"Chinesepod Classics": Rerun of Lessons, Qing Wen
Joachim
July 06, 2010, 10:52 AM posted in General DiscussionHow about an additional Channel to rerun classic lessons, Qingwen, DA etc.? This could be done with an editorial envelope explaining when the podcast was first broadcast, who the participants are (if not familiar anymore, e.g. Aric, Amber, Ken etc.), why it's still in mono and b&w ... Maybe, you could add some content, do any interview with a former presenter or contributing student etc.
xiaophil
July 07, 2010, 01:46 AMI agree with your idea. I actually mentioned a similar idea before, and it seemed to have been denied. I seem to recall them saying that there already are special RS feeds that Poddies can subscribe to that accomplish something similar. I don't think the RS feeds have the same effect as having them posted on the lessons page, though. I think if old lessons were reintroduced, many poddies would simulataneously look at the lesson, then perhaps start commenting, and so perhaps would reinvigorate the lesson. In the current system, very good lessons slowly fade away, only to be occasionally revived by diligent students, but only very rarely having their fires rekindled. So what I am saying is that there is a psychological factor here that shouldn't be ignored. People tend to go where the action is, so it is in CPod's best interest to try and start up a party.
In addition to your suggestions, I would suggest some 'remakes.' Back in the early days there were some good lesson ideas that were very useful or intersting, but they didn't seem to have found their groove yet. I seem to recall the first upper-intermediate lesson where the teachers had a "what are we supposed to do" feeling. Also, some of the old lessons could be updated a bit. I remember Jenny saying something like, social networking isn't too popular in China yet, haha.
Anyway, just some thoughts...
zhenlijiang
Xiaophil, I think your idea about remakes is a good one, but about updating--users can look at the lesson publication dates. The lesson content and what our teachers tell us in their banter together with knowing when it was being said is so illuminating. When ChinesePod is 10 years old the archives will be a pretty amazing resource to see just how (Shanghai-based) perceptions in a rapidly-developing China shifted and changed. They are already now as a matter of fact!
I also think it's great that they leave the past content up for us to see. Obviously our teachers too have learned and grown and become more confident in what they do compared to when they were starting out. It's inspiring to see that through them. It makes me think I can hope to get much better, if I make the effort to stay engaged and not stop trying to learn.
xiaophil
Yeah, I reckon you are right. I'm sure something could be figured out to balance all concerns if they wanted to.
Joachim
Any bachelor or master thesis on "The development of internet based learning in China as exemplified by Chinesepod" being done somewhere?
zhenlijiang
Not here, but could well be, right?
I do think of this site as a historical document (that's only one reason it displeases me when our comments and posts get lost).
go_manly
July 06, 2010, 01:08 PMAs long as CPod don't do what one of their competitors does, and use these flashbacks to replace the normal scheduling of lessons.