I have a 60GB 5th generation iPod, aka Video iPod. I enjoy listening variety of podcasts with my iPod. I believe that listening to podcasing in the target language on the subject in which students are interested improves one’s language proficiency in listening area. How about in the area of speaking?
Can students practice speaking skills with iPod? Can we create podcasts with iPod? YES!!!!!
My answer has been MicroMemo by XtremeMac. We had to wait over 6 months for the arrival since we ordered them. But the quality of the sound recording is very good.
The cradle plugs right into the bottom of iPod. The microphone, with flexible arm, is detachable. When you detach the microphone from the cradle, you can plug in line level audio using the mini plug. It can record in two preset audio quality, low and high. On my 60GB iPod I can record audio in low quality for 384 Hours and hight quality for 98 Hours.
I also like the fact that I don’t have to use any battery for this device. It uses the battery from iPod, not purchase of Energizers. I guess this means that you can not make 384 hours of continuous recording, but who wants to do that anyway.
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention. There are internal speakers on the cradle for you to listen to the recording you just made. So if you don’t like what you said, just re-record it.
The only dislike I have is that it records into the wave format, although it converts to mp3 format when iTunes import the audio file you create. That means I have to synchronize with iTunes before I can use it as podcasting. I guess that is a small step.
j-)
