Podcasts are a wonderful web 2.0 tool that can be incorporated into the classroom and a great asset for ESOL teachers. There are several free podcast tools such as http://www.chirbit.com/ and http://audioboo.fm/.
Podcasts can be used in a number of ways in the classroom, like a presentation option or a way for students to publish their writing. What makes podcasts especially useful in an ESOL classroom is that they allow students to hear how they sound. Podcasts can also be edited so students can fix grammar mistakes or add expression to their speech.
Since podcasts can be listened to by others, they can be great incentives for students to do their best work.
Podcasts are also useful for teachers. Podcasts can be embedded in classroom websites. One way in which I plan to use podcasts is to record directions for projects and to review a concept which students can listen to after school. For younger grades I would use them as a way for students to publish their writing which could be listened to in the classroom with their peers and at home with their parents.
This is a podcast explaining one of my favorite ESL activities/games: Draw a picture.
Lauren Nixon 