MFL Video iPod Project

David Seume, webmaster from The Ashcombe School, Dorking, Surrey has been experimenting with the little known feature of the iPod that allows the user to launch video, audio, image and text files using customisable hyperlinks in the 'Notes' section of the player. David's idea is to make the school's existing bank of MFL video clips on common GCSE topics recorded by native speakers available as downloadable sets of interactive quizzes. This would mean that owners of video iPods could then practise their listening skills independently away from the classroom.

Helen Myers, deputy head at The Ashcombe School pointed out recently on Linguanet forum that the MFL Video iPod Project is not about podcasting where listeners subscribe to and download audio recordings on to a computer or handheld device.

"It's a combined video/interactive text resource which can be downloaded and played on an mp3 player with video. You watch the video and answer questions interactively and get feedback on whether you are right or wrong. Or you can just watch the video. Or you can watch the video and follow the transcript."

David has uploaded a batch of sample files on the topic "Self, Family and Friends" to the Video iPod Project page and is inviting interested colleagues to leave comments on the AshcombeWeb blog in response to:

a) whether the download 'package' and instructions work (or are clear enough for an inexperienced iPodder).
b) how well it works (again, from the point of view of a learner),
c) suggestions for future development.

David has made it clear that the project is still very much in its first stage and that he is simply exploring possibilities.

"Who knows where this might lead. It might be a cul-de-sac, but I suspect there are real opportunities here with the right material. The fact is, I have not yet come across any evidence that anyone else has tried this sort of thing, so I am probably out on a limb a bit at the moment."

For instructions on how to get started, go to the Video iPod Project page and see what you think of the free resources yourself.

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MFL Video iPod Project