USAGE OF PODCASTS AND VIDEOCASTS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING AS A METHOD OF DEVELOPING LISTENING SKILLS

The article investigates and substantiates the peculiarities of introducing podcasts and videocasts into English language classes to develop students' listening skills. The use of podcasts enables a new approach to such an activity as listening. The variety of podcasts and their topics is remarkable, so they can be used at different stages of language learning.The authors reveal the effectiveness of implementing this teaching method in the educational process and highlight the main innovative possibilities of applying podcasting. Foreign language teachers who use audio blogs in the teaching process usually distinguish two ways of using podcasts: firstly, information can be listened to, and secondly, you can create your own products in the classroom or beyond.Thus, in order to achieve the final result, it is necessary to take a learning tool approach to podcasts and videocasts, select the minimum and ensure that this experimental minimum is firmly mastered. The aim is to develop studentsʼ grammar, listening, speaking and writing skills. Ultimately, learners are able to distinguish between podcasts and videocasts when reading and listening, while still receiving meaningful information.It is postulated that specially created educational audio blogs can be aimed at developing the skills of listening and comprehension of coherent audio text, while authentic podcasts provide information for oral or written reflection or discussion. The features and capabilities of podcasts provide a new and relevant quality of the foreign language learning process, contribute to the development of not only the motivation of students, but also their initiative and determination, deepen their listening and hearing abilities, which certainly has a positive impact on improving the effectiveness of the learning process. Keywords: podcast; videocast; computerization; audio blog; relevant and authentic audio and video materials; technology of practical work; innovative educational opportunities; development of listening skills.