Page 65 - SREENARAYANAGURU OPEN UNIVERSITY

Unit Listening Skills

2 and the Media

Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of this unit, the learner will be able to:

f detail the significance of listening as a key skill in learning the English
language
f describe the use of media as a learning strategy for the development of lis-
tening skills
f identify various audio file formats for the transfer and storage of audio re-
sources
f acquire familiarity with different online platforms that offer audio resources

Prerequisites

Imagine a crowded college canteen in Mumbai. A group of students huddle around a
smartphone, watching an English movie with subtitles. Nearby, a young professional listens
intently to a podcast on business communication. At another table, an aspiring singer hums
along to a popular English song, trying to mimic the pronunciation.
This scene captures the evolving landscape of English language learning in India, partic-
ularly in developing listening skills. The journey from radio to internet has transformed how
we engage with audio content, offering unprecedented opportunities for language learners.
While radio introduced the magic of disembodied voices, television added visual context
to enhance comprehension. Now, the internet provides a vast array of audio and audio-visual
resources, from YouTube tutorials to language learning apps, accessible anytime, anywhere.
For English learners in India, this digital revolution is a double-edged sword. On one
hand, exposure to diverse accents, contexts, and content has never been easier. Learners can
immerse themselves in English-language media, honing their listening skills in real-world
contexts.
On the other hand, the abundance of content can be overwhelming. How does one choose
the most effective resources? How can learners structure their listening practice for optimal
improvement?
As we explore the intersection of listening skills and media, we’ll examine how various
digital platforms and audio formats can be leveraged for language learning. We’ll consider
strategies for effective listening practice using media resources, and discuss how technology
can enhance this crucial language skill.

Keywords

Media, Audio and video learning, Listening through internet

SGOU - FYUGP - SLM - English for Communication 59