Title: Adopting podcast technology for asynchronous learning in the EFL context

Authors: Shuchih Ernest Chang, Pao-Yao Huang

Addresses: Institute of Electronic Commerce, National Chung Hsing University, 250 Kuo Kuang Road, Taichung City 402, Taiwan, ROC. ' Department of Foreign Languages and Literature, Tunghai University, 181, Section 3, Taichung Harbor Road, Taichung City 407, Taiwan, ROC

Abstract: This study aims to shed light on the potentials of podcast as a new technology for learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) by investigating its applicability and effectiveness as a tool for EFL students. A research framework was formulated by incorporating variables adapted from innovation diffusion theory and additional important variables including interaction and information literacy. The framework and four hypotheses were empirically tested by a survey on EFL students. Our research findings may be referenced by EFL students, educators and decision makers for the purpose of making favourable tactics to catch the revolutionary benefits offered by podcast.

Keywords: online learning; e-learning; electronic learning; electronic media; ICT; information technology; communications technology; mobile learning; m-learning; podcasts; asynchronous learning; English as a foreign language; EFL; innovation diffusion; information literacy; Taiwan.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMLO.2009.027457

International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation, 2009 Vol.3 No.4, pp.420 - 439

Published online: 26 Jul 2009 *

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