Using Radio broadcasts from the Internet and Satellite TV in the classroom

Biographical Notes
Natalie Lovick is an Asst. Professor and Russian Studies Program Head at the Monterey Institute of International Studies where she has been teaching since 1981. Prior to her joining the MIIS faculty Natalie taught and supervised the Intermediate and Advanced level Russian language courses at the Defense Language Institute. Her areas of expertise are Russian language and culture, pedagogy and the teaching of Business Russian. Natalie’s current research interests include teaching methodology, Internet-based instruction and technology, and developing L2 listening comprehension skills.

Abstract
Presentation format: Paper (30 Minutes)
Proposed target language: Russian, however, applicable to other languages

Abstract: At present the Internet, readily available at most universities and colleges, brings yet another medium of news broadcasting to the classrooms. Radio broadcasts, such as Voice of America and Deutsche Welle, when downloaded into a computer, can be saved for classroom use and either used in a specialized computer laboratory classroom or can be copies onto audio cassettes. This provides the students not only with authentic language and current news reports, but also the possibility of repetitive listening and slower speech. With assistance and guidance students become used to capturing essential ideas without understanding every word.

Foreign language television has a wide variety of programming available. These readily available programs can be incorporated into content based courses on history, culture or civilization, or they can enrich conversation courses and the curriculum as a whole. With the guidance of the instructor many programs can aid in the development of listening comprehension, vocabulary as well as knowledge of the social and political issues of the target country.

This presentation examines various ways that the Internet Radio broadcasts and satellite television programming can be incorporated into the classroom.