The JALTCALL podcast model for academic outreach in computer-assisted language learning (CALL)

Abstract

This article examines the operational framework, strategic successes, and emergent challenges of the JALTCALL Podcast, an academic-focused audio production spearheaded by a team of six hosts from the Japan Association for Language Teaching Computer-Assisted Language Learning (JALTCALL) Special Interest Group (SIG). Based on a presentation at the Tokyo University of Science, this analysis details the podcast’s mission, its comprehensive podcast production structure, its five-stage workflow, and the technologies used. Preliminary results from the first six months are discussed, demonstrating the viability of podcasting as a flexible and accessible platform for academic dissemination, alongside critical insights for future iterations, particularly concerning audience engagement and social media presence. The JALTCALL Podcast serves as a robust case study for academic bodies seeking to translate specialized knowledge into an accessible, dynamic digital format.