Digital Literacy Meets Language Pedagogy: Podcast-Driven Innovation for Developing Speaking and Listening Proficiency
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31849/rm7f6x77Keywords:
Digital literacy, Listening skill, Podcast analysis, Speaking skill, Technology mediated communicationAbstract
In an era where digital literacy redefines communication, the ability to integrate technology into English language teaching has become a cornerstone of effective pedagogy. Yet, despite increasing exposure to digital tools, many Indonesian vocational students still exhibit low proficiency in speaking and listening, reflecting a persistent gap between classroom practices and communicative competence required in real-world contexts. This study addresses that gap by investigating the effectiveness of Interactive Podcast Analysis, a digital literacy-based teaching innovation, in improving both receptive and productive English skills. Employing a Classroom Action Research (CAR) design, the study involved 29 eleventh-grade students at SMK Negeri 1 Maros over two cycles of instructional intervention. Quantitative data from pre-tests and post-tests measured gains in speaking and listening proficiency, while qualitative data from observations, interviews, and field notes captured students’ engagement and perceptions. Findings revealed steady improvement in both skills, with mean speaking scores increasing from 62.68 to 80.86 and listening scores from 60.31 to 75.58, alongside heightened confidence, motivation, and classroom participation. Overall, the results confirm that Interactive Podcast Analysis effectively connects digital literacy practices with communicative language learning, supports learner autonomy, and enhances oral proficiency in vocational contexts. The study contributes to digital pedagogy discourse by illustrating how structured podcast based learning fosters authentic language use and supports learners’ readiness for technology mediated communication.
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