VOCAROOOOOOOO

Vocaroo is a service for sending voice messages across the interwebs. In other words, it is also called as a podcast. Well, what is podcasting? 

Podcasting is a process of audio recording which need a connection to the internet and can be done on a regular basis. Then, one can actually send the podcast to itunes or embed it into a blog. From there, others could download the podcast and save it into their electronic gadgets. It is a very portable tool and is highly recommended to use as a teaching aid in the language classroom. 

Vocaroo in An ELT Classroom?? HOW??

Example 1: Oral Test

Teacher could use Vocaroo in carrying out an English oral test. Instead of carrying out the test in the classroom. teacher could consider to do it with podcasting so that time will not be wasted in the classroom. 

1. Each student will be asked to make an audio recording on any of their favourite topics for 2 - 3 minutes long. 
2. Then, they will have to email the podcast to their teacher.
3. Teacher will listen to the podcast at home and think of 3 questions to be asked to the students in class on the following days.
4. Teacher will then call each student out and ask them 3 questions based on the podcast sent to the teacher.
5. Finally, teacher will access the students' oral skills based on the podcast as well as the answers given.

Example 2: Speaking Task

Vocaroo can be used as a speaking task for students to practice their communicative skills.

1. Teacher first record a podcast of a story and play it in class. This will be used as an example so that students could understand better how the activity is being carried out.
2. After that, students will be divided into groups of four. Each group will be assigned a different task - prepare a story, an interview, a report, etc. It is compulsory for every student to speak for at least two minutes.  
3. Students will then carry out a group discussion and prepare their own part of speech. At this point, teacher will walk around the class and try to listen to the students' discussion. Notes will be taken too.
4. This will be followed by a feedback session. Teacher could provide some feedback on the organization of script, pace of speech or the words pronunciation of the students.
5. Lastly, some modification could be made and the students will have to record the task assigned into a podcast by using Vocaroo. All the podcast could then be embedded onto the class blog and students could comment on each other's works. 

Advantages:    

• It is a FREE tool.
• It is very portable. One can download the podcast and save it on their gadgets. Then, they can listen to it at anywhere on anytime.
• By integrating podcasting in an ELT class, different types of interaction can be created in class - Teacher-Student Interaction, Student-Student Interaction, etc.
• Students will be motivated to speak the target language as they can record it at their own comfort zone.
• Could listen to one's recording and re-record until one is satisfied with his/her speech.  
• There is no time limit for the audio recording.
• Used as a mean to check on students' pronunciation.

Limitations:

• It demands for internet connection and a microphone.
• It might decrease students' use of target language (TL) in the public. Students might prefer to record their use of TL instead of speaking it in public.

Record music and voice >>
Curious?? Try it out!!!
http://vocaroo.com/