Evaluation of the Learning of Scientific English in Podcasting PCs, MP3s, and MP4s Scenarios

To examine the effects of the use of podcasting in the learning of scientific English in the university setting, this study was conducted in two English scientific listening and speaking classes taught by the researcher-teacher at a medical university in Taipei, TAIWAN from November to December 2007. Podcasts on science were used as learning materials. Learning outcome assessments include concept-mapping, oral tests, and scientific essay writing. Students´ use of tools: PCs, MP3s, and MP4s, their frequency, duration, and location of use, and motivation and learning attitude were assessed by questionnaires. Experimental results show that due to the activation of higher-order thinking and cognitive engagement, deep learning was facilitated in students´ learning processes. Besides, a preference of using MP 3 s for the learning of scientific English and a preference of using MP4s for deep learning of science and scientific English were identified in this study.